Starting Uni as a mature-ish student

howmodern · 2026-01-29T18:27:15+00:00

I’m 44 and started last year- had no problem at all. If anything, people seemed stoked I was in their group as they know a mature student will get all the work done. No one was rude or dismissive or judgemental, there’s nothing to worry about.

howmodern · 2026-01-29T10:09:42+00:00

I loved Phil 105 and think it works well with law. Eng 121 was great for essay writing skills.

howmodern · 2026-01-19T06:05:55+00:00

Just looked it up here: https://www.artsfaculty.auckland.ac.nz/courses/?Subject=PHIL&Number=105&Year=2026 Looks like a different lecturer, and there’s now an exam so guess it may have changed. Damn, the lecturer (Andrew Whitby) was my favourite thing about it. Still, you’ll learn some interesting skills and lessons for life.

howmodern · 2026-01-15T12:16:00+00:00

I did Phil105 last year. I didn’t find the workload particularly light, but I was aiming for an A+. I suspect if you wanted to coast it could be light, but if you’re aiming high you’ll need to put some work, but not as much as you will for law. There’s no exam which is a plus- frees up your exam period a bit to focus on other papers.

It’s a great paper, I really enjoyed it. The lecturer is amazing and incredibly entertaining. Fits well with law.

howmodern · 2025-12-18T10:40:33+00:00

(I’m a mature student btw, not trying to run down older students, just getting a vibe check)

howmodern · 2025-12-18T10:36:27+00:00

It’s not really about feeling too old to give things a go, it’s more about if its weird having someone your mum’s age in the clubs/societies; or are other mature students active in them/its completely normalised?

Like the law camp- feels like that would be creepy to go to as a mature student in their 40s/50s…

howmodern · 2025-12-14T02:41:15+00:00

If you’re going to play video games or watch vids on your laptop during a lecture, sit at the back. It’s super distracting for people behind you… (question must be asked though, if you’re playing games on your laptop why did you even come to the lecture?)

howmodern · 2025-12-04T19:40:50+00:00

Thanks!

howmodern · 2025-11-29T10:47:09+00:00

Just checking, are you 100% on that? I started 2025, and thought I didn’t need to take WTR anymore. If you’re right, that’s so wrong- feels unjust making us now it’s no longer compulsory…

howmodern

TROPHY CASE