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Azures · 09-05-2012, 12:35

Is UL a great place to be a mature student? How easy is it to make friends with other mature - ish students? Where do mature students tend to live? Are the clubs and societies 'Mature' friendly? What is the Arts degree experience for matures? ... and all other mature opinions that will help me decide which offer to take up are welcome! Thanks!

mud · 09-05-2012, 18:08

Hi,

The first thing I'll say is to stop labelling yourself

you're a student just like everyone else. Sorry, this is a peeve of mine, I abhor the attitude that is shown towards "mature" students. If you have a problem with a fellow student, you have a problem with them, not their age or circumstances in life.

As a 32 year-old 3rd year I can say that I found the first year rough going. I was in a predominantly young class and had to wait for some of them to get their heads around the fact that they were (a) Away from home for the first time and (b) dealing with people from all walks of life.

I felt a bit left out as I was rarely asked to socialise with them, this was all cleared up by 2nd year when they and I had a year under our belts and we all get on famously now.

I live away from the campus so can't help you there, although I see that some ads are post-grad/mature friendly.

I made friends with people of all ages and didn't restrict myself to any particular age-group.

I am doing an Arts degree and I find it manageable. The one piece of advice that I would give is to approach the lecturers during their drop in hours or after the lecture if you have a lot of questions to ask. Some people take up lecture time with their own agenda and it doesn't go down well and realistically isn't fair on everyone else there.

Aside from that, you get what you give. Your experience is down to you. There are ace systems in place such as the counselling services should you feel overwhelmed at any stage. I use the counselling service myself and find it great for working out the little problems before they become big problems.

Best of luck with your choice! UL is a lovely place to study

canned_ulkc · 14-05-2012, 13:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by Azures

Is UL a great place to be a mature student? How easy is it to make friends with other mature - ish students? Where do mature students tend to live? Are the clubs and societies 'Mature' friendly? What is the Arts degree experience for matures? ... and all other mature opinions that will help me decide which offer to take up are welcome! Thanks!

Azures, first - fair play to you for going for it. After being made redundant a few years ago I headed for UL and am now just finished my course.

I think it depends on what course you want to take up - some might be more likely to have a higher percentage of mature students. The teaching course I just did had about 10% mature students.

In general, it will be totally up to you as to the friendships you develop - I found that it wasn't so difficult to be at UL given that I knew a lot of people from the kayak club there from years before anyway.

As a student you can join with any club/society and for the most part I'd say it's generally as much about your willingness to be inolved (but that's true for anyone)

As for "labelling" - I've never found myself to be labelled nor any negative experience relating to being a mature student. The only thing I've ever heard is friends slagging me saying that "fecking mature students are awful sods for asking questions right at the end of lectures". That was just banter, but then I don't think anyone should be apologetic in any situation for trying to ensure your understanding.

For me, it's been the experience of my life.

Tony

paulmacc · 28-05-2012, 00:54

Hi Azures,

I'm 35 and just finished my first year in UL. I'm studying Science Ed, so I can't help you with information on the Arts degree. First year can be tough, especially if you've been out of college for a while, but it is very doable.

There are plenty of supports in place for those that are attending college as a mature student. Here are my pointers to settling in:

Have a look at the UL website and find the course director for the course(s) you're interested in. Email them and ask them about the course. Ask them if there's anything you can be doing over the summer to prepare yourself for the year ahead.

Once you've been offered a place, the college runs a mature student orientation before the leaving cert students arrive. Go to it. Meet as many people as you can during the week. As well as meeting more mature students, you'll also pick up some handy hints about getting back into the mentality of going back to college.

When you do the full orientation with the rest of your class, you'll be with a tour guide that will either be doing your course, or something very similar to it. Ask them as many questions as you can. They'll also give you a card with their name and number on it. Use it if you need to.

Don't be afraid to ask for help. There are various support centres to help you if you're having problems.

Get to know your lecturers, they all have drop in hours. If their drop in hours aren't suitable for you, email them and arrange an appointment.

I live off campus in Milford Grange. There's a lot of students in this area and it can get quite noisy/ messy at times. Probably the quietest place to live would be in the Groody area, or Newtown, Annacotty. Both are within walking distance, but tend to be more expensive than Milford Grange & Elm Park.

