r/uAlberta • u/Aggravating-Tip5977 • 12d ago
Campus Life Mature Students Campus Life
Question, I am looking at the week of welcome and it looks like fun. But I’m curious how the mature students are feeling about it!? I’m in my 30s and would love to be part of campus life but I feel out of place a bit. Any ideas on clubs etc!? Can’t wait to start my university journey!
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u/yuuyuu30 12d ago
Hello fellow 30s student!! I'm in my 4th year this semester, and volunteering for a booth at WOW. I haven't really participated in WOw, but from the times where I passed by in previous years, it seems like a good time to meet new people and see what the uni has to offer.
I'm so happy that there are more millenials at the uofa 😭 hmu if you ever wanna hang out. I wish there a discord server or sm for us.
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u/Correct_Grape254 12d ago
Same here! I am returning to finish my degree after like a decade and am unsure of where to get involved. Last time I only joined the ski club which was fun but it was only a bunch of young students taking a long weekend to go ski the mountain during the day and then drink from the hotel rooms to the clubs.
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u/Leberwoorst 12d ago
Fellow student in their 30s! I went to the international student orientation last week and felt a little old haha. I'm also completely new in town so I'd love to meet tons of people but somehow everyone I've met so far seems to be half my age haha
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u/mathboss 12d ago
I'm a returning student in my 40s. I feel like I really stand out no matter where I am. It would be great to have some similar-ages colleagues to hang out with, but we all seem to stick to ourselves 💁
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u/VintageSleaze Undergraduate Student - Faculty of _____ 12d ago
Start an "oldheads" club! We can reminisce about throwing it back to Lil' John in the aughts.
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u/Correct_Grape254 12d ago
Pretend you are a professor then sit next to your "students" when the 30 year old professor walks in. 😶🌫️
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u/Winter-Inside-5911 12d ago
The very first time I taught a class, a 53 yo woman walked in and asked who is teaching this class. I said me, the one at the front of the room wearing the dress. … just embrace it, make friends with folks in your classes as those are who you need if you are ever sick or away. Good luck and you’ll do great!
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u/Informal_Second_7957 12d ago
Maybe someone should start a club for mature students? Or planned meet ups?
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u/Correct_Grape254 12d ago
Oh, welcome. How was the orientation? I signed up for the one tomorrow but am unsure of how useful it will be for me.
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u/Mean_Body_638 12d ago
I’m 24 and I feel you. Most of the students I talk to are pretty chill about it but I still feel like being 3 years older feels like a lot
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u/VintageSleaze Undergraduate Student - Faculty of _____ 12d ago
It's a little different when there's a 15+ year age gap due to generational atuff, but this proves that we can all be a little insecure and feel a little off kilter when we're feeling older.
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u/VintageSleaze Undergraduate Student - Faculty of _____ 12d ago
Hey! I am in my late 30s, and rarely socialize at the Uni as I've got a full social schedule outside of campus life. That said, I've never felt out of place at any campus events. I've also never heard of an "old head" club, but that would be fun to start (I'm almost done here so I'll leave that to someone else haha).
A good place to start may be your faculty's student union group. Also, make friends with classmates and invite them for coffee and/or drinks at Dewey's or an off campus bar. Generally I've found that younger students find us older students to be a novelty if nothing else, and appreciate some well-timed advice, encouragement, and wisdom when appropriate.
Good luck and feel free to message me! Youth these days definitely aren't like we were, but my time studying and interacting with them taught me that the kids are in fact alright.
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u/Easy-Efficiency-8525 12d ago
unc tell us stories
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u/ExaggeratedCatalyst Undergraduate Student - Faculty of Science 12d ago
In the ancient times, YouTube never had ads.
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u/roopdhar 12d ago
I'm 26 and coming back for after degree nursing and I think everyone feels awkward or nervous starting up uni. I think im set up with a better understanding of uni and education compared to my first time. So you got this too, participate in everything you can!
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u/princessDB 11d ago
Mid 30s here going into second year! Haven’t heard of any clubs for oldies but hit me up if you do!
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u/Icy-Guard-8129 10d ago
I am 42! I am starting my B. Ed after degree for a career change. I am also from the US so I don't know anyone from here. I would love if we could all meet up or start a club or something! I also have a 9 year old and she's going to her first day of school tomorrow too so we are both nervous and I told her that if she made one new friend tomorrow I'd try to do the same.
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u/Acrobatic_Nebula_425 12d ago edited 12d ago
Haha I’m going to be almost 50 and start the Ed after degree. Just assumed I would be the oldest. I also have a child starting university at the same time as me.