There is no right or wrong time regarding when you should go to university. While most people move onto this step naturally once they have finished school, there are many people that attend university later in life to enhance their qualifications or to get the skills they need for a career change. No matter what applies, there is no denying that attending university as a mature age student can be a little bit different. This is especially the case if you are juggling the demands of family life with your degree. So, with that in mind, let’s take a look at some useful tips on going to university as a mature age student…
Select a program that is flexible – There are many different universities and programs to choose from today. It is important to find something that is flexible, for example, season-intensive programs, weekend programs, and online courses. This will make it easier for you to manage. You can learn more about the different courses that are available online. It does not matter what route you go down so long as you get to your intended destination at the end.
Get organised – It is easy to find yourself in a last-minute rush when you have other commitments. However, getting organised in advance is of paramount importance. Take a tour of your local library, take a short computer refresher course, explore the academic style guide, purchase all of the equipment and books you require, organised regular child care, and read the assessment guidelines.
Set realistic expectations – As a mature age student, it is probably going to be more difficult for you to find time to study. You may also be lacking in confidence due to the fact that you have not studied for a long time or been in an academic environment. Don’t be so hard on yourself. Set yourself realistic expectations. Weekly milestones can help you to keep on track with your course and feel good about your efforts.
Plan your time – Staying on the subject of juggling your time, planning is essential. No matter what type of student you are, time management is critical, but it becomes even more important for mature age students. The best thing to do is set yourself a weekly timetable. Input your current commitments so you can see how much time you have available. It is important to plan for the fact that some essays and assignments are going to require extra time.
Consider your own comforts – Do you feel comfortable studying in a class with lots of younger students? Or, would you prefer to study from the comfort of your own home? There is no right or wrong approach; it is all about figuring out what is going to be best for you. You may prefer the option of having interaction with your lecturers and tutors rather than managing everything online.
Prioritize and Keep Focused – If you’re really hoping to study and learn new things as a mature student, then you’ll have to focus on what you’re doing as a new mature student. It’s very easy to slack off – even when you’re determined to pass with flying colours as an adult, you’ll have all kinds of different thoughts, worries and responsibilities occupying your mind – it’s just a case of keeping them on the back burner while you zero in on the subject you’ll be studying for the new few weeks/months. You may be hoping to one day build up enough money for an FUE hair transplant or a new home, but for now, you need to look at what’s directly in front of you. Taking your eyes off the ball even slightly at this stage could be problematic.
Hopefully, you now feel more prepared for your stint at university as a mature age student. If you follow the advice that has been provided, you can ensure that your experience goes as smoothly and successfully as possible.
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