Lana Oconnell
Returning to university as a mature student can be daunting, but it can also be a rewarding experience. Mature students face unique challenges, but with the right preparation and mindset, these can be overcome. Before starting, it's important to do your research and ensure that the institution and course are right for you. Consider your timescales and budget, and work out a university schedule that suits your lifestyle—full-time studying may not be viable if you have other commitments. Understand your rights as a tenant and be aware of common pitfalls when dealing with landlords and bills. Make use of online resources and on-campus facilities, and seek out groups with common interests. Bond with your flatmates and build a network of contacts—university is a great place to make friends and build connections that could benefit your future. Be proactive in your learning, ask for help when needed, and don't be afraid to voice your opinions. Finally, take care of your physical and mental health by getting enough sleep, exercising, and developing a sensible coping strategy.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Do your research | Look for information online, find groups with common interests, and research daycare, chemists, and shops on campus |
| Sort out your life | Work out a university schedule that suits your current lifestyle and responsibilities |
| Manage your finances | Create a budget and stick to it, use an app-based bank, and take advantage of student discounts |
| Make friends and network | Build bonds with people and create a network of contacts in industry and academia |
| Be social | Join societies and clubs, and go out with your flatmates |
| Ask for help | Don't be afraid to bring up issues or ask for help when needed |
| Be proactive | Voice your opinions and concerns to drive change |
| Take care of yourself | Get enough sleep, eat well, and develop a sensible coping strategy |
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What You'll Learn
- Manage your time and money: part-time studying may be a better option
- Do your research: know your rights and the support available?
- Make friends: get involved and build a network of contacts
- Be organised: know what you're allowed to bring and plan meals
- Ask for help: don't be afraid to raise concerns or ask questions
Manage your time and money: part-time studying may be a better option
As a mature student, you may have existing commitments outside of your studies, such as rent or mortgage payments, part-time work, childcare, or other responsibilities. It is important to consider these factors when planning your university schedule, as full-time studying may not be a feasible option.
Part-time studying can be a more manageable option for mature students, allowing them to balance their studies with their other commitments. This can help reduce stress and ensure that you have sufficient time to dedicate to your studies without feeling overwhelmed.
To effectively manage your time as a part-time student, it is crucial to develop strong time management skills. Create a schedule that allocates specific time slots for studying, attending lectures, and completing assignments. Stick to your schedule as much as possible to maintain a consistent study routine.
Additionally, consider the financial implications of studying part-time. Part-time courses often have lower tuition fees, which can reduce the financial burden on mature students. However, part-time study may also result in a longer overall duration of your degree, which could impact your long-term financial planning.
To manage your finances effectively, create a budget and try to stick to it. Separate your income into different accounts, such as a student bank account with a 0% overdraft, and use app-based banking to monitor your spending. Be cautious of unnecessary expenses, such as overpriced food or excessive drinking, as these can quickly add up.
In conclusion, part-time studying can be a viable option for mature students, offering a more manageable approach to balancing time and money. By developing strong time management and budgeting skills, you can successfully navigate the challenges of university life while tending to your other commitments and responsibilities.
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Do your research: know your rights and the support available
As a mature student, it is important to do your research before enrolling at a university. This includes researching the institution and course to ensure they are the right fit for you, as well as working out your timescales and budgets in advance. For instance, you might find that a part-time course better suits your schedule and financial situation.
In addition, it is crucial to be aware of your rights and the support available to you as a student. This includes knowing your rights as a tenant when dealing with landlords and understanding how to manage your finances effectively, such as creating a budget and sticking to it. You may also be eligible for additional support if you have family responsibilities or a disability.
Furthermore, familiarise yourself with the academic expectations and requirements. University involves a significant amount of independent research and wider reading for classes and assessments. Don't be afraid to ask for help or clarification from lecturers or professors if needed. They understand that adjusting to university life and learning styles can take time and are there to support your academic journey.
Researching and utilising the available support services on campus can also enhance your overall experience. This includes finding groups with common interests, booking appointments with personal advisors, and locating facilities like daycare, gyms, and shops. Building a network of contacts and friends can provide a sense of community and support during your time at university.
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Make friends: get involved and build a network of contacts
Making friends and building a network of contacts is an important part of the university experience. It can be daunting to go to university as a mature student, but there are many ways to meet people and build a support system.
