Hey Maturies/Non-Trads, how's it going?

KittyeeTrix · 14-08-2009 7:49pm

isuppose25 wrote: »

Hi all, i'm also starting as a muture in September and im absoutely bricking it, i'm afraid i wont fit in and that college will be way too much for me, hopefully all will be fine though, not the chatty or social type but i'm planning on making a big effort, best of luck to everyone going back to college!!

A lot of mature students feel this way about going back to education after being out of the loop for a while.....You will be fine and don't worry about making mates in there..
If you have anything that interests you then most universities have a club or society dedicated to that. Join up and you will find many friends in that environment...

college will be way too much for me.. I highlighted this section of your post isuppose25 because I felt the same last year before I started my 1st year. As I have said in an earlier post in this thread I am not particularly brainy or academic and chose for god only knows what reason to do a science degree:eek:
"The college being too much for me" thought that I had last year has proven to be unfounded. I did okay in exams, not fantastic but I held my own considering I work and have 4 kids.....
I'm not meaning to blow my own boat (well maybe a little:D) but I just want you to know that you will be fine as long as you get organised early in the year and keep up to date with lectures and assignments...

Good luck.
By the way where and what are you going back to study???

KittyeeTrix · 14-08-2009 7:56pm

yayaitsme wrote: »

i'm so glad to see i'm not the only one nervous. starting Arts in Nuig and i must admit to being a little worried about how its going to all pan out.

Don't be nervous as there is always a huge amount of mature students who do Arts in Nuig. You won't be alone at all.. There is a thread over in the NUIG forum about the possibility of Boards members organising some sort of meet up... Would be great if we could get it organised and meet up so we could all be like a support network for each other..:)

isuppose25 · 14-08-2009 8:03pm

fluffyorganic1 wrote: »

A lot of mature students feel this way about going back to education after being out of the loop for a while.....You will be fine and don't worry about making mates in there..
If you have anything that interests you then most universities have a club or society dedicated to that. Join up and you will find many friends in that environment...

college will be way too much for me.. I highlighted this section of your post isuppose25 because I felt the same last year before I started my 1st year. As I have said in an earlier post in this thread I am not particularly brainy or academic and chose for god only knows what reason to do a science degree:eek:
"The college being too much for me" thought that I had last year has proven to be unfounded. I did okay in exams, not fantastic but I held my own considering I work and have 4 kids.....
I'm not meaning to blow my own boat (well maybe a little:D) but I just want you to know that you will be fine as long as you get organised early in the year and keep up to date with lectures and assignments...

Good luck.
By the way where and what are you going back to study???

Thanks a lot for your support, Fair play for going back whilst working and looking after 4 kids, i don't know how i'd manage

I'm sure things will work out ok but it's probably natural to feel a tad aprehensive, I will be studying Arts in UCC, I guess i need to join a few clubs/socs and try to get involved as much as possible, i've been forever shying away from things and being a background person but i think this is a great opportunity to change that!!

DenMan · 14-08-2009 8:07pm

Hi isuppose

Yep should deffo join something. I'm joining the surfing club in Sept (IT Sligo). You'll have a great time. Have fun ok.

stoblerone · 16-08-2009 4:51pm

SuperTyper wrote: »

I am BRICKING it, starting hairdressing course in September in Crumlin after nearly 19 years in law/IT. Can't believe I'm going back and to do hairdressing too (summit I wanted to do when I was "young" LOL but wasn't allowed). Am excited but at the same time thinking "Am I out of my tiny mind":D

Good luck, just remember that people will always need hair dressers. Good for you and good luck with it.

SuperTyper · 16-08-2009 8:37pm

Yeah thats my thinking plus I am already booked to do the whole family (god help them all, who knows what they will end up looking like:D). And sure if all else fails, I can always go back to law (NOT NOT NOT).

Thanks.

Larianne · 16-08-2009 8:57pm

Also, SuperTyper something that people don't realise is there is a need for hairdressers in Film & TV in Ireland. Just another avenue you could go down once qualified.

