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

JayC5 · 16-07-2009 10:58pm #1

Hi,

Anyone else a little freaked about returning to study as a mature student this Autumn? I'm starting to get the 'ball-shivers' thinking about it!! - I hope I don't live to regret this one as I walked out of my job to do this (one which I disliked but nonetheless - still a job...)

Anyways, best of luck to those who've took the leap - oh & take a modicum of solace knowing that you're not the only one poo'in pellets over it

Larianne · 16-07-2009 11:04pm

Right, think it's about time to put up a stickied thread for us maturies/non-trads to discuss the fear and excitement bout returning to education and how we're all getting on!!!

Me, well I'm dead excited about starting the course. Just hope I won't get too irritated by the youngsters! I will be a full on nerd come September!!!!

kellsred · 17-07-2009 12:46pm

JayC5 wrote: »

Hi,

Anyone else a little freaked about returning to study as a mature student this Autumn? I'm starting to get the 'ball-shivers' thinking about it!! - I hope I don't live to regret this one as I walked out of my job to do this (one which I disliked but nonetheless - still a job...)

Anyways, best of luck to those who've took the leap - oh & take a modicum of solace knowing that you're not the only one poo'in pellets over it

You'll be grand. I went back after 10 years and the 1st week all I could think was "what am I doing here?"! But settled in, made a few friends, and 3 years later I have just got a distinction!
I'm going to continue with 2 more years to get a higher degree, can't believe how nervous I was about going back to college!

DenMan · 17-07-2009 6:32pm

Your going to have a great time OP. I went back last September and had a brilliant time. And the great thing is that I have 3 more years to do.

Hope you enjoy your time back in college/uni.

Larianne · 17-07-2009 8:40pm

Just got a letter about a mature student information morning. I keep thinking "Hey I'm not mature!!"

Congrats Kellsred!! That's excellent.

SuperTyper · 17-07-2009 10:03pm

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

ontour · 20-07-2009 6:22pm

JayC5 wrote: »

Hi,

Anyone else a little freaked about returning to study as a mature student this Autumn? I'm starting to get the 'ball-shivers' thinking about it!! - I hope I don't live to regret this one as I walked out of my job to do this (one which I disliked but nonetheless - still a job...)

Anyways, best of luck to those who've took the leap - oh & take a modicum of solace knowing that you're not the only one poo'in pellets over it

I'm so nervous now that I won't like my course!! :rolleyes: After all my hard work getting in I don't want to get there and go what was I thinking!!! I know deep down I won't Im both nervous and excited

Larianne · 20-07-2009 6:27pm

ontour wrote: »

I'm so nervous now that I won't like my course!! :rolleyes: After all my hard work getting in I don't want to get there and go what was I thinking!!! I know deep down I won't Im both nervous and excited

Yeah, I've had that feeling as well and I know that it is just nerves. I've wanted to do the course since I was about 17 but didn't think I'd be any good at it. It is very exciting!

I saw a thread in P.I. about a mature student not fitting in and I'm sorry I read it. I was a bit :eek: I'm definitely going to try and attend as many mature student meetings etc. and join a few societies.

silasrat · 21-07-2009 10:01am

hi all, im really lookin forward to going back and meetin people but im kinda worried that being 8 or so years out of school i wont be able to elarn things quick enough! gonna have to try real hard is all............

Tom Dunne · 21-07-2009 10:12am

As somebody who has lectured both "young" (and I use the term loosely) and mature students, I can tell you one thing - you guys have one hell of an advantage over school leavers.

I always find mature students more willing to learn, more diligent, more enthusiastic and more inquisitive. Consequently, mature students, in my opinion, tended to do better than the average school leaver. You have years of life experience behind you, you have a good idea what you want to do, so you will put more into it.

So what if you haven't studied in years, you will learn.

The advantage you have over school leavers is that you know what you want to do. You are not just doing a course because your parents made you, or because you don't know what else to do, you are doing it out of interest. And that makes a big, big difference.

silasrat · 21-07-2009 10:45am

thanks tom, thats a really positive way to approach the old study's.... my brother went back as a mature student,he graduated this year, and he had the same as you to say about it,mature student drop out rates are almost non-existent and they (mostly) tend to be very motivated,just hope i can slip back into the groove of education nice and easy.....

birdalone · 21-07-2009 10:47am

Mostly it seems that you guys worry about fitting in and getting to know people.
My worry is that I will find it difficult not to get sucked into what may well seem like noisy chaos.
I am wondering if it is possible to happily wander about in my own little world on campus. (must invest some personal music system)
Can I successfully complete a degree as a semi recluse?
What words do I need on my tee shirt ?
So as not to cause offence like ?

