Answered Jul 29
Yes, of course.
I can’t really compare to other fields like humanities, because my experience is almost entirely in scientific areas.
On one hand, it can feel a bit odd or alienating to be the oldest person in the room. And some of the “traditional”-aged students aren’t always friendly or acceptably mature to deal with. A few can escalate to open bullying and/or sexual harassment (which is made all the more offensive when it is some little punk in his mid-20s doing it to a thoroughly adult woman in her 40s).
On the other hand, I’ve seen a few “mature”-aged students with very poor attitudes and behaviour, as well. For some, their age just represents more years that they haven’t bothered to pick up a book, or learn anything. More years for them to develop over-inflated views of their alleged competence.
Some lecturers and professors say that they have had positive experiences with older students. I guess based on diligence, responsibility, life experience, and understanding that they are personally going to have to pay the fees (so it is way too expensive to treat as an extended vacation).
There can be an odd dynamic if a “mature”-aged student is single and childfree, and thus has that in common with the younger people. And has that difference with other “mature”-aged students who fixate on their husband and kids.
On the other hand, it is difficult to relate to young people who are still very attached (or even totally dependent) on their parents.
One annoying point is “mature”-aged NON-students getting envy-based obnoxious attitudes towards a “mature”-aged person whose chooses to go to university. And I suppose is aggravated by studying a field that is associated with high intelligence, and/or where the judgement-passers can’t figure out how your education and work might personally benefit them in some way.
In any case, don’t let age stop you. “Mature”-aged people have the same right to be in that classroom as anyone else.