SuperTyper · 16-08-2009 10:10pm

Interesting thought that, thanks a mill for the kind words;)

Larianne · 25-08-2009 12:24pm

Trying to fill out grant forms.

Talk about a head wreck! And I'm guessing coz I live at home I won't be classified as independent. Even though I've lived away for 2 years and only moved home as I wouldn't be able to afford to live out. :rolleyes:

Got my orientation pack from Trinity. So I'm filling out all those forms as well. I'm getting really excited and a bit nervous at the same time. Anyone else??

WiseMona · 25-08-2009 12:58pm

Doing the same here with the grant forms. Think I am going blind.............but still very excited. Got regsitered online (NUIG) but still cannot figure out the email ............................

birdalone · 25-08-2009 1:25pm

youy have no idea . .and I thought I was ahead of the game . . .letters requesting further documentation sent in error to a house I lived in a year ago.
Email offering me a place on a course at Sligo IT not ever arriving and with a 2 week deadline a month ago!!!!
Head is so wrecked.
Communication breakdown . . .like Hendrix's 'Crosstown Traffic.'
Thank goodness for Mature Student Office at UCC and (Saint) Mary O'Sullivan.( my guardian angel.)

Larianne · 25-08-2009 1:35pm

Does anyone know that say, if I send my form in tomorrow and then after the closing date they request more information, will they still see my application as valid even though I may need to give more information after the closing date?

DenMan · 25-08-2009 1:39pm

Larianne wrote: »

Does anyone know that say, if I send my form in tomorrow and then after the closing date they request more information, will they still see my application as valid even though I may need to give more information after the closing date?

I'd like to think so. At least that way they will have your application and can process it, and should they require further info from you they will just ask. If you leave it late and hand everything in together that would be worse. Hope I can help.

Larianne · 25-08-2009 1:57pm

Thanks DenMan.

This malarky is taking the excitement away from it all somewhat. Boo. :rolleyes:

mud · 25-08-2009 5:32pm

Larianne wrote: »

This malarky is taking the excitement away from it all somewhat. Boo. :rolleyes:

Oh tell me about it. I finally got my forms in yesterday after well over a month of trying to gather all the info.

My advice is: Don't be afraid to ring your local authority with questions, they may not be overly friendly (in fairness there are thousands going for grants) but they will sort you out with what you need to know.

It might sound stupid but throw your eyes over the checklist at the back of the form, I only realised at 2am on Monday morning that I had to have my passport certified! This involved trips to 3 different Garda stations until I found someone on duty.

I thought I was gonna be late with my forms coz of tax (p21), when I phoned my local authority they said they would accept it late but to be prepared for a wait as I would be dealt with after everyone else who had it in on time.

Don't worry, you'll get sorted!

yayaitsme · 25-08-2009 10:52pm

ya Wisemona i cant figure out the email or blackboard thing. i think the main thing is to activate your campus accout. i'll just get help for the email part i think

birdalone · 27-08-2009 1:42am

this is just too hard . . .so do I drop out before I begin?
seems so unfair.

ontour · 27-08-2009 11:37am

It will all work itself out birdalone! College will be a walk in the park after you get all the forms sorted out

lebowski11 · 27-08-2009 12:44pm

I'm really happy I took the time to read this forum in its entirety.I'm starting in NUIG on Monday and I'm nervous as hell.Delighted to see theirs plenty of people like myself that are a bit apprehensive about returning to University.Somebody posted earleir in the forum that Arts in NUIG will have plenty of mature students taking part.This is a big relief to me as my main fear was not being able to relate to the younger students doing the course.
On the grants issue one piece of advice I could give is to bring your form and documentation into the council offices when you think you have everything completed.They'll be then able to tell if you need to get anything extra or if you've missed anything.Much quicker than waiting for replies by post.They won't love you for it but what can you do.

Larianne · 09-09-2009 6:02pm

How's everyone getting on in their first week? Well not everyone - I don't start (TCD) proper for another 2 weeks. Oldies orientation for us is next week.