Larianne · 21-07-2009 10:51am

silasrat wrote: »

hi all, im really lookin forward to going back and meetin people but im kinda worried that being 8 or so years out of school i wont be able to elarn things quick enough! gonna have to try real hard is all............

I did an access course last year and study skills was one of the modules. At the start I was a bit "Oh great, :rolleyes: this will be interesting". It takes a while to understand how learning journals etc. work but when you do put them into practice they really do work. So I suggest to everyone (new & current students) to go to any study skills classes that are available. There's also lots of info on the net and Stella Cottrell has some good books on the subject.

Birdalone, it's up to you how you want to live out your time in college. Having the support of other classmates is a huge benefit, believe me!

silasrat · 21-07-2009 10:53am

birdalone, do you not think you would benefit more by gettin to know the people around you as much as possible? if your more involved and close with the people on your course you might find it easier to learn and get over the more difficult parts of the course if you can talk with others who are in the same boat as you........

CZ 453 · 21-07-2009 11:11am

birdalone wrote: »

Mostly it seems that you guys worry about fitting in and getting to know people.
My worry is that I will find it difficult not to get sucked into what may well seem like noisy chaos.
I am wondering if it is possible to happily wander about in my own little world on campus. (must invest some personal music system)
Can I successfully complete a degree as a semi recluse?
What words do I need on my tee shirt ?
So as not to cause offence like ?

Would'nt your course involve interacting with people as much as possible as you have to study them!

birdalone · 21-07-2009 11:24am

shezer wrote: »

Would'nt your course involve interacting with people as much as possible as you have to study them!

but then I wouldnt be able to see the wood for the trees . . .objectivity is crucial

CZ 453 · 21-07-2009 11:28am

Philosophical answer.Text books cant show expressions of the mind.You have to see them for yourself.Interacting with other people can help.

birdalone · 21-07-2009 11:54am

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.

CZ 453 · 21-07-2009 12:05pm

i wasnt having a go.Just saying it can help.eg classes moving to different building and your not there,meeting times,things you may miss through illness....i wish you well in your education.

birdalone · 21-07-2009 12:16pm

So I will likely need the services of Disability Support to make up for the practical and emotional support I will be missing, that most people get from their circle of friends.
Another reason then why Aspergers syndrome is a learning disability . . .one which does need to be appropriately and sensitively addressed.

It helps when the people around me understand a little of an autistic reality.Hopefully the Psychology Dept will be a likely place to find such people.

CZ 453 · 21-07-2009 12:21pm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asperger_syndrome

This may help people understand

birdalone · 21-07-2009 12:28pm

Thankyou kindly Shezer.x

Larianne · 23-07-2009 3:20pm

birdalone wrote: »

So I will likely need the services of Disability Support to make up for the practical and emotional support I will be missing, that most people get from their circle of friends.
Another reason then why Aspergers syndrome is a learning disability . . .one which does need to be appropriately and sensitively addressed.

It helps when the people around me understand a little of an autistic reality.Hopefully the Psychology Dept will be a likely place to find such people.

Hi there Birdalone,

I've read a bit about Aspergers Syndrome, not much, but a little. Fair play to you for taking the leap - firstly for going back to college and secondly, with having a learning disability. Best of luck!

I went to a mature student info day today. My head is melted from all the info on grants etc. :eek: Exciting all the same.

ckkelly · 26-07-2009 5:35pm

hey there
i've got into my chosen course in dcu - yeay. I'm a bit like birdalone in that i imagined alot of wandering about by myself. I don't mind that! t shirt words? F%%% OFF You F%$#@& F&^%$ should keep most people away B!

anyway - just wondering if any mature students are working and going to college full time? i just found out i'm ineligible for any and all grants which was kinda holding my plan together. I didn't want to have to focus too much on a job when I'll be on my best in college!

i guess if defer, sign on or make less than a certain amount over the next 12 months I can start next september with the aid of some grants...

it's just that I'm having a hard time making up my mind. I feel that I should wait and grab any financial assistance that I can... but on the other hand I feel like I should go for it now despite the fact I'll have to get loans and be a bit of a drain on my dad... not feeling very 'mature' about the whole thing today.

any advice?

DenMan · 26-07-2009 6:06pm

Hi ckkelly

How come you in ineligable for getting a maintenance grant?

As a mature student you apply on our own, even though you have to give your parents income details you are still classified as independent.

birdalone · 28-07-2009 12:36am

ckkelly, have you heard of the student assistance fund?
My gut feeling is that you should go for it with the course this year.
If you are feeling strongly motivated I am sure you will find a way to get by.
Yes, next year you can apply for grants, if not for this year.
I suppose you had a look at Student Finance.ie?
Maybe you could find some work on campus, so that you would not have to travel?
Finances are challenging for me too, but then they always have been.
Have you discussed the situation with your Dad yet?
Maybe work out roughly how much you would need to get by,and options of finding it . . you know , an exercise in logistics . . that's what I have been doing, it helps me get everything into perspective.

