I’ve graduated uni and have been working for a year now. I plan on undertaking a huge shift in my life and have decided to study again, specifically halfway across the world in UofT (hopefully). I have a Bachelor’s Degree already, but I want to continue studying another program, this time, one I’m interested in. I’m going to be 23 when I start college again should I get accepted into UofT next year. What are the major issues I may be facing since I’m older than the typical college freshman?
P.s. I’ve done a significant amount of researching about UofT, life in Toronto as a foreigner, student life, co-curriculars, academics, etc. I am really serious about wanting to study in UofT. I just want a clearer picture of what I can expect given my situation. Thanks so much for whatever help you can extend me!
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hey there,
firstly, i want to assure you that you’re not the only 23-year-old person at uoft. there are people of all different ages, shapes, sizes, competencies, and life experiences at this university.
secondly, you may find that you have more in common with your fellow 17-year-old first years than you think. you’ll all be discovering uoft at the same thing, and that can be a beautiful thing to do together.
however, your previous experience at university and in life shouldn’t be discounted, and there’s no need to pretend you’re exactly the same as everyone else. for example, you may not find Orientation week worth your while the second time around (though if you do want to attend, you definitely should!).
more than other universities, i find that uoft really allows you to create your own experience. because it’s so big, there are many sub-worlds within the world of uoft.
if you find that the people you’ve fallen in with, the things you’re doing, don’t make you happy and comfortable, then you can just change who you’re hanging out with and what you’re doing. you’d be surprised at how easy it is to do.
practical examples of making this kind of change include: changing colleges, joining a new group on campus, or even just switching up which library you study at.
this is how i see it: you’ve been through university before. you’ve said that you’re coming back because you want to study something you’re interested in, this time. that tells me that you have a much better idea of what you want out of university now.
your experience may be different, but i don’t think you’ll be facing any specific issues, other than feeling a bit out of place amongst a bunch of teenagers.
however – and this is when i finally get to the point – try not to let yourself feel alienated. don’t be afraid to commit yourself, completely wholeheartedly, to what you want out of university. if that’s full immersion in what you want to study, then that’s what you should pursue. consider joining the course union for your program, get involved in your program’s academic journal (if they have one), or meeting like-minded individuals through clubs.
if you just want to meet people with similar experiences as you, you can do that too. i’ll mention the Mature Students’ Association, though i’m not sure if you would be categorized as a “mature student.” however, there’s no association for second degree students (which is closer to your situation), so it may be something for you to check out.
you may also be able to connect with people through other identity-based groups, like faith-based groups, cultural groups or sexual identity–based groups.
and hey – kudos for coming back to school! i hope uoft is everything you need and more.
cheers,
asks