Savanna Hoffman
Returning to education as a mature student can be daunting, but it's also an exciting opportunity to pursue something you're passionate about. Many universities recognise mature students as anyone over the age of 21, and this diverse group of students often juggles part-time work, family life, and other commitments alongside their studies. If you're thinking of joining their ranks, there are a few things you can do to prepare for university life. Firstly, get clued up on your finances and funding options, and set yourself a budget. Secondly, consider how much time you'll need to set aside for your studies and prepare a rough timetable to help you visualise a typical week. If you're studying online, invest in a laptop and some Bluetooth headphones to make the process more flexible. Finally, don't be afraid to reach out to current mature students, join mature students' societies, and make use of the support services offered by your university.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition of a mature student | Anyone over the age of 21 starting their studies |
| Reasons for enrolling as a mature student | Didn't complete high school, took time off after high school, didn't think university was necessary when starting to work |
| Entry requirements | Flexible |
| Work and life experience | Can be used to your advantage when applying |
| Higher employability | Can work while studying, proving yourself as a professional and dedicated individual |
| Time management | Prepare a rough timetable to help visualise a typical week |
| Online learning | Online platforms are generally intuitive |
| Time needed for study | Minimum of 10-12 hours per week |
| Finances | Loans, grants, and bursaries are available |
| Support | Mature student groups, student advisors, student finance advisors |
| Disability support | Disabled Students Allowance (DSA) and reasonable adjustments |
| Childcare | Additional support and childcare options are available |
| Study strategies | Use past experience and study to enrich seminars, network, and make connections between courses |
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What You'll Learn
- Manage your time effectively by preparing a rough timetable
- Consider your finances and explore the financial support available
- Recognise your past work and study experience may count towards your course
- Familiarise yourself with the course material before the semester starts
- Join a mature students' group to connect with like-minded people
Manage your time effectively by preparing a rough timetable
As a mature student, you may have other priorities to balance alongside your studies, such as a part-time job or a busy family life. If you're feeling anxious about how you're going to manage your time effectively, try preparing a rough timetable to help you visualise a typical week when your studies begin.
The time you need to set aside for study will depend on the type of course you're enrolled in and the topic you are studying. For instance, law students typically need to put in more time than those enrolled in arts. Generally, however, an undergraduate subject requires 10-12 hours of study per week as a minimum. You may choose to do one hour per weeknight and then a block of time on the weekend.
If you're studying part-time, you'll also have the opportunity to work while you study, proving yourself to be a professional and dedicated individual. You can also take advantage of your life and work experience to make connections between courses. For example, if you have past work or study experience, you may be able to claim recognition of prior learning and skip subjects you're already familiar with, which means you'll graduate faster.
Remember to take some time for yourself, too. Don't forget to account for some downtime between the hours you'll spend studying and working. Being a mature student doesn't mean that your university lifestyle has to be any different. You'll still get to meet lots of new people and take part in extracurricular activities or join campus clubs and societies.
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Consider your finances and explore the financial support available
As a mature student, you likely have existing monetary commitments and other expenses to consider, such as bills, rent, a mortgage, or a car. It is important to explore the financial support available to you and set a budget for yourself.
Many universities offer financial support for mature students, including loans, grants, and bursaries. For instance, Edge Hill University has a dedicated Widening Access and Participation Team that provides support and guidance to mature students. They offer sessions on various topics, including applying for student finance. They also have a range of financial support options available on their website, such as the Fastrack Fund and financial support for students with children.
If you are responsible for the care and wellbeing of a child, you may be able to access additional support while studying. For example, Edge Hill University's website provides childcare options in the local area.
If you have a disability, you may be eligible for financial support through the Disabled Students Allowance (DSA) or other reasonable adjustments.
In addition to financial support, there are other ways to ease the financial burden of returning to university as a mature student. For example, you may choose to study online, which can provide more flexibility to balance your studies with other commitments. You can also consider studying part-time, which will allow you to work while you study.
