Mature Students - How are you going?

BBM77

I am hoping to get a place in DIT as a mature student in 2008. I will be 31 by then. I have pretty much made up my mind to do it. I was just wondering how any mature students who started this year have found the whole experience after the first couple of months. I imagine that from the time I leave work until the point I am sure I have done the right thing, will be a bit nervy.

I would be very interested in reading anybody’s thoughts on their experience so far.
Cheers BBM.

smashey

I've just finished two years in Derry. I found it to be a great experience and it was one of my best decisions.

You will be nervous and leaving the comfort of a steady income can be daunting. Just knuckle down and it will all be worth while.

BBM77

Thanks for that Smashey, its good to hear others who have went through the same thing to have such positive feelings about it.:)

WindSock

I just filled out the CAO today, first time I've done that since the olden days of paper 8 years ago. I hope to get a course next year, by then I'll be 27, and depending on which one I get will take 4/5 years :eek:
It's a bit daunting as I am a commitmentphobe, but I really want/need to do it.

annex

I am in DkIT studying computers, I am 35 and have been out of school 21 years. A few weeks into the course I thought I had made a big mistake, maths and programming were and still are a biatch but with extra classes and lots of studying I am getting my head around it. We started back yesterday after a week off for study (in a class of about 50ish only myself and another mature student actually used the week for study ) and it feels great to be back. I am starting to really enjoy it and all thoughts of quitting are now gone. Only 5 weeks of classes, another week off, two exams and we are done for Christmas and don't come back till mid/late January.
In all honesty I would highly recommend it, its turning out to be a great experiance.

smirkingmaurice

Think ye are old, I went to maynooth at the age of 45 and had a great time, and showed up a lot of those fancy pants young ones while I was at it. Only bit of hassle i got was having "Daniel o Donnell" written on my satchel, in contrast to their "Britney Spears" and what not

randylonghorn

Within the last three years, NUIM have graduated ...

... a guy with his PhD at the age of 75, having started his BA at 66 when he retired

... a woman who completed her degree (part-time) at the age of 84, and who was only prevented by continuing to postgraduate study by ill health ...

... and they're only the ones I know about!

Maurice, boy, you're only a spring chicklet yourself by comparison!

fishdog

Im 37 and I am in 2nd year of a level 7 degree course in DIT.

I would reccomend it!

If you need to know anything PM me

dexlo

Did my LC in '76, a 2yr diploma in bout 85 and a degree in 2003-2007. I tend to take 20 year rests. Now in the 2nd year of a Taught Masters - all in UCC. My advice is choose your subjects carefully. English and Sociology are particularly hard. Geography seems to be a nice one - with potential for teaching jobs afterwards, if that's what you're into. Celtic Civilization is an easy degree subject. Maths or any of the science subjects are also v.hard and languages are ok depending on your age (i think) and outlook. Best of luck

pirelli

It's a commitment. Dont forget their are two year masters courses with DCU parttime for anyone with a ordinary degree in eng. "Ballybrickman" Will u be starting from scratch ? and is it really something you want as you might find yourself back doing night shift on a similar wage you left on.I would consider specialising in you chosen career and look at what courses are available. It is very rewarding passing a university course and getting certs and diplomas etc. and is a healthy activity much more rewarding than work, but there is no income.While the challenge is worthwhile, you might find you have graduated in a field you dont like. My observations were that Bolton street is quite antiquated and rundown while aungier street is the opposite. I reckon reason they keep bolton street might be because of the old machinery there is tons of the stuff. It's all nut's and bolt's in there.

BBM77

Pirelli, yes I would be starting from scratch. It is a long story but there is no doubt that I will be studying in a field that I like. I see your point about specialising but this is what I feel I am doing.

charlietangodel

I'm 30 and in my third year studying science in UCD. Returning to full-time study was the best decision I ever made. My class mates are great. In my experience, they have been welcoming and I've made quite a few friends. A few of them have told me that they find it easier to talk to the mature students than their peers. Go Figure!!

The support network for mature students (in UCD at least) is second to none. We have a walk-in maths support centre available to any student on campus. The lecturers are more than helpful.
It takes a little extra effort to get the brain cogs going but after that, anything is possible. Personally, I spent 1st year learning how to study again!


