Mature Students at University
Attending university as a mature student can be a simultaneously exciting and daunting experience. Whether you’re attending as part of a career change, enhancing existing skills, or fulfilling a long-held ambition, stepping into a university environment can present some unique challenges and opportunities. Feelings of being out of place or uncertain about fitting in with younger students are common, but these shouldn’t overshadow the strengths mature students bring to the table. In this blog post, we aim to empower mature students by providing practical tips to help you feel like you belong on campus. We want to build your confidence and help you thrive during your academic journey. Welcome to your new adventure!
Embrace your identity as a mature student
Recognising and celebrating the strengths you bring to the university environment is a great first step towards feeling connected to your studies and peers, and really helps lead you towards success. You bring a wealth of life experiences, time management skills, and unique perspectives that will enrich classroom discussions and group projects. These experiences may come from your professional or personal life (or both) and will translate well into an academic setting. Understanding that these are strengths will help boost your confidence and demonstrates to others the diverse contributions you bring to the learning environment.
It's understandable to worry about fitting in, but it’s important to overcome them and you can do so by reframing your mindset. Instead of thinking about your age as a barrier, see it as evidence of your resilience and commitment to learning. Younger students can benefit from your insights and they often appreciate the opportunity to learn with and from someone with different life experiences. Active engagement in classes and campus experiences will help you work through feelings of being out of place on campus and will help build feelings of belonging. Remember, you presence on campus is not only valuable, but also enriches the university’s cultural and intellectual diversity.
Navigating the campus environment
Familiarising yourself with the university campus is a really helpful step in feeling at home as a mature student. Attending campus tours, especially if there are ones designed for non-traditional students, can give you a comprehensive overview of the facilities and resources available to you. These are great opportunities to meet other students (especially if you see some fellow mature students), ask questions, and get a sense of how the university is physically laid out. Take time to make sure you know where important places such as the library, student union(s), study areas, and student services are located. Knowing where to go and how to access resources can really help reduce stress and anxiety and help you feel more confident when navigating your new academic environment.
Finding your community on campus is also important. Most universities have student societies, and frequently will have a mature student society also. Joining these groups will help you connect with peers with similar experiences and challenges and will provide an opportunity to develop a support network that understands your journey. Don’t hesitate to also engage with younger students and participate in a variety of campus activities. Diverse interactions will enrich your university experience and foster a wider sense of belonging. Building relationships with lecturers and peers through active participation in class discussions and campus events will also enhance your academic and social integration. Remember, the more involved you become, the more campus will feel like a place where you truly belong.
Balancing academic and personal life
While mature students tend to already have skills in time management, adding in the new responsibility of academic work can still be tricky alongside family, work, and other commitments. One recommendation is to create a detailed schedule that allows you to allocate specific times for attending classes, studying, family activities, work, and self-care. Setting realistic goals and expectations will help you stay on track without feeling overwhelmed. If you aren’t already using them, tools such as planners, digital calendars, and time management apps can help you stay organized and make the most of your time.
A big thing to consider is your study environment and establishing a consistent study routine. If possible, look for quiet spaces on campus such as the library, dedicated study spaces, or even designated mature student areas (if your university has them) where you can focus without distractions. If being on campus for studying is hard, consider looking at your local library or other places in your local area that are suited for studying. If you have family responsibilities, communicate with your family about your study schedule and create a supportive home environment that respects your academic time. Also remember the importance of self-care in maintaining balance. Regular exercise, making purposeful eating choices, and getting adequate sleep are vital for managing stress and keeping your mind and body in top condition. Taking proactive steps to balance your academic and personal life will equip you well to handle the demands of university and thrive both inside and outside the classroom.
Harness campus resources
Remember that there are a number of resources on campus to help you succeed. You don’t need to try to get through university completely on your own. Tutoring centres, writing labs, and study groups are all useful resources that can help you master material and improve your academic skills. Don’t hesitate to seek out these services early on. They exist to help students at all levels of their educational journey. In addition to these, many universities offer workshops on different topics that could be useful to you, such as time management, study strategies, managing stress in university, and research skills, which can help you build additional tools to succeed academically.
In addition to academic support, there are career services and counseling resources available on the university campus. Career services often provides a range of services, resume building, career searching, and especially career counseling, which is great if you are looking to move into a new career or might be unsure what you can do with the degree you are working on. Mental health services is another valuable resource on the university campus. Studying at university can be stressful and protecting your mental health is important. Accessing counseling and support groups enable you to discuss the unique challenges you face. Among student services, there are staff who focus on financial aid. They may be able to help you apply for scholarships the university offers that you may qualify for and most universities also offer financial hardship support for students who find themselves dealing with an unforeseen situation. By leveraging these campus resources you can create a robust support network that enhances your university experience and helps you achieve your academic and professional goals.
Building connections and support networks
Building connections and establishing networks of support are vital for feeling integrated into university life and supported as a mature student. Utilising My Academic Family’s Mentorship Programme or Coaching service is a great way of building support for yourself with someone who can provide guidance, advice, and encouragement. A mentor or coach can help you navigate the academic environment, introduce you to valuable resources, and offer insight based on their own experiences. Engaging with a mentor or coach can foster personal connections that can enhance your university experience.
Involving your family and local community in your academic journey can also provide significant emotional and practical support. Encourage your family to participate in campus events with you, attend lectures (with permission from your lecturer), or explore campus with you to help them understand your academic commitments and share in your experiences. You can also seek out community groups or organisations that focus on adult learners or non-traditional students. These groups can offer a sense of camaraderie and mutual understanding. Online communities and forums can also be a valuable resource, providing a platform to connect with other mature students, share experiences, and exchange advice. By actively seeking out and building these support networks, you can create a strong foundation that will help you thrive both academically and personally.
The Takeaway
Remember, your presence on campus is not only valuable, but essential for enriching the university’s cultural and intellectual diversity. You have life experiences, resilience, and commitment that can significantly contribute to both your own success and the broader academic community. Take advantage of the resources and support networks available to you, engage actively in campus life, and celebrate the unique perspective you offer. Your journey as a mature student is a new adventure filled with opportunities for growth, learning, and personal fulfillment. Welcome to this exciting chapter in your life and know that you belong here.
