Going to university in your 30s :o

I'm 44 now and did my degree (BA Hons in History) with the Open University when I was in my late 30s. I know it's not quite the same, but I was also a full-time dad, so distance learning was the best option for me. I always wanted a degree and I simply wasn't ready in my late teens. So after college I got a job in IT and made a career out of it, but I felt there was always something missing. I completed my degree in 6 years, and it was genuinely one of the most challenging things I've had to do. But so worth it. I actuallly miss studying now.
 
Wouldn't worry about it.

When I completed my undergrad, and it is going back 15 years now, my course had numerous 'mature' students; probably 15% of the course, there were some who were well into their late 40's to mid-50's. Mature students bring a different dynamic to the group and, in practice, were some of the best-integrated on my BA. One, in particular, was a font of knowledge and guidance. Sadly he passed away 7-8 years ago, far too young.
 
You'll be fine - I went to uni at 36, got a first class, then did a PGCE and now I'm about to start a PhD in October - so that'll be 7 year in higher education. Even scraped a student of the year award out of my Honours year ;-)

You'll find your life experience will elevate you above the youngsters - you can look forward to getting amongst the highest grades in your class :-)
 
I’ve just finished a degree in my 30s. There were a few older/around my age, and not all of them completed the degree

Life experience and personal attitude are important. You’ll have some advantages over the younger students but they will have some over you.

Just don’t take the opportunity for granted is my advice and spend as many hours studying as you do with the number of hours in lectures. Or as someone suggested apply a 9-5 Monday to Friday routine which also works if you’ve been working the last 10 years.
 
GothicGhost said:
Thank you all for the encouraging words it definitely helped with the stories of your own experiences.

The course I am doing is a computer networking with foundation year, full time with student finance.
https://www.beds.ac.uk/howtoapply/courses/undergraduate/next-year/computer-networking

The wife is in her last year of university and this sort gave me the push to go for it.
Thanks.
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Just google computer networking and read you will be on it a week or so.

Reading 8 hours a day in your own time and you will make it.

You will need 2 computers 1 for information and the other for tests.

Then apply for a exam when you feel confident enough.

Foot note: I am not in to networks just had a browse and the is CCENT and PSN.

Just learn in your free time and you will get it.

Edit:
It does not take a year or so, and a few grand to work out network computer infrastructure. :D

Google - infrastructure for network computing. Read learn and test. ;)
 
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GothicGhost said:
I feel a bit old starting university in about two weeks being 34.

I suffer from dyslexia and struggle with doing courses, always been put off doing anything like this before but I need a different/better job because of health issues now.

Most probably will be the oldest student on my course lol.
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Don't bet on it. My old man went to University after he retired in his late 50s, graduated in his early 60s. ;)
 
Going to the open day on the 19th to have a look around and according to my Mrs some free swag

Getting nervous as it gets closer to my start date.
And the foundation year mostly English and little bit course related.
 
We had an older student when I was at Uni, I think he was late 20's or so.

He spent 4 years banging freshers and got a 2:2 so that's either amazing or awful depending on your view point.
 
GothicGhost said:
I feel a bit old starting university in about two weeks being 34.

I suffer from dyslexia and struggle with doing courses, always been put off doing anything like this before but I need a different/better job because of health issues now.

Most probably will be the oldest student on my course lol.
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I doubt you'd be the oldest, lots of mature students about these days.
 
I did a degree aged 26-30 and then went back to do a masters when I was 34. As far as my experience, being an older student just made the whole thing easier.
Good luck with it.
Remember, if you don't understand something, ask. If you get stuck, ask for help. If you get behind, tell someone. If you put in the effort, you'll be fine.
Most importantly though, make sure you enjoy it.
 
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