Tips for Mature Students
A few tips to make your time at university run smoothly
- Recognise your maturity as an asset - Your experience of life, both in education and the wider world, will bring an extra dimension to seminars and groups. Bear this in mind, but take care not to dominate group discussions unnecessarily.
- Face your fears - For some mature students, a big fear is walking into the lecture hall to find they are the oldest person in the room. Such concern is understandable, but too much emphasis on this will only increase anxiety. It's important to be realistic. You may appear older than other students, but though you may be nervous, everyone else in new to the university as well.
- Involve your family and friends in your new life - Going to university will have an emotional impact on you and your family. As you grow in confidence and self-belief, you may become more assertive in the way you deal with everyday situations. Ensure those close to you don't feel excluded by this by involving them in what you do.
- Remember school holidays - If you have children of school age, it is important to remember that school and university holidays don't always coincide and you may need to arrange child care.
- Think about where are when you study most effectively - What other commitments do you have and what time is available for studying? Do you study better at certain times of day? Where can you work without being disturbed? Consider all these things and more when planning your study time.
- Remind yourself of your motivation - When times seem hard, try to remember why you chose to come to university in the first place. These thoughts can sometimes get lost in the whirlwind of the first few weeks or busy exam times.
Come see us in Student Services for any questions or concerns you might have. There are many people and services to help and support you through this process.