WiseMona · 09-09-2009 8:40pm

The first week was great as a Back to School Mature Student.
NUIG put on some really great introduction lectures, teaching us how to 'learn' differently, memory techniques, study skills, stress management, academic writing, career planning, (the list goes on).
Still have had no word on my grant - waiting patiently, but worried about it, because others have already gotten their letter

birdalone · 09-09-2009 10:18pm

I attended the first saturday of my distance course, higher cert in arts (advocacy studies) in Dublin.
Feeling quite positive about this one.
No letter of grant award yet for my BA. at UCC.
Still waiting for ancient marriage certs from the UK so that I can register in the name I have used for over 25 years.
Orientation and Registration part 2 tomorrow, already did a Disability Services Orientation last week at UCC.
I seem to be busy.
No money to pay the 1150 euro tomorrow so we will see how bad it can get . . .
Money is so incredibly tight . . .in this I suspect I am not alone.?

WiseMona · 10-09-2009 7:32am

Still no word from BTEA. Yes, Birdalone - in the same boat and have two young ones, and dog, and two hens to feed at home. Hubby is great taking on the load of support for the next 4 or 5 years, but it is a challenge scrimping and 'saving' where we can. BUT - it is the right time to be in college (for me anyway) and the kids have a doting Granny living next door to ensure they 'want' for nothing

Our fees at NUIG do not have to be paid for (in full) until October 31st - so we have time to hear back from the County Council regarding the grant. Glad the ball is in their court.................that paperwork was hell.

scunner · 10-09-2009 12:53pm

Hi all,new poster in this forum. Going back to college and have every thing organised ie. creche and BTEA. Would i be in entitled to a maintance grant as well? Live with my partner who is employed. Prob a silly question, but if any one can help great!!

WiseMona · 10-09-2009 5:32pm

You may be entitled - but the cut off date for applying (in Galway) was August 31st, 2009. It is a means tested grant, so if your partner is not raking it in, you could get the grant

Best of luck - sometimes they do accept late applications - just phone up your local County Council and ask.

Liquidtip · 17-09-2009 1:57pm

HI,

Going back to college next september but very confused about this whole back to education thingy. Reading up online but still cant grasp what i am eligible for and not. Currently work full time. Is there anything for ppl who work full time and then go back?
Or how long does one need to be out of work for- before be able to get a grant?

If anybody has any info on this that would be amazing.

Thanks Liquid

IM0 · 17-09-2009 2:30pm

birdalone wrote: »

hmm. well it's like this . . .
it is entirely possible to observe people interacting on campus without actually being personally involved in the interaction.
In fact I would argue that a more accurate observation is possible if there is observation without involvement.
Of course there is more to life and to a subject of learning than can be gleaned from textbooks.
I have been in this world and around people for a good number of years now, and I must have learned quite a bit. The most important things I have learned of late have been about my own nature and my needs.
I have also realised that it is important to have the courage to be myself, even when that means I come across as unusual to some people, and they can react negatively, mainly I think through a lack of understanding.

Shezer, are you familiar with the Autism Spectrum Condition , Asperger's syndrome?
If so then you may understand a little more about my concerns regarding the chaotic element of campus and my limited need for friendship.
I do hope that I will discover an intellectual companion or two, it's just I don't do the 'social thing' in the way most people do.
And I like my own company, solitude , best of all.
I really want to study, I do it all the time anyway, it's that I may find the environment challenging.

I hear what your saying but you will be sorry when you're sat there (on your own) looking at textbooks thinking 'how is this meant exactly' and then you will be comforted (by your peers) by the fact that yes that actually was a load of rubbish and I really shouldnt have read as deeply or at length into it.
there are many "head wrecking" moments in college when you just need to hear how some of your peers feel about it. been there done it

birdalone · 17-09-2009 10:53pm

I feel that it is somewhat misleading to line up my responses to others postings to me as though it were all one posting from me and as such a blanket rejection of the entire population of UCC.
I also feel that you have probably not taken advantage of the opportunity which Shezer offered when he posted a link explaining Asperger's syndrome.
Social situations are so incredibly difficult for me . .way more than you can possibly imagine . . .if you could then you would not have written as you did.
I do realise the difficulties caused by my condition, a kind of social dyslexia really, and believe me when I tell you that I am rejected more than I reject, and have discovered that to be self reliant is self protective.
However I endeavour to keep an open mind . . . .
it might also be worth remembering that I am one of only 4 mature students in a class of 40 and that I am just about old enough to be the grandmother of most of them.
I believe that could well be a challenging situation socially for anyone . . .autistic or not.
I have to summon up bravery to even walk into a room full of people, a store or along a crowded pavement.
My sensory sensitivities mean that the noise levels resulting from a room of social chat are unbearable.

