Mature Age Students
As a mature age student you might be wondering whether you
will be able to successfully manage your university studies. It
may be that you haven't studied formally for a number of years or
you feel that you already have enough responsibilities in your
life without the additional pressures associated with study.
All new university students, regardless of age, have to make
some adjustments when it comes to succeeding at university study
and participating in campus life. However, students who are
considered to be 'mature aged' (even at the age of 20!) may have
to make adjustments which are different to those which a 17 year
old school leaver may need to make.
Some adjustments which might be more significant for mature
age students include:
- surviving financially
- juggling family responsibilities and study
- adapting to the university mode of learning
- managing study and a job
- moving from a place of employment or situation where you
may have many established friends
- being among the oldest within a predominantly young student
population.
- maintaining personal relationships outside of study
- being a part-time student with limited access to campus
life
Mature Age students are encouraged to apply to join UniSkills,
which offers many benefits. In addition,
during O Week, there is an event specifically for mature age
students. Registration for this event is required.
If you are experiencing personal or academic problems you are
also welcome to call in and see the UniSkills
staff to discuss these issues on a confidential basis.
For mature age students with family responsibilities
information on University operated child care
services is available on this website.
A recent report has been conducted into the experiences of
mature age students in the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social
Sciences along with the perceptions of staff in the faculty
regarding the learning and social experiences of these students.
This report is now available in pdf format.
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