College age groups.

miss5

Hi, My aunt has applied to return to college but is concerned
being a mature student she will feel old and out of place,
I have assured her this is not the case. She is 32 and this
is holding her back. I wondered generally what is the average age
group? Are there many mature students? Also would appreciate
opinions from students who may have had similar concerns.
I cannot help her myself as I'm just starting college next year.
Thanks

looksee

32 is not old, lots of us have done it considerably older than that. There will be a good few mature students, especially this year, though they very often do not particularly seek each other out, somehow age really doesn't seem to matter. You can find like-minded people any age. Tell her to go for it, and good luck!

WIZWEB

I'm 37 and have had great craic with young and older on my course

Larianne

I'm not gonna lie, some mature students find it very hard to fit in. I think the main barrier is the person themselves making the age thing an issue. Once they realise everyone is there coz they have an interest in the course and are not some sort of alien beings they'll be grand.

My advice is to just get stuck into it. Go to class events. Talk to everyone in the class.

You can also seek out Mature Student Societies. But I don't particularly think these are great to be honest.

miss5

Larianne wrote: »

I'm not gonna lie, some mature students find it very hard to fit in. I think the main barrier is the person themselves making the age thing an issue. Once they realise everyone is there coz they have an interest in the course and are not some sort of alien beings they'll be grand.

My advice is to just get stuck into it. Go to class events. Talk to everyone in the class.

You can also seek out Mature Student Societies. But I don't particularly think these are great to be honest.

Thanks, I guess she is holding herself back by convincing herself
her year will be all 18/19 year olds.
She needs a more positive attitude.

Larianne

My class which is small enough, about 40 has mostly 18/19 year olds. Some 20 yr olds as well and there is two other mature students in my class. Everyone gets on with everyone. As I said before I think if people have a problem with the age gap, then there will be a problem.

I do have a friend in his 40s who is the only mature student in his class and he was finding it hard the last time I was talking to him.

I wouldn't be put off college at all though. If she gets immersed in the college life with societies and clubs she'll be fine.

entropi

True...in my current class even though its PLC i am the oldest by far at 29, yet i actually dont care about that because i've managed to get on with everyone and we've had some great times! Actually every day is something new and funny:D

The big tip is to not let the age gap cause worry, at the end of the day your aunt may be a little older and wiser, but at least she wont be one of those who go to college straight out of secondary, waste their first year drinking themselves stupid and trying to catch up because they can't handle the pressure;)

mickoneill30

I'm 35 and started an evening course in DCU this year. I'm not particularly old for my group.

actingthegoat

Hiya,
In the degree I did (at 18),out of a group of 60 there were maybe 15 mature students. Some of them were in their 40's and 50's and as distinct from these,the people in their late 20's/early 30's didnt even seem much older than myself and it was awhile before I even realised that they were "mature students".It made no difference anyway as everyone mixed well. Hope she enjoys it

miss5

actingthegoat wrote: »

Hiya,
In the degree I did (at 18),out of a group of 60 there were maybe 15 mature students. Some of them were in their 40's and 50's and as distinct from these,the people in their late 20's/early 30's didnt even seem much older than myself and it was awhile before I even realised that they were "mature students".It made no difference anyway as everyone mixed well. Hope she enjoys it

Thanks, I have encouraged her to become active in college life
also with the current economic climate I expect there will be a
huge increases in mature students attending college.

Darmstrong

In my course there is a large number of places for mature students
I'm studying to become a Social Care Practitioner (A social worker)
I find that the mature students often have a great input into our class discussions and often have good stories about their experiences throughout their lives,
In my opinion Mature students are great to have in a class group and there is nothing to say that she is too old to further her education.
She ought to go for it!!

arsenallegend

Depends on how a mature student presents him or herself to a class. I've seen many a mature student been outcasted by the younger group and i've seen one or two mature students(male) end up been with younger women, been the wildest party animals and been seen as the leaders of the class. its all about how they try to fit in and how they carry themselfs.

the keen edge

arsenallegend wrote: »

Depends on how a mature student presents him or herself to a class. I've seen many a mature student been outcasted by the younger group and i've seen one or two mature students(male) end up been with younger women, been the wildest party animals and been seen as the leaders of the class. its all about how they try to fit in and how they carry themselfs.

Oh I hope that's me.
I'am just gone 32 and really undecided about starting Uni next September

KittyeeTrix

It really does depend on the individual and on what course they are doing.

I'm 36 myself and am the oldest mature student doing 2nd year science. I'm the only one with kids (4) but I didn't keep away from the younger students even though I mainly hang out with 4 other matures who are aged between 22 and 26...I'm the mature of the matures!!

In my head I'm still only about 25 and my attitude reflects that,:), therefore I can have a laugh with my younger counterparts and they really do appreciate my company especially as being the mature student I'm forever keeping them in the loop about exam tips, note taking and info regarding our course:D

miss5

the keen edge wrote: »

Oh I hope that's me.
I'am just gone 32 and really undecided about starting Uni next September

Well my Aunt has been talking with a few other mature students most of them
seem to love it and find the general age group 18-22 fine to get on with, There
was one or two who are not entirely happy but overall it was very positive
feedback, I think you should go for it. I think it actually encouraged her after
speaking with them.
Thanks for all your replies

Chorcai

30 yr old here doing Fine Art in Sept ! God help me:p:p

thebaldsoprano

There's a good article here about UCC's graduate of the year - a mature student.