I realise that I am by no means the oldest student, but at 21 in my first year I am classed as a mature student. So I thought it might help those who are not coming to uni as an 18 year old, have an idea of my experiences. I’ll try to cover a bit on accommodation, studying and social life.
First, if you are like me and a mature student who wants to live in student accommodation for the first year then hopefully I can give you an idea of what it is like. I firmly believe that, in the main, the issue of your age is as big or as small as you make it. The people who find their age to be a problem are generally those who make it a problem. I currently live in a flat with 4 other girls who are 3 years younger than me and it has never been an issue between us. Next year I am living in a house of 6 and everyone apart from me will be 19 while I will be going on 22. Every now and then I get called mum because I do mother them at times but that is my personality rather than my age.
In terms of studying, Staffordshire University is one of the most diverse universities in terms of age. My seminar group has an age range of 18 to 30 and we all get on really well. There are some students who have their own home, some with partners and some with children. What I am trying to say is, whatever your situation, you will not be the odd one out. There will always be someone in the same or similar situation to you and you will also find friends who are in very different situations to you.
Finally, I shall touch on social life. This is also not affected by age unless it is your choice. So if you feel like you are too old to go to a nightclub then that’s fine, but you will find friends to go for coffee with. I hardly ever go out at night because it isn’t my thing but I get invited and it is not an age problem that stops me. Instead I go out for dinner, or coffee with friends during the day.
Basically, if you take anything away from this then please forget any worries about not fitting in because of your age. You will find people who you like and you will find that age really isn’t a big thing unless you let it be. I mean, who says you have to tell anyone your age anyway, it’s no one’s business but yours.
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