Financially, the Maintenance grant could be better but there is good news! As mature students we get 100% of it regardless of how near we live to the campus. I'm not sure about other colleges, but UCD have a few other scholarships available and also a hardship. For example, with my maintenance grant and a mature student scholarship, I managed to get approx €4100 in help in year 1, 2 and 3. In addition, this year, my good work was rewarded with two prize scholarships worth a total of €2000. So you see, there are ways of financing return to full-time study. And of course, if you are eligible for the maintenance grant, you will get your fees paid!

Emotionally, returning to Uni does wonders for your self-confidence and aspirations for the future. It is well worth the late nights studying, turning down nights out with your mates because you have a write-up due the next morning (even though the real reason is that your down to your last tenner until the next grant cheque!!)

I do think that they key to success it picking a course to study, not because it will get you the best paid job but because YOU LIKE it.

I love plants, so I'm studying botany. My head tells me to study something that will guarantee me a job like chemistry, but I'd be bored to tears and getting c's instead of A's!:)

If Anyone has any questions about being a mature student in UCD then please do not hesitate to ask! If I don't know the answer then I'll find out for you.

pirelli

Ballybrickenman wrote: »

Pirelli, yes I would be starting from scratch. It is a long story but there is no doubt that I will be studying in a field that I like. I see your point about specialising but this is what I feel I am doing.

Well Best of Luck, I might be returning to third level for a masters for a year also starting feb.I would like to do something like botany but i am so far into engineering with a O degree and proffesional work experience it would seem daunting to start anew again.
I want a day job that is all.

aidan24326

Ballybrickenman wrote: »

I am hoping to get a place in DIT as a mature student in 2008. I will be 31 by then. I have pretty much made up my mind to do it. I was just wondering how any mature students who started this year have found the whole experience after the first couple of months. I imagine that from the time I leave work until the point I am sure I have done the right thing, will be a bit nervy.

I would be very interested in reading anybody’s thoughts on their experience so far.
Cheers BBM.

I am 31 and in second year in DIT as a mature student. What course or subject area are you hoping to get a place in? In my experience DIT are pretty accomodating about mature students, very open to the idea in general. My class has a few. The time in college will fly by and you've got nearly 4 months off in the Summer which is a chance to work. Most courses will ease into the material gradually over the first month or two so it shouldn't be too daunting at the start. Depends what you're studying though. Feel free to PM if any specific questions.

Roger_Waters

aidan24326 wrote: »

I am 31 and in second year in DIT as a mature student. What course or subject area are you hoping to get a place in? In my experience DIT are pretty accomodating about mature students, very open to the idea in general. My class has a few. The time in college will fly by and you've got nearly 4 months off in the Summer which is a chance to work. Most courses will ease into the material gradually over the first month or two so it shouldn't be too daunting at the start. Depends what you're studying though. Feel free to PM if any specific questions.

I feel young after starting my degree at 28 (4 year degree). I cant recommend it high enough. I loved my time there, i got great support and guidance from the lecturers and mature student officer, i made great friends, got a first class honours degree, and i am now working in the industry for 2 years and i am highly respected by my peers.
Plus i now have a circle of friends who are 25 that i meet up with regularly.
All my friends of my age (34) are jealous.
Go for it, if you like what you are going to study, then the hard part is already over. Be prepared as the time will fly. Join societies also, they are great fun and you can learn loads. I learnt to kayak and took up photography through clubs/ societies.

need any more advice PM me.

tommylizard

i'm considering going to collage myself, work on the sites is going south rapidly and i reckon it's high time i got in out of the rain! the problem is i have more questions than answers and it all gets a bit daunting thinking about it.

1/ i'm renting a room at the moment - how can i pay the rent while i'm studying? is it possible to work part-time and have enough time to apply myself properly to studying? as i mentioned, i work on the sites where i earned quite a large amount last year. this will obviously count against me when applying for any grant i'd imagine. while at this stage i would happily sacrifice a good, regular income to finally do something worthwhile, i don't know if i could go back to the fás days of little or no money in my pocket. how do other people survive when they go back?

2/ i left school 13 years ago with just the junior cert to my name so -

A/ would i be accepted on a course ( preferably one working towards work as a counsellor or failing that social work) with such a basic education?

B/ while i know everybody is different, would i be able to handle going to collage after such a long time away from the classroom. i recently did an evening course in UCD in psychology which i found great - i even enjoyed doing the 10 page essay! - but is it the same as going back fulltime? i mean, you can cut your losses with an evening course if it's not to your liking but signing up for a 2 or 4 year course is totally different right?

finally, i googled around a bit and see that you have to apply for the sept 08 courses by feb 1st!! jesus wept...

smashey

Tommy, don't let your age hold you back.

