I was surprised by the "mature students" article reported in the (THES, June 7). It seemed to be the opposite of my experience as an undergraduate. I found tutorials, where the class was made up of younger students, frustrating. Many of the younger students were either "hungover" or "had not done their work". As a result, I would try to ensure that my tutorial group was mainly made up of mature students.
During these three years I found the staff very helpful. I still keep in touch with one lecturer; and we often fit in the odd football match. For me the real problem of being a mature student was/is the age discrimination you face after graduating.
Robert J. Eves (39) PhD researcher, The Open University Milton Keynes