Going back to college

Col!n

I'm in a job at the moment which i loathe and that has very little prospects for the future (lucky to even have one i know). As a result i am seriously considering going to college as a mature student. I understand you have to have turned 23 by January of the year you intend to start, which means i can't start this year. I know UCD and trinity do access courses, do the same age restrictions apply to these courses?

I'm also curious about how i will find college life as a mature student. Obviously gaining a degree is my main focus but it would be nice to also experience the social aspects of college which is something i feel i have missed out on and make some new friends. I'm a bit worried that i will fall between two stools as regards the age group. With the majority being fresh out of school and a large portion of the mature students in their thirties and upwards. All going well i will be 24 when i commence my degree and 27 or 28 when i finish depending on whether i do a 3 or 4 year course.

Laydee

If you want to go back to college then do, you may regret it if you don't. I've been in a job I hated & it really starts to get you down.
Do you know what you want to study? It's less than a month before CAO application closes so you'd better get started on your personal statement.

There's a section of boards specifically for mature students & there are plenty of helpful stickies to read: http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/forumdisplay.php?f=832

If I get into UCD this year then I will be 24 starting, don't worry about the age thing, nobody else will. There are bound to be a few more mature students on your course with you. I was talking to 1st year students on the course I am applying for & they have 7 mature students & 2 are over 30. You are still young & chances are that you probably still look like you just did your LC. Don't be too insecure about the age factor.

If you know what you want, go get it.

Col!n

I want to do an arts degree, what about yourself? I found out i'm eligible to start the access course this September. I hope to go to UCD as well, im working on my statement at the moment. Your probably right about the whole age thing, I only look about 16 anyway:o

Laydee

I'm applying for Radiography.

I hope you get onto the course. I have my statement done but I'm constantly changing it, have you read the applying as a mature student thread? It's very informative: http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055676871

UCD is the only university that offers the Radiography course, so fingers crossed I'll be there next year

Col!n

Thanks for the encouragement and links. Best of luck with it hope you get it.