I went back when I was 37.

Roger_Waters

Tommylizard.

I had much of the same issues as you when i was deciding whether or not to go back to college. I first decided on which college and course that i wanted to go to. Then i got in touch with The mature student officer of my chosen university by phone. They are extremely capable people, and can deal with all your questions. I am sure that any question you have, will not be new to them.
NUIGalway have an Access course which seems to help matures make there mind up on whether full time education is the way to go. Its a one year part time course ( 2 evenings and a saturday morning), with both lectures and practical work. A lot of mature students seem to benefit from this course. The mature student officer can give you all the information in regards to this course.

hope the above helps.

Best Decision Ive Ever Made

tommylizard

thanks for the replies, as i said it can get a bit daunting just thinking about it but it does help when you know others have been there. i have pretty much made up my mind to do it, now to get the finger out!

smashey

tommylizard wrote: »

thanks for the replies, as i said it can get a bit daunting just thinking about it but it does help when you know others have been there. i have pretty much made up my mind to do it, now to get the finger out!

Good luck and keep us informed.

BBM77

aidan24326 wrote: »

I am 31 and in second year in DIT as a mature student. What course or subject area are you hoping to get a place in? In my experience DIT are pretty accomodating about mature students, very open to the idea in general. My class has a few. The time in college will fly by and you've got nearly 4 months off in the Summer which is a chance to work. Most courses will ease into the material gradually over the first month or two so it shouldn't be too daunting at the start. Depends what you're studying though. Feel free to PM if any specific questions.

I have got the ball rolling for real now; I sent my application last Wednesday. I am hoping to get a place in Spatial Planning. The money would be my biggest worry but I will sort it out. Out of curiosity did anybody move to Dublin from another location? That is what I will have to do; I am single so at lease I will not have that baggage. Does DIT have any of its own accommodation? Does anybody have any tips on that?

Thanks for all the feedback, it has been 100% positive which is great to see.

The idea used to make me a bit nervous, but now I will be depressed if I do not get offered a place. Here’s hoping.

aidan24326

Ballybrickenman wrote: »

I have got the ball rolling for real now; I sent my application last Wednesday. I am hoping to get a place in Spatial Planning. The money would be my biggest worry but I will sort it out. Out of curiosity did anybody move to Dublin from another location? That is what I will have to do; I am single so at lease I will not have that baggage. Does DIT have any of its own accommodation? Does anybody have any tips on that?

Thanks for all the feedback, it has been 100% positive which is great to see.

The idea used to make me a bit nervous, but now I will be depressed if I do not get offered a place. Here’s hoping.

DIT doesn't have any of it's own accomodation as far as I know. Getting accomodation at an affordable price will be one of the more difficult (buy not insurmountable) obstacles. The Student's Union can be of help there, and it's a matter of shopping around I guess.

Money wise, you could apply for a grant. It isn't alot but a help nonetheless, would cover most of your rent. You can get by on much less money when you need to, it's surprising. A part-time job is also an option. The money side of it is workable.

If you have the basic requirements for the course, and have sold yourself well enough on the application you should have a decent chance of getting a place. Like I said DIT seem to have a very open policy with regards to mature students, in my experience anyway. On my course the total intake in first year is sometimes allowed to go above the stated max, i.e my course offilcially has 40 places and I think we started with 43, that was mainly down to the high number of mature students who got in.

carcon10

hi,
I am 38 married with 3 young kids and stuck in a dead end tech job withzero prospects.have applied to tralee it as mature student for a place in civil eng. hope to continue my work doing an evening shift.
Am I kiddin myself or is it possible to combin the two. Work is pretty flexible so i hope to have a bt of leeway

smashey

Hi carcon.

Juggling the study and the work can be done but it isn't easy.

embee

I'm 27 and in DKIT doing an Honours B.Sc. in Midwifery.

Unfortunately, I am finding it too hard to manage financially. I am a single parent, on Social Welfare. Because I am living at home with my parents (necessity - I can't afford to move out and live on my own, and will be waiting years for a council house) I don't get a grant. My 11 year old car has just breathed its last breath and I am broke. The nature of my course means that I cannot do without a car, but I can't afford to buy one (not even a banger). Childcare is 150 euro a week - I am getting less than 200 per week on the Social. I can no longer afford college and I am more than likely going to finish out this year and just not go back in September. To say that I'm devestated is an understatement, but what can I do? My daughter needs to be fed, clothed and kept in clean nappies. As things stand, I dread her getting sick because I don't have a Medical Card (have been waiting for months for it) - I have been sick on and off since November but can't afford to go to the doctor.