and do you know much about the long term effects of bullying . . childhood abuse, domestic violence, and rape?
With respect , I question your ability to judge what is, and what is not appropriate for me and the best way for me survive in an academic environment.
Different strokes for different folks.

Larianne · 17-09-2009 11:00pm

I think what me@ucd is saying is having at least one person to bounce ideas off or have a bit of a rant/chat etc. will help you (or anyone else) while in college.

Have you started yet Birdalone? How you getting on?

birdalone · 17-09-2009 11:18pm

. . .because there are wise women in UCC Disability support services who are just that . . .wise . . .they do have an understanding of the potential difficulties caused by social environments in autism and the relative exclusion and distress which may result.
In their wisdom they have made person- centred arrangements to support me in my studies and my (initially?) potentially isolated and traumatised state.
It's like saying to a blind man that he really should start seeing because he will really regret being blind when he hears everyone else talking about the amazing sunrise.

birdalone · 18-09-2009 12:11am

birdalone wrote: »

I attended the first saturday of my distance course, higher cert in arts (advocacy studies) in Dublin.
Feeling quite positive about this one.
No letter of grant award yet for my BA. at UCC.
Still waiting for ancient marriage certs from the UK so that I can register in the name I have used for over 25 years.
Orientation and Registration part 2 tomorrow, already did a Disability Services Orientation last week at UCC.
I seem to be busy.
No money to pay the 1150 euro tomorrow so we will see how bad it can get . . .
Money is so incredibly tight . . .in this I suspect I am not alone.?

I attended an introductory lecture and welcome in the Dept of Psychology on Thursday last and have more initial lectures on this Monday coming.
I have been spending a lot of time on campus so as to increase my sensory tolerances and become familiarised with the layout.
I had a call from the Grants dept today to check what address to send their notification of decision to. They did not tell me what the decision was however , so I have my crossed fingers tied together with string . . .no, not really !!
Should have the letter within a couple of days.
I am fine considering . . .feeling positive and looking forward to an exhilarating learning experience and a seriously needed break from what could be described as an 11 year stint in a virtual semi- solitary confinement as a highly motivated mother and tutor of my autistic home schooled son.

birdalone · 18-09-2009 12:19am

I feel justified in saying to [EMAIL="me@ucd"]me@ucd[/EMAIL] that I scored at the 97th percentile in the 'critical reasoning' section of the MSAP exam , so that I am feeling reasonably confident of being able to comprehend the meaning of given texts. . . nuff said?

birdalone · 18-09-2009 8:19pm

I had a letter of award from Cork Co Co today . . .which is great.
Interestingly, and I don't think that anyone else has mentioned this, there are to be electronic bank transfers of grants for students at UCC this year, so that certified bank details were requested.
Hopefully this will minimise delays in payment.
I do know how lucky I am . . .

Larianne · 22-09-2009 11:03pm

Well Done Birdalone. That's great news for you.

2nd day of Freshers for me. Joined a few more socs and went for a few beers in the Pav. Hard to spot many other Mature students about.

I used the phrase "Yes, I'm a first year. I'm a mature student" a lot today.