Firstly, it is important to remember that you are not alone. Data from the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) shows that a significant proportion of students are aged 30 or over, with almost 50% of part-time undergraduates in this age group. Knowing that there are other students in a similar position to you can help ease some of the anxiety about being a mature student.
To make friends and build a network, consider joining clubs, societies, or groups with common interests. These are great ways to meet people with similar passions and hobbies. You can also look into sports teams or gym classes, which provide an opportunity to stay active and socialise at the same time.
Another way to meet people is by getting involved in student accommodation activities. If you are living in student housing, bond with your flatmates by including them in activities such as going out, shopping, or working out together. Remember that you will be sharing a living space, so it is beneficial to be on good terms with your flatmates.
In addition to making friends, networking in the industry and academia can be beneficial for your future career. Attend events, join relevant groups or organisations, and connect with people in your field of interest. These connections can offer valuable advice, mentorship, or even job opportunities down the line.
Finally, don't be afraid to voice your opinions and share your experiences. University is a place for personal growth and expanding your perspective. By speaking up, you can shape your university experience and create meaningful connections with your peers.
Remember that everyone's university experience is unique, and it's normal to feel nervous about starting as a mature student. By putting yourself out there, getting involved in activities, and being open to new people, you will create a strong support network to help you through your studies.
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Be organised: know what you're allowed to bring and plan meals
Being organised is key to surviving university as a mature student. Before you go, do your research so you know your rights and what your expectations are. For example, ask the dorm housing coordinator what you are allowed to bring and follow their policies. If you need student accommodation, there are different choices available, so research your options and find what's right for you.
If you have existing responsibilities like rent or mortgage payments, part-time work, childcare or other commitments, it’s important to work out a university schedule that suits your lifestyle. For example, a part-time course might suit you better in terms of managing both time and money.
When it comes to food, don't waste money on overpriced food and don't fall for any sneaky supermarket tricks to get you to spend more. You can also use the summer to prepare for uni by becoming comfortable in the kitchen. There are plenty of student-budget-friendly recipes for you to try, as well as a list of cupboard essentials to get you going.
You should also be aware of your spending when it comes to going out. As cheap as drinks in student cities might seem, all of these purchases add up and you risk racking up debt.
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Ask for help: don't be afraid to raise concerns or ask questions
Returning to university as a mature student can be daunting, and it's only natural to feel like the odd one out. However, it's important to remember that you are not alone. In fact, a significant proportion of students are mature students, with data from the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) showing that almost 50% of part-time undergraduates are aged 30 or over.
As a mature student, you may have additional responsibilities and commitments, such as rent or mortgage payments, part-time work, or childcare. It is crucial to recognise this and plan your university schedule accordingly. Full-time studying may not be feasible, and you may find that a part-time course better suits your needs.
University is a challenging environment, and it is normal to need help or support at times. Don't be afraid to ask for assistance or raise concerns when needed. Lecturers understand that adjusting to university life and independent learning can take time, so if you don't understand something, don't hesitate to ask. It won't make you look stupid; instead, it shows that you are proactive and committed to your learning.
In addition to academic support, there are various other resources available to help you navigate university life. These include personal advisors, daycare facilities, and support services for students with specific needs, such as childcare responsibilities. It is important to do your research and be aware of the support systems in place so that you can make the most of them.
Furthermore, don't be afraid to voice your opinions and concerns regarding your university experience. If you disagree with a module's teaching approach or a decision made by a student body, share your thoughts. This is an opportunity to shape your experience and create positive change.
University can be a transformative experience, and as a mature student, you bring valuable life experience and perspective to the table. Embrace this new chapter, ask for help when needed, and remember that you are not alone in navigating the challenges of university life.
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Frequently asked questions
Do your research beforehand and make sure the institution and course are right for you. Work out your timescales and budgets in advance – you might find a part-time course will suit you better in terms of managing both time and money.
University is fun but difficult, so make sure you get enough sleep. Be brave and learn how to use a washing machine. Do a budget and stick to it. Be aware that many people will try to take advantage of unsuspecting students, so do your research so you know your rights.
University is where you will build bonds with people, so don't spend all your time working or commuting. Go out, make friends, and experience new things. Join a gym, societies, or club meetings.
It's natural to feel like the odd one out as a mature student, but you might be surprised to find that a substantial proportion of students are aged 30 or over – almost 50% of part-time undergraduates, in fact.
Don't be afraid to bring up an issue or ask for help. Lecturers will understand that adjusting to university takes time and patience, so if you don't understand something, ask them.