I had a cruddy job in a call centre before I started college. I imagine this time next year I'll be back there.

randylonghorn

embee, have you tried approaching your local DSFA Jobs Facilitator? There is a discretionary fund available which may be of use ... used to be something like the Equal Opportunities Fund, but I think it's now called something like the Technical Assistance Fund.

The "discretionary" bit can be good and bad ... some Jobs Facilitators are really excellent, some not so much. A piece of advice ... do not be put off by counter staff telling you "oh, you don't qualify!", they very often have little knowledge of or interaction with the scheme ... insist on a face-to-face appointment with the Jobs Facilitator and make your case.

If you are around Dundalk area I think it would be possible to contact her / him at this address / phone, if not, they should be able to give you the correct details:

DSFA, Government Buildings, St. Alphonsus Road, Dundalk (042) 9392600


I would also suggest approaching both the SU and Student Services in DKIT ... colleges often have emergency / hardship funds, and they are likely to be administered by either or both of these offices.


If all else fails, you might also think about a loan from your local credit union. I know you hardly want to get into debt, but what you are doing now is an investment for the future for you and your child, and credit unions often offer special low-interest loans for educational purposes.


Do not go gentle into that good night.
Fight, fight against the dying of the light.

embee

randylonghorn wrote: »

embee, have you tried approaching your local DSFA Jobs Facilitator? There is a discretionary fund available which may be of use ... used to be something like the Equal Opportunities Fund, but I think it's now called something like the Technical Assistance Fund.

The "discretionary" bit can be good and bad ... some Jobs Facilitators are really excellent, some not so much. A piece of advice ... do not be put off by counter staff telling you "oh, you don't qualify!", they very often have little knowledge of or interaction with the scheme ... insist on a face-to-face appointment with the Jobs Facilitator and make your case.

If you are around Dundalk area I think it would be possible to contact her / him at this address / phone, if not, they should be able to give you the correct details:

DSFA, Government Buildings, St. Alphonsus Road, Dundalk (042) 9392600


I would also suggest approaching both the SU and Student Services in DKIT ... colleges often have emergency / hardship funds, and they are likely to be administered by either or both of these offices.


If all else fails, you might also think about a loan from your local credit union. I know you hardly want to get into debt, but what you are doing now is an investment for the future for you and your child, and credit unions often offer special low-interest loans for educational purposes.


Do not go gentle into that good night.
Fight, fight against the dying of the light.

Thanks for that number, Randy, I will ring in the morning.

I can't get a credit union loan, alas. I'm not working and haven't enough income to support it. I've asked them already. If I didn't have a child, they'd give it to me, but the price of childcare, nappies, clothes, food etc take so much of my income that I couldn't manage repayments.

Approaching student services in the college is a no-no. I am currently involved in legal action against the college and going to them looking for money would only be thrown back at me in court.

I can't see a situation where this will resolve itself, to be honest. I am literally scraping money together for nappies every week. The only new clothes she's had in 3 months are ones she got for Christmas or her birthday 2 weeks ago... I just can't survive. I know that staying in college is good longterm, and my employment prospects at the end as a qualified midwife should be good, but that is 2011 and my daughter will have started school by that stage - even more money I'll have to find from somewhere. Think I'll have to just accept defeat tbh

randylonghorn

embee wrote: »

Think I'll have to just accept defeat tbh

Or retreat and regroup, and return to battle the following year?

Has been a very successful strategy for many a general in history ...


Anyway, try DSFA and be gently persistent with them, not going away often pays off ...

smashey

Embee, that sucks.

I struggled financially while doing my course and am still trying to clear up the mess now that I'm finished. However, my struggles are put into perspective when compared with yours.

As Randy said, try the DFSA. You have nothing to lose by doing so.

Good luck with whatever you decide.

embee

Well, I rang those people. They were useless - didn't seem to have a clue what in the hell I was talking about. All they did was suggest I change from Lone Parent Family Payment onto the Back To Education Allowance, which makes me richer to the tune of.... 20 euro a week. That just isn't going to solve my financial situation, I'm afraid.

I think its time for me to admit defeat, sadly