Remember that first year is about getting everybody up to the same level, so you won't be on your own if you find it difficult. Go to all your lectures and tutorials and you won't have a problem.

If you have any questions or need help with anything, give me a shout.

All the best,
Paul.

brucechan · 28-05-2012, 21:42

I wouldnt worry about being "labelled", sometimes it works in your favour with the young ones!!

UL is grand, and theres a diversity that suits all and can bring all together. If theres a class party in the Hurlers just go to the front bar while the teens are in the back. You'll find that not all teens are into the party scene, some lads just prefer a few pints talking about the football.

Milford Grange is very convenient but can be messy at times and the residents wont be shy about getting the cops out, so on occasion theres confrontation. Elm park is a disaster zone and unfortuately there has been a lot of burglaries, so stay away from there. Annacotty is nice though.

In the end its up to yourself really. You get out what you put in, but most maturish students have a great time. I did and I'm still around. And I'm just back from Canada where I caught up with a few former students and they said likewise.

Enjoy it!

Cydoniac · 28-05-2012, 23:50

There are a few mature students in my course. We're all in first year and get on as fellow students, there isn't really an 'us and them' mentality present. In fact, some of the mature students go out more than us, and some are heavily involved in clubs and societies which helps them connect even further. I wouldn't worry about it. Just jump in from the get go and you'll have no problems.

hillviewfarm · 16-07-2012, 10:43

I am a mature student in UL. I am doing a post grad course. There is a mature student office for undergrad but if like me you are postgrad you are on your own. I found that there is very little there for mature students, maybe the post grad association or the lady vicar on campus. I have children the same age and older than my classmates so I found that I had very little in common with most of them. That is my experience, hopefully things may have changed this year.
There is definitely a need for something concrete to be put in place for mature students. If anyone is like me a mature student in UL please get in contact with me.

bonnieprince · 16-07-2012, 11:04

I have just finished my degree and really enjoyed my time there. It was not perfect but it was not all bad. Some years were hard to get through but managed it all the same. Classmates were excellent considering I was twice their age, never felt left out and learned quiet a bit from the non "mature" students.
I would highly recommend going back but be prepared for some hard graft.
Go in with an open mind and embrace what's on offer.
Its up to you at the end of the day to make the most of it.
For accommodation, I am from Limerick but from what I hear avoid the usual locations areas. Maybe look to move in to a house with postgrads, they tend to be less interested in Thursday nights in the Icon.

Best of luck
bp.

09-05-2012, 12:35	#1
Azures Registered User Join Date: Feb 2012 Posts: 68 Adverts \| Friends	Mature Students- what's your opinion on UL? Is UL a great place to be a mature student? How easy is it to make friends with other mature - ish students? Where do mature students tend to live? Are the clubs and societies 'Mature' friendly? What is the Arts degree experience for matures? ... and all other mature opinions that will help me decide which offer to take up are welcome! Thanks!

16-07-2012, 10:43	#7
hillviewfarm Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 42 Adverts \| Friends	Mature Student in UL I am a mature student in UL. I am doing a post grad course. There is a mature student office for undergrad but if like me you are postgrad you are on your own. I found that there is very little there for mature students, maybe the post grad association or the lady vicar on campus. I have children the same age and older than my classmates so I found that I had very little in common with most of them. That is my experience, hopefully things may have changed this year. There is definitely a need for something concrete to be put in place for mature students. If anyone is like me a mature student in UL please get in contact with me.

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09-05-2012, 18:08	#2
mud Registered User Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: in your pants Posts: 1,408 Adverts \| Friends	Hi, The first thing I'll say is to stop labelling yourself you're a student just like everyone else. Sorry, this is a peeve of mine, I abhor the attitude that is shown towards "mature" students. If you have a problem with a fellow student, you have a problem with them, not their age or circumstances in life. As a 32 year-old 3rd year I can say that I found the first year rough going. I was in a predominantly young class and had to wait for some of them to get their heads around the fact that they were (a) Away from home for the first time and (b) dealing with people from all walks of life. I felt a bit left out as I was rarely asked to socialise with them, this was all cleared up by 2nd year when they and I had a year under our belts and we all get on famously now. I live away from the campus so can't help you there, although I see that some ads are post-grad/mature friendly. I made friends with people of all ages and didn't restrict myself to any particular age-group. I am doing an Arts degree and I find it manageable. The one piece of advice that I would give is to approach the lecturers during their drop in hours or after the lecture if you have a lot of questions to ask. Some people take up lecture time with their own agenda and it doesn't go down well and realistically isn't fair on everyone else there. Aside from that, you get what you give. Your experience is down to you. There are ace systems in place such as the counselling services should you feel overwhelmed at any stage. I use the counselling service myself and find it great for working out the little problems before they become big problems. Best of luck with your choice! UL is a lovely place to study