CZ 453 · 28-07-2009 11:16am

I would only suggest getting a job if you can handle study and work.Sometimes working can be more of a hindrance than its worth when your studying.I work friday and saturday nights.I think thats more than enough

cherrypipp · 03-08-2009 8:44pm

...but it's been a looooong time since I was in university! :-)

I know that most students seem to head off to college now with their own laptops whereas, we used the computer labs. My question is, do they bring them to lectures with them, or do people still take notes the "old fashioned" way?

Thanks...am bricking it a little too but also very excited.

ckkelly · 04-08-2009 12:34am

DenMan wrote: »

Hi ckkelly

How come you in ineligable for getting a maintenance grant?

As a mature student you apply on our own, even though you have to give your parents income details you are still classified as independent.

hey denman - i'm ineligible as i've been out of state - i haven't lived at home for the past 7 years. in order to get grants or assistance of any kind you've got to be in ireland (or eu) for at least a year prior to applying for the grant. you get it based on your first year of uni - put another way - i don't get anything in year 2 and 3 because i'm ineligible this year - sucks dunnit?

ckkelly · 04-08-2009 12:45am

hey birdalone

you know i do FEEL the same, in terms of jumping in and 'just doing it'... it's just that i've half a lifetime of bad decision making under my belt, so was trying to be 'smart' about it and avoid a bigger bill than it needs to be.
it was explained to me (by the good folks at the student assistance fund hq)that i will be ineligible for financial assistance based on my starting college this year. as i'm ineligible this year - i won't be entitled to it next year or the year after either... i believe school will be more intense from 2nd year onwards, so wondered if the grants were worth waiting for.
there is a part of me that's like "go oan! throw the ball haaard! I'll work and scrape by just fine" that maybe i should just go with...
yep, talked about it with my long-suffering father (!) and while he's agreeable to helping me out - good GOD but i'm old too be putting him under such financial pressure. he's retired and as far as i know still paying for the sisters wedding last year!
I would love to just start, like I always do, and worry about the money later... just can't stop thinking that everytime i've done that before i run out of steam....

ckkelly · 04-08-2009 12:49am

tools... feck - can you imagine what they'll call the old people? anyway, I've been working in offices and what have you, so i'm faster at typing, plus my handwriting is shot to hell, i can't even remember the last time i wrote out a page of notes...i think i'll bring my laptop... or that dictaphone i stole from the last job i got fired from...

cherrypipp · 04-08-2009 10:00am

I think we'll be known as wrinklies, old farts, shufflies. Never thought I'd be like Methusalah at 32 :-(

Larianne · 04-08-2009 11:14am

cherrypipp wrote: »

I think we'll be known as wrinklies, old farts, shufflies. Never thought I'd be like Methusalah at 32 :-(

lol

doly · 04-08-2009 1:17pm

Noddies, actually, because we sit up front nodding apparently intelligently at the lecturers

ckkelly · 06-08-2009 6:49pm

doly wrote: »

Noddies, actually, because we sit up front nodding apparently intelligently at the lecturers

BA HAAA! noddies, that's a goodun.

KittyeeTrix · 10-08-2009 7:27pm

shezer wrote: »

I would only suggest getting a job if you can handle study and work.Sometimes working can be more of a hindrance than its worth when your studying.I work friday and saturday nights.I think thats more than enough

I went back last year to do a science degree and have 4 children. I live 25 miles away from the college and have to commute and also spend about 20 hours a week cleaning houses on afternoons when I had no lectures and Saturdays..........
Believe me when I say that if i could pass my exams this year which I did, well then any of you guys can. I am not particularly academic but the key is to attend all your lectures and organise yourself very early on in the year.
Keep your notes up to date and in a clear fashion and work hard on any assignments as they really to help at the end of the year when bringing up your grades

But most of all HAVE FUN, ENJOY, JOIN A CLUB AND BELIEVE IN
YOURSELVES!!!!!!!!!!!!!1:)

ckkelly · 10-08-2009 7:46pm

fluffyorganic1 wrote: »

I went back last year to do a science degree and have 4 children. I live 25 miles away from the college and have to commute and also spend about 20 hours a week cleaning houses on afternoons when I had no lectures and Saturdays..........
Believe me when I say that if i could pass my exams this year which I did, well then any of you guys can. I am not particularly academic but the key is to attend all your lectures and organise yourself very early on in the year.
Keep your notes up to date and in a clear fashion and work hard on any assignments as they really to help at the end of the year when bringing up your grades