To help manage your finances effectively, it is recommended to set a budget for yourself and try to stick to it. This may involve setting aside a certain number of hours each week for studying, depending on the type of course you are enrolled in and the topic you are studying. For instance, undergraduate subjects typically require a minimum of 10-12 hours of study per week.
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Recognise your past work and study experience may count towards your course
As a mature student, you may have significant work experience in your field. This prior learning can be used to your advantage when applying for a university course. If you have past work or study experience, you may be able to claim recognition of prior learning and skip subjects you are already familiar with, allowing you to graduate faster.
To do this, you will need to provide evidence of your experience, such as an academic transcript or a letter from your employer. It is important to check with your university about their specific requirements. They may offer support services and resources to guide you through the process. For example, some universities have a Widening Access and Participation Team dedicated to mature student support, offering sessions on topics such as returning to higher education.
Your maturity and previous experience will provide you with unique challenges and opportunities as an undergraduate. Your past experiences and studies can enrich seminars, so use them when relevant. Your fellow students will not view you as different as long as you respect their views and join in as their equal. Your instinct for networking, developed in your working life, will also be invaluable at university.
However, it is important to remember that you are at university to focus on your new future and face new challenges. While your life experience is vital, try not to preface every seminar comment or essay paragraph with references to your past life. Instead, decide whether your life experience can help you make connections between courses.
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Familiarise yourself with the course material before the semester starts
As a mature student, you may have other commitments alongside your studies, such as a part-time job or family responsibilities. Therefore, it is important to prepare a rough timetable to help you visualise a typical week when your studies begin. This will help you set aside dedicated time for studying and working, as well as some well-deserved downtime.
To make the most of your study time, it is a good idea to familiarise yourself with the course material before the semester starts. Check if your university offers online resources or workshops to help you develop your academic skills and improve your digital skills. You can also get in touch with current mature students and ask them any questions you may have about their experience.
If you have past work or study experience, you may be able to claim recognition of prior learning and skip subjects you are already familiar with. You will need to provide evidence of this experience, such as an academic transcript or a letter from your employer, and check with your university to understand their specific requirements.
Additionally, consider investing in a laptop and a pair of Bluetooth headphones to make your studies more portable and allow you to study anywhere, whether it's in a cafe, your backyard, or even on holidays.
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Join a mature students' group to connect with like-minded people
Returning to education as a mature student can be daunting, especially when balancing other commitments such as a job or family. However, you are not alone. A third of undergraduates are mature students, and there are many opportunities to connect with like-minded people of all ages and backgrounds on campus.
One way to do this is to join a mature students' group. These groups are a great way to meet people and can offer a range of services, from help with finances and accommodation to study skills. You can find out about mature students' groups through social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram. For example, Edge Hill University has a Mature Students' Society that you can join before you start your course.
However, don't feel pressured to join a group. You are a student first and mature second. It's important to explore the full range of services provided by your mature students' group and other social groups. You could also chat to current mature students and ask them any questions you may have. Many universities offer open days for mature students, so you can bring your family and supporters along to explore the campus and learn more about the support available.
As a mature student, you may also have to address particular areas of undergraduate life. Your maturity and previous experience provide you with special challenges and opportunities. For example, you may need to adapt your time management skills and networking instincts to an academic setting. Your past experiences will enrich seminars, so use them when they become relevant, and don't be afraid to speak out.
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Frequently asked questions
The term 'mature student' is usually used to refer to anyone going to university after a period of time out of full-time education, typically those over 21 at the beginning of their undergraduate studies or over 25 at the beginning of their postgraduate studies.
Mature students can bring a wealth of work and life experience to their courses, which can be advantageous when applying and when it comes to employability. Mature students can also take advantage of flexible entry requirements, and there are many financial benefits available, including loans, grants and bursaries.
It's a good idea to prepare a rough timetable to help you manage your time effectively, especially if you have other commitments like a part-time job or family. You should also set aside enough time for studying; undergraduate subjects require a minimum of 10-12 hours of study per week. If you're studying online, it might be worth investing in a laptop and Bluetooth headphones.
