Going to uni at 28?

Lord-Jaffa

Lord-Jaffa

Lord-Jaffa

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Ok so the salary thread has got me thinking, im not too happy in my job, it pays for my needs, however ive always wanted to go to uni, i never did after college and its something i regret now.

What are peoples opinions on just leaving work and doing a 4 year uni course at 28? Do people consider this too old? To be honest im tired of working long hours for unappreciative bosses and could really use the break. New skills and a Degree (i would love to move to Australia before im 40) would be a much welcome break.
 
I wouldn't say it too old... I know quite a few mature students at uni. I think what you really got to consider is if the degree will actually help you long term and will you be able to support your self (rent/mortgage) if you go back to uni.
 
My housemate is 27 and has just started publishing with english this year. He's said on more than one occasion he's happy he's done it and that its been great.

I'm sure he won't mind writing something up for you a bit later on.
 
I know a mature student at my uni, he's a cool guy but said he does get some odd looks time to time for being 26. I wouldn't say it's a problem at all though and if anything you'd make a better friend than half the ****wits here as a fair few of them just go on about how amazing their gap years are, how it's great that they're indie and so on. Maturity will help ;)
 
Certainly not too old - my wife gave up full time work last year at the age of 29 in order to study nursing at Uni. She's still works part time at the weekends and it did mean we had to tighted our belts financially speaking but it'll be worth it for both of us in the end.

Your never to old to follow your dreams bud :cool:
 
Lord-Jaffa said:
Ok so the salary thread has got me thinking, im not too happy in my job, it pays for my needs, however ive always wanted to go to uni, i never did after college and its something i regret now.

What are peoples opinions on just leaving work and doing a 4 year uni course at 28? Do people consider this too old? To be honest im tired of working long hours for unappreciative bosses and could really use the break. New skills and a Degree (i would love to move to Australia before im 40) would be a much welcome break.
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One of my friends at uni is 34 (35 in November), he still has 2 years left before he graduates. Age is not a problem at uni.
 
sr4470 said:
Consider an Open University course part-time. Not saying this is certainly the best option, but worth looking into.
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If you can afford to do a full time degree, do a full time degree rather than a part time one. The effort involved in a part time degree is emense when also trying to hold down a full time job.
 
I'm 43 and have just finished my first year of an I.T. degree after spending the last 19 years working for BT. I don't regret for one moment leaving my job, though I was lucky and got a decent redundancy payoff which is helping to keep me afloat financially during my course.

I find I get on just fine with everyone else on the course, age doesn't seem to have been an issue at all, and though I tend to hang around with a couple of students in their late 20's, I'm not made to feel a social outcast by the 19 year olds either.

I'm glad I took the chance to try something new, I'd never had forgiven myself if I stayed on in my old job until retirement, not having the chance to fulfill my academic potential and make a new start for myself.
 
On my couse: IS/CS, there are a lot of mature students around their 40's, a few in their 30's and there is one woman doing computer science and she is about 65-70 years old! Never too old to go to uni!
 
OT: Jaffa, join the main alliance on CN, otherwise you'll get attacked for ghosting ;)

Sorry for the OT, but you only take notice on the forums ;)
 
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RDM said:
If you can afford to do a full time degree, do a full time degree rather than a part time one. The effort involved in a part time degree is emense when also trying to hold down a full time job.
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The reason I mentioned that is because he may be the main breadwinner or otherwise find it difficult to get by if doing a full-time degree.
 
I quit a my job after 8 years to go to Uni at 28 - best descision I ever made. Did a 4 year MEng followed by a PhD and now permanently employed in academic research.
 
Before her passing, my mother started to do Sociology at uni, aged 50. She appeared to have a great time and had no problem whatsoever, even talking with her 'classmates'.

As far as I'm aware, mature students are more than welcome at university.
 
Do it. Plenty of mature students - I think there should be a greater advertising for mature students. Plenty of people, like yourself, think they're too old when they certainly aren't.

The mature students fit in with everyone else just fine. They have more knowledge and wisdom too ;)
 
Have another year of college and then after that plan on joining third year of a degree. That will make me 30 when I make my university appearance. :)
 
Do it!

Or at least look at the part time options - I'm doing some OU math courses (originally did comp sci full time) and quite fancy doing a masters in a couple of years - I was originally thinking about doing a 2 year part time masters at the likes of birkbeck college http://www.bbk.ac.uk/ but now am considering taking a year out of work to go to Uni full time.
 
Im 37 and just completed my second year done on day release and lots and lots of study at home - it is strange and I do feel old sometimes, but it is worth it...
Just do it, full time or part time, one day you will reach a point where you need a degree and will be glad you bothered
 
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