But most of all HAVE FUN, ENJOY, JOIN A CLUB AND BELIEVE IN
YOURSELVES!!!!!!!!!!!!!1:)

Hiya!

thank you so very much for that - inspirational post! yah, of course it's possible when you put you're all into it - right?!

robert18 · 10-08-2009 9:36pm

just reading this post and i can understand all what ye are talking about , i am going to lit this september doing software development ,now i am interested in computers but my love is sports , i was going for this but there was 2 obstacles 1 being the lack of credible employment in the sector and the other being that my cruciate ligament is gone ,now my choice is made and i do like messing with computers and my last job involved fixing them so all my experience is directed to it but i am frightened that i will start it and then realise that i hate it .

irishmatic · 10-08-2009 10:49pm

ya im goin to lit 2,not nervous at all,duno how its gona turn out but ill prob get excited in the days leading up to the move. i tore my cruciate as well but had an op last year and now im back training 5 days a week so its all good

cant wait to get started but im a bit worried about getting unfit and tryin to find time to train,need to join a football club up der or somethin

Larianne · 10-08-2009 11:10pm

I've wanted to do Physio since school (9years ago!) and the thought has crossed my mind "oh will I like it, will I be any good at it?" but I think that's a natural thought to have in your head when you're starting something new. More nerves than anyone else.

fluffyorganic1 said some wise words there!

irishmatic · 10-08-2009 11:22pm

Larianne wrote: »

I've wanted to do Physio since school (9years ago!) and the thought has crossed my mind "oh will I like it, will I be any good at it?" but I think that's a natural thought to have in your head when you're starting something new. More nerves than anyone else.

fluffyorganic1 said some wise words there!

are u startin it dis year? jus go for it,i never live wit regrets anyway cuz everythins an experience,u can always change course the followin year if ya dont like it

KittyeeTrix · 10-08-2009 11:47pm

ckkelly wrote: »

Hiya!

thank you so very much for that - inspirational post! yah, of course it's possible when you put you're all into it - right?!

Excactly, and I've always thought to myself that if an 18 year old can come in and pass the year whilst on the tear for half of it, well then so can I

Although that said, it takes almost 3 days to get over a hangover, whereas at 18 I would've been good to go the next day.....

Damn this ageing process:mad: Not conducive to beery nights out but definitely an advantage when it gets down to studying:)

ontour · 11-08-2009 12:18am

robert18 wrote: »

but i am frightened that i will start it and then realise that i hate it .

This and starting the course and realising I find the subjects are too difficult, are my big fears (and that I can't afford the course).... other then this I can't wait to start :rolleyes::D

Larianne · 11-08-2009 6:54pm

irishmatic wrote: »

are u startin it dis year? jus go for it,i never live wit regrets anyway cuz everythins an experience,u can always change course the followin year if ya dont like it

Yes, starting in a few weeks. Ah yeah I know I'll be fine. I was just stating that most people have these thoughts when starting something new. I can't flippin wait!

WiseMona · 11-08-2009 9:11pm

I am starting at NUIG in September and cannot wait. I think being labeled a Noddie at 35 is just fine. I cannot wait!

KittyeeTrix · 11-08-2009 9:13pm

WiseMona wrote: »

I am starting at NUIG in September and cannot wait. I think being labeled a Noddie at 35 is just fine. I cannot wait!

Hi there WiseMona,

You are the same age as me....... what are you going to be studying.
I'm headed into my 2nd year of a science degree
Agree with you about being called a Noddie...I've been called worse

WiseMona · 11-08-2009 9:22pm

Hi - love your name FO -

I got accepted to the BA Connect course - 4 years, graduating with a degree in Creative Writing, Spanish and English (4 yrs).

:eek:

KittyeeTrix · 11-08-2009 10:03pm

WiseMona wrote: »

Hi - love your name FO -

I got accepted to the BA Connect course - 4 years, graduating with a degree in Creative Writing, Spanish and English (4 yrs).

:eek:

Thanks for the name shoutout......
The guys over on the NUIG forum were thinking of having a boardsie meet up at some stage. Think it would be good to meet a few fellow posters. Would you be interested???

yayaitsme · 11-08-2009 10:48pm

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.

WiseMona · 12-08-2009 12:04am

fluffyorganic1 wrote: »

Thanks for the name shoutout......
The guys over on the NUIG forum were thinking of having a boardsie meet up at some stage. Think it would be good to meet a few fellow posters. Would you be interested???

Sure - I will check out the NUIG forum too.:)

isuppose25 · 13-08-2009 11:14pm

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!!

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

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