28-05-2012, 00:54	#4
paulmacc Registered User Join Date: Jul 2011 Posts: 3 Adverts \| Friends	Hi Azures, I'm 35 and just finished my first year in UL. I'm studying Science Ed, so I can't help you with information on the Arts degree. First year can be tough, especially if you've been out of college for a while, but it is very doable. There are plenty of supports in place for those that are attending college as a mature student. Here are my pointers to settling in: Have a look at the UL website and find the course director for the course(s) you're interested in. Email them and ask them about the course. Ask them if there's anything you can be doing over the summer to prepare yourself for the year ahead. Once you've been offered a place, the college runs a mature student orientation before the leaving cert students arrive. Go to it. Meet as many people as you can during the week. As well as meeting more mature students, you'll also pick up some handy hints about getting back into the mentality of going back to college. When you do the full orientation with the rest of your class, you'll be with a tour guide that will either be doing your course, or something very similar to it. Ask them as many questions as you can. They'll also give you a card with their name and number on it. Use it if you need to. Don't be afraid to ask for help. There are various support centres to help you if you're having problems. Get to know your lecturers, they all have drop in hours. If their drop in hours aren't suitable for you, email them and arrange an appointment. I live off campus in Milford Grange. There's a lot of students in this area and it can get quite noisy/ messy at times. Probably the quietest place to live would be in the Groody area, or Newtown, Annacotty. Both are within walking distance, but tend to be more expensive than Milford Grange & Elm Park. Remember that first year is about getting everybody up to the same level, so you won't be on your own if you find it difficult. Go to all your lectures and tutorials and you won't have a problem. If you have any questions or need help with anything, give me a shout. All the best, Paul.

28-05-2012, 21:42	#5
brucechan Registered User Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Galway, now Dun an Oir Posts: 93 Adverts \| Friends	I wouldnt worry about being "labelled", sometimes it works in your favour with the young ones!! UL is grand, and theres a diversity that suits all and can bring all together. If theres a class party in the Hurlers just go to the front bar while the teens are in the back. You'll find that not all teens are into the party scene, some lads just prefer a few pints talking about the football. Milford Grange is very convenient but can be messy at times and the residents wont be shy about getting the cops out, so on occasion theres confrontation. Elm park is a disaster zone and unfortuately there has been a lot of burglaries, so stay away from there. Annacotty is nice though. In the end its up to yourself really. You get out what you put in, but most maturish students have a great time. I did and I'm still around. And I'm just back from Canada where I caught up with a few former students and they said likewise. Enjoy it!

28-05-2012, 23:50	#6
Cydoniac Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Laois Posts: 2,124 Adverts \| Friends	There are a few mature students in my course. We're all in first year and get on as fellow students, there isn't really an 'us and them' mentality present. In fact, some of the mature students go out more than us, and some are heavily involved in clubs and societies which helps them connect even further. I wouldn't worry about it. Just jump in from the get go and you'll have no problems.

16-07-2012, 11:04	#8
bonnieprince Registered User Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Currently in space.......quick pass me the ball Posts: 409 Adverts \| Friends	I have just finished my degree and really enjoyed my time there. It was not perfect but it was not all bad. Some years were hard to get through but managed it all the same. Classmates were excellent considering I was twice their age, never felt left out and learned quiet a bit from the non "mature" students. I would highly recommend going back but be prepared for some hard graft. Go in with an open mind and embrace what's on offer. Its up to you at the end of the day to make the most of it. For accommodation, I am from Limerick but from what I hear avoid the usual locations areas. Maybe look to move in to a house with postgrads, they tend to be less interested in Thursday nights in the Icon. Best of luck bp.