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

Best of Luck to everyone doing exams!!!

Tomorrow is my last exam....

then Hello 3rd year!

i'm getting the brickin it thing at the moment. all the places i interviewed with told me round a cao offers were out on july 6th!!! which is A, getting UNBEARABLY close and B, my birthday!!!:eek::eek:

i am getting the serious jitters, the did i make the right choice, am i sure i want to go back to college, can i handle this, will i get btea, will i be able to afford it, depending on where i get in will i have to move, will i get my top choice. the list is endless.

PANIC!!!

Will wrote: »

Gettin close here too, was offered a job down in cork but im sticking to my guns. Hopefully it's the right decision

here's hoping for ya. i won't be getting my first choice so i am a bit bummed today now. wish it wasn't monday, end of my week and general mondayness not helping. add to that the flu i have right now :mad:

ithread wrote: »

Anyone else getting scared by the prospect of 4 years of study as a mature student???? I left my job last July and part of me can't help thinking about what I gave up???? People are saying 'oh it will fly in' and 'its a brave decision' but I can't help feeling a bit anxious about it all? Arghhhhhhhhhhhhh! July 6th is so close!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

most deffo starting to brick it. i am like 'am i sure this is the right decision' (it is!), 'did i choose the right course' etc. i think that is just our brains trying to wig us out cos it is (in my opinion, not trying to offend anyone) a much bigger jump/decision/whatever for a maturie going back to college than a LC student. i mean i studied childcare after my LC. i wasn't half as scared/stressed etc. it was like if i didn't end up liking it or whatever it wasn't the end of the world. and i didn't end up sticking with it. but as a mature student, possibly having a family, coming out of a job or redundancy etc with a lot more life commitments it is a bigger decision and a bigger leap.

i am looking forward to it a lot too tho

HI Guys,

I'm the same as you guys I'm 31 and going back to do Midwifery in Sep, Ive already been to college so that side doesn't worry me too much as long as I keep focused and stay on top of study it should go well but the financial side is tough and a real worry as I will have to find a part-time job as well. Best of luck to you all for the offers.

Well done Will I'm lucky as a family member is willing to pay my fees now and I will pay them back after im qualified (full fees) but i will still have to work part-time to cover rent, food, travel etc... Its a stresser but i have a great BF and other family and friends to lean on too.

I got accepted at NUIG for a 4 year course in engineering!

Of course its daunting for any mature person to go back to education but for some of use there is no other option.

O prepared myself by undertaking a foundation certificate in science and engineering as well as a couple of FAS courses in web development. This helped to prepare me for what lies ahead.

Good luck and be confident! Lots of hard work, but it can be done.

ronnie25 wrote: »

yeah im off to letterkenny it
there in september
freaked out a bit im only 25
but worried about the age clash with the majority of kids about

I was 24 when I started in NUIG. Turns out there were loads of people around my age in my classes. I imagine it's much the same all over the country

HI Maturies.....just a little note of encouragement to you all!! You will be fine:D I returned this year to start a 3year degree course in Athlone after completing my leaving cert 10years ago!! it's completely different to what I did after school and the points for the course would have been way above my abilities in the leaving cert which made me think I wouldn't be able to do the new subjects. just passed my summer exams. I felt the exact same as you all do, it is a big scary decision to go back, but so far its worth it. I couldn't sleep, so nervous the few days before and the not knowing if I would be able for it, was so stressful!!!! Walking in that first morning not knowing where to go had me sick to the stomach But you know what, it was the best decision I have ever made. The college had fellow students out and about to help the 1st years with directions and any other questions in general. the lecturers are welcoming and will help if they can- even if they are not your lecturers!! Attend the tours and the welcome meeting from the student unions...freebies and good advice. there are allot of matures on my course, even though it was only meant to be 5 and in fact the college itself had allot more then I taught so its comforting!!
You will be broke but such is life in college...you learn to adapt and when you do get cash you appreciate it more!! Anyway enough ranting from me, best of luck to you all and I bet in a year you'll look back on this forum and laugh and post a comment like me..I did

EricC wrote: »

Hi JCDUB,

So glad I've found somebody doing the course I'm planning on doing next year.

Do you mind if I ask do you have to pay fees? as I believe I will have to as I have already completed a level 8 course.

Is there any financial assistance for somebody like myself.

Also was it difficult to get in? I have to repeat the Irish leaving next summer.

Looking forward to your reply

Tulip11 wrote: »

Hi EricC,

I got offered a place on the B.Ed in St. Pats too......in the thick of trying to sort out finances now....stress!!! I'm applying for the grant, although reckon it's a total long-shot.....my worry is the fees!! Have been saving but not enough to pay fees and support myself and a mortgage!!

Was totally hyper about receiving the offer and branching off into something totally different, that I just didn't get the points for first time around (about 16 years ago!!) but now the harsh reality of general survival has kicked in and I'm wondering if I'll be able to manage.

Feel a bit better having read this thread as we all appear to be in the same boat and doing our best to stay positive.

Is there anyone out there who's done the B.Ed in Pats as a Maturie......what are the hours/workload like in 1st year....is it feasible to work part-time (W/ends and odd evening during the week...if I can get a part-time job that is!!)

Thanks,
Tulip11

Hey Eric and Tulip,

First of all, congratulations Tulip!! Well done on getting into the B. Ed, you'll love it. It's a great course in a great college with really nice people. And good choice Eric, you won't be sorry.
Secondly, sorry for not getting back to you earlier, I've been on hiatus from t'internet and boards.
To answer your question Eric, it's not hard to get in provided you have done the preparatory work and are genuinely interested in teaching. I had voluntary work with kids under my belt and observation in a school along with some sub teaching, and was well prepared for my interview. If you do the ground work, you should be fine.
Also, AFAIK, as you have done a Level 8 course previously, you will have to pay fees to do the B Ed. However you can apply to do the postgrad too, which is shorter and less expensive.
I'm not sure if there is any financial assistance available to you, as I don't know your circumstances, but I'd recommend you talk to citizen's information, they're very knowledgeable as regards entitlements.

Tulip,
I know the fees are a stress, but you'll manage somehow. 1st year is fairly intense but you'll have no trouble doing a part time job if you manage your time well. You'll have a half day on Friday which helps with weekend work, but mid week I was in most days until 4 at the earliest, sometimes 5 and 6.
As I said, talk to citizens advice to see what you're entitled to when it comes to grants etc.

Hope this helps somewhat. Ask me anything else you like and I'll try to help! Congrats again, and I'll see you in October Tulip!

Reeni wrote: »

Hey guys, I'm 27 and starting in UCD Vet Nursing in September. I've been applying for this every year since I was 20 and working towards it. I think that I got so used to the 'routine' of applying and being rejected and making a new plan to try again that I forgot to think about what would happen if I got it! I'm getting very nervous now, about studying whether I'll be any good at it and about meeting a lot of new people. But its a good nervous too!

Congrats on finally getting your place!

I know nothing about the course, but if it's something you're interested in, the studying isn't so much of a big deal. Veterinary nursing sounds like one of those courses/careers that the extra few years of life experience and maturity will really stand to you.

Good luck!

CKonetheonlyone wrote: »

have people been invited by email to the 'return to learning' seminar for 2011/2012?

Which college?

Hi all
I think thats the best place where I can ask about my case:)
Im 26 years old and I did FETAC level 6 last year. I applied for the 2nd year in IT through advanced entry (dealing directly with the IT not through CAO). I send myFETAC results last thursday.... does anyone know when I should get any answer from them iabout getting a place...???