a better future for my children

samtoby

I started uni in september and I am 28 - hate to think what the other younger students will think when they work out that I am expecting and due two days before the end of year 1.

Who cares what people think - at the end of the day whether its a beginner course or uni you are all there for different reasons and maybe that could be a talking point - ask a few if they fancy chatting after a seminar - say you are confused about something on the course even if your not - then maybe suggest coffee or something.

Hermia

I have done two degrees. The mature students were in the minority in one and the younger students just ignored them and saw them as a load of old farts. The odd thing was there was a 70 year old man and he was adored by the youngsters, but the 30/40 ish people were seen as old farts!

I did another degree where there were a lot of mature students and they kind of banded together against the youngsters. They were incredibly patronising and in every seminar one would make a comment about, 'what do you young people know about anything, you haven't experienced anything'. The lecturer had to take them to one side and explain that in an academic debate you have to use reasoned argument, not just make personal attacks.

So, I think it's more about being a minority then what your age is. I think you can just be friendly to everyone, but accept that some kids cannot see older people as just people.

I definitely think joining a society is a good idea as then the common cause might bring you together. I know the Christian society at of my unis had people off all ages and they all hung out together.

clearingout

At 40 I studied with 20 somethings...a couple of them I would now count as really good friends. I went in assuming that I wouldn't fit in and people wouldn't be interested in me but I was lucky, they were (for the most part) friendly people who were happy to pass the time of day with me over a coffee or lunch. I didn't get involved in the night life but I was known for being sensible and pragmatic and had a small number who could quietly message me and ask for help with approaching lecturers, dealing with deadlines, what to say to BT/the Council/British Gas etc.

I think you need to accept that you're in it for different reasons at a different time of life and that you're probably pretty much alien to them. Show an interest, ask people if they want to go for a coffee and I think possibly you just need to give it time.

elaine373

I am 50 in May and have just started a nursing degree. I have made friends with 18 yer olds and have just met someone else who is a few months older than me. I must admit I could have hugged her when I realised I wasn't the oldest.Generally, I try not to think too much about the age thing and try to mix with everyone. We all have something to offer. You are still very young in comparison to some, so in my opinion should chill and enjoy the experience.xx