Becoming a mature student at Sheffield Hallam University

[levisage 10]

Hi all

 

It's been 12 years since I left school, but last month I decided to apply to go to university. Got an unconditional offer today for the course that I want so am pretty damn chuffed!

 

Has anyone on here studied at the Hallam (or anywhere really!) as a mature student? If so, how hard did you find it integrating with all the youngsters in your classes? I'm a bit worried about that side of things. I'm also having nightmares that after such a long time, I'll have forgotten how to learn!

[Lucy-Lastic 10]

I was on a course with mainly 20 somethings although there were a few of us that were older who tended to stick together LOL. The Uni seem to be really good at supporting their mature students so I wouldnt worry too much. Good luck (remember everyone will be nervous when they first start and being a mature student will mean that you will have had a lot more experience in organising yourself and your time)

[selphie 10]

I'm currently on a course at college though, not uni although that's my next step. I've had a fab time getting back into it. There are a few older ones on my course and we do all tend to stick together. It's been brilliant for me. I've made some great new friends and we all support each other. My personal tutor says they love mature students at Hallam university so I don't think you'll be alone. You'll love it. Try not to worry about it. It will be a great experience for you. Good luck x

[daisy2 10]

As everyone says you'll find it a positive experience with mixed ages of students.

[Anna B 1,414]

Well done!

 

I went to Hallam when I was in my thirties, and have to say I think I had a better time because of it. Their were lots of younger students of course, but they were lovely and we got on very well, each appreciating the others perspective on things. There were mature students as well and the Hallam tutors did their very best to ease them into education and smooth out their problems with things like childcare.

 

I think I also got more out of the courses because I had had a long break from education and was hungry to learn new things.

 

It wasn't always easy but I can honestly say I enjoyed it immensely time and would recommend it to anyone.

[NorthernStar 11]

I studied as a mature student and never had any problems at all, infact at the time I was in my late 20’s I was pleasantly surprised to find a couple of people on my course who were in their 40’s. Age isn’t and shouldn’t be an issue. (neither should money but I know there are many posts on that one already)

 

A friend of mine went to study in his late 30’s he also thoroughly enjoyed the experience apart from the first day when he attended the uni. He found the class room where the fresher’s had been instructed to convene, outside his new peers where waiting for the door to be unlocked. As he walked towards them they all said hello to him and proceeded to stare at him when it dawned on him that they thought he was the tutor, he said he felt sooo embarrassed having to explain that he was just a student like the them and very nearly walked out at that point but was glad he didn’t.

[emmaaaaa 10]

Congrats on your offer!

 

I go to uni of Sheffield and know that during Fresher's week there are plenty of opportunities for mature students and postgraduate students to meet and socialise. I imagine Hallam will be the same so even if you don't meet anyone during classes you can always go along to those.

 

Age shouldn't be an issue though, as NorthernStar said. I have a friend who is 19 and has an 82 year old in her class, and she loves him and they've become quite good friends which I think is lovely!

[Becky B 31]

I studied at Hallam as a mature student... but I was one of the youngest!!

 

Having been in social groups with younger students I found it quite difficult because they were newly away from home, and able to stay up late drinking when I needed to be at work the next morning

If you're all in the same position, I'm sure you'll get on fine - and remember, you'll have a lot to offer to other, younger students!

[Miss_S_83 10]

What course is it? Congrats!

 

I am middle... 25 when I started uni, 27 now... loads of older people than that on the course and everyone gets on quite well! x

[Jessica23 10]

[...] He found the class room where the fresher’s had been instructed to convene, outside his new peers where waiting for the door to be unlocked. As he walked towards them they all said hello to him and proceeded to stare at him when it dawned on him that they thought he was the tutor, he said he felt sooo embarrassed having to explain that he was just a student like the them and very nearly walked out at that point but was glad he didn’t.

 

I can relate to this from the opposite angle - I turned up on the second week of a first year class, sat down and got my stuff out - the girl next to me (who'd been absent the first week) turned to me and said, 'Were you here last week?'

 

I had to say yes, I'm the tutor, I have to be here every week...

 

To the OP - I'm sure you'll have a great time, and if you do have any problems just speak to your tutors, they'll be happy to help

[Angel02 10]

Im a mature student at Hallam,in my mid 30's. I really enjoy it and dont feel "old" its the norm. Enjoy your course and the uni is fab.

Congratulations

[gregweller 10]

I was at Hallam back in 2002, i was 41, and there was more older mature students than myself, nobody seemed to care less even thou i did find some of the younger student irritating, so what, go for it, good luck.