Oh and met my tutor. And someone from my class, finally. :pac:

blondy24 · 22-09-2009 11:35pm

birdalone wrote: »

I had a letter of award from Cork Co Co today . . .which is great.
Interestingly, and I don't think that anyone else has mentioned this, there are to be electronic bank transfers of grants for students at UCC this year, so that certified bank details were requested.
Hopefully this will minimise delays in payment.
I do know how lucky I am . . .

hey just wondering when you sent your application in? i am also a mature student in ucc, sent mine in early july and have still got no letter so far!

wish it'd hurry up, the book list is piling up already!!

birdalone · 23-09-2009 10:46pm

I was pretty early, my number was very small . . .I have sent back the signed and stamped form so now it's just a case of waiting.
desperately needed . . living on very little food and suffering mood swings as a result.
Obviously feeding my son and our pets comes first . .and petrol to get me to lectures etc etc . . .looking through the windows into the restaurants and snack bars everyone seems to be eating.
I haven't had one meal at uni yet . . because I am gluten and dairy intolerant, with various other food allergies feeding myself is both tricky and expensive at the best of times.
Living on disability allowance, paying rent and for childcare with no extra money in yet is the most stressful aspect of this first week.
Just have to hang on in there I guess.
Student assistance fund application forms are not available till october.
Nothing I can do, tightening my belt . . .and trying to be brave.

Larianne · 24-09-2009 12:01am

I think the first weeks will be hard on everyone's pockets!! Books, joining societies, etc.

I got a free lunch yesterday courtesy of the Mature Student Society. I'll also be taking advantage of the free lunches at the Chaplaincy or any others that are going. Otherwise I'll be bringing in my own lunches!! Feck that.

blondy24 · 24-09-2009 10:21am

Well i got my letter and i didn't get the grant, so cross and worried more now about money then i was yesterday. where in ucc do you get the application forms for student assistance fund? Going to have to try find money from everywhere and anywhere now already have debts of over ten thou and if they bring back fee's next year it isn't going to get any easier. Now i'm really thinking what am i doing!

Larianne · 24-09-2009 11:00am

blondy24 wrote: »

Well i got my letter and i didn't get the grant, so cross and worried more now about money then i was yesterday. where in ucc do you get the application forms for student assistance fund? Going to have to try find money from everywhere and anywhere now already have debts of over ten thou and if they bring back fee's next year it isn't going to get any easier. Now i'm really thinking what am i doing!

I'm pretty sure you can appeal their decision. I would contact the Mature Student Office and Student Union to see how they can help you.

http://www.ucc.ie/en/SIN/welfare/finance/UCCSpecificApplications/UCCStudentAssistanceFund/

birdalone · 24-09-2009 10:05pm

sorry about your grant.
you could try the millenium fund blondie. . details on studentfinance.ie, even st. vincent de paul might be worth a try.

Larianne · 25-09-2009 7:30pm

End of Freshers week for me. Went in to register at 9am with a stinking hangover! oh my god. :eek: Met up with other Maturies from the Mature Student Soc. Some interesting people but I was disappointed there wasn't more people there.

Met my class today. Talked to some nice people. Straight into classes on Monday. All 9am starts!

ckkelly · 28-09-2009 8:39pm

how's it going??? did you get your mp3 player and correctly worded t-shirts?
i'm nervous as kitten. i feel totally at sea in college! i'll just go with it 'til things start looking more familiar i guess...

blondy24 · 03-10-2009 11:28am

Larianne wrote: »

I'm pretty sure you can appeal their decision. I would contact the Mature Student Office and Student Union to see how they can help you.

http://www.ucc.ie/en/SIN/welfare/finance/UCCSpecificApplications/UCCStudentAssistanceFund/

hey thanks for the advice, haven't really been online as much as i used be when i was unemployed!

2 weeks of college down, in response to some of the posts at least i know im not the only one feeling a bit lost. It is very hard to spot mature students, i look young so i'm sure i don't look like a mature student which is kind of good and bad at the same time.

The actual course work is ok but i've gotten the flu and everything so already missed few lectures.. not the start i had intended.. hopefully next week will be better, definetly going to take few weeks to settle in and get into some kind of a routine.

financially, I will apply for millenium grant when possible and student assistance and hope i get them. fingers crossed, best of luck to everyone with their studies, apparently this is one of the best decisions of our lives! *( not that you'd feel like that some days)

x

looksee · 14-10-2009 10:57pm

Good luck to you all. I was in college as a mature student when I turned 50. Most of the other students were younger than my kids, but I found them easygoing, tolerant and not over concerned one way or the other about a (very) mature student in the class. Now I am teaching and I have mature students in my classes, and they are generally a joy to teach. They tend to balance the attitudes that some of the younger ones have brought from school, and add maturity, but they do not dominate the classes. There is very low drop out and they usually do very well. It can be both very rewarding and very frustrating at times, but the experience and the end result is well worth it.

Larianne · 06-11-2009 10:34pm

Well lads, how ya all getting on????

Me, I've just finished my 6th week and I'm wrecked. Ha ha. Loving the course, lots of study to be done, but loving it all the same.

My class is nice and small enough that I've got speaking to a lot of them. Still a few I haven't spoken to but they all seem to stick together and don't really mingle with anyone else in the class - fair enough.

Haven't been out at all in college which is a shame but I just don't have the time. Also, I don't really fancy heading to Club 21 - I was 21 a while back..... I have though gone on a diving trip with the subaqua club which was great. I would like to have joined another club - well participated in it but again, I just don't have enough time. Some of the clubs are on late enough, like Badminton 8pm-10pm.

There is not enough hours in the day.

There's a mature student society night out coming up so hopefully I'll get to meet some more maturies, but they don't tend to go out (I can understand why!) I have met the lovely Lauraloo from Boards. If there's any more maturies who are at TCD give me a shout and we could organise a coffee/tea date.

mud · 09-11-2009 7:02pm

I'm having a hard time

I've fallen behind with at least two subjects (out of six)

Can't seem to make myself go and fix it, I have hit a wall people!

Has anyone else ever gotten into a bad situation like this? (college wise)

I'm trying to meet the course director but he's out with flu

I really don't want to fail/drop out but feeling frozen

Larianne · 13-11-2009 4:23pm

mud wrote: »

I'm having a hard time

I've fallen behind with at least two subjects (out of six)

Can't seem to make myself go and fix it, I have hit a wall people!

Has anyone else ever gotten into a bad situation like this? (college wise)

I'm trying to meet the course director but he's out with flu

I really don't want to fail/drop out but feeling frozen

Heya,

Okay well first off don't panic!! Easier said then done. Have you spoken to other people in the class, asked for their help. They may be better at a certain subject.

Write a list of what needs to be done and give yourself strict deadlines to finish them, be they assignments or a topic to study.

Get onto your class tutor or the subject lecturer and see if they can help you out.

No-one is going to give out to you for asking help. Those people are there, paid to help you. You need to start taking action now and not getting yourself into panic. Once you succeed in getting on top of one thing, it'll be so much easier to do the rest. It's the first step that's the hardest.

ciaracp · 29-01-2010 3:48pm

Hey all,

I hope your studies are going well

was delighted to come across this forum as ive just sent in a cao application for Sept...

I'm extremely stressed out at the minute as i'm not 100% (well not even 50%) decided. I initially started off in DCU doing general nursing, but dropped out mid way through 2nd year due to personal issues. Ive been working for the past 2 years in an office which has sparked an interest in the legal field. So on my cao i have law in carlow, and i have the required points (did my leaving cert in 2004).

Ok get to the point, well basically im not sure i necessarily want to "be" anything as i enjoy doing sooo many things so i have no main area of interest. I know noone can decide for me but maybe other indecisive maturies/nodders can give some insight. The last 3 days my mind has been wandering from one thing to the next and todays thought is to just go back and finish nursing and not start something new. Im going to ring my old lecturers in dcu and see what they say. Roll on the weekend i say, I need a whiskey

sarahn11 · 29-01-2010 3:57pm

Another Newbie here too! Just got off my CAO form in today after a little over a week of deciding i had to go back to education! Roll on the long wait for offers!! suppose its outta my hands now and cant do anything else!

Some great testimonials in this thread that has really put my mind at ease and made my decision easier! Ready for the new challenge!!

ciaracp · 29-01-2010 4:06pm

Hey sarah, if you dont mind me asking what course/courses have you picked? And is this your first time in 3rd level education?

Interested in hearing peoples stories...

Hey Maturies/Non-Trads, how's it going?

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