Mature Students

On this page:

Self doubt Balancing study and other commitments Feeling isolated High expectations

Congratulations for stepping into study. not all university students are fresh from high school and in 2004 62% of Victoria's students were over 21.

Mature students often come with the two key essential ingredients for success:

• Clear goals
• Motivation

Common Issues for Mature Students:

• Self Doubt - You may be asking yourself "What do they expect?", "Can I do this?", "Do I have the skills?".
  
  

  Some useful ways to prepare yourself, build your confidence and meet new people include:

  • Uni Prep Workshops
  • Mature Students Orientation
  • term workshops
  • talking over your concerns with a learning adviser at SLSS
    
    
• Balancing study and other commitments - Other commitments such as family and work can add pressure especially at assignment time.
  
  • Plan ahead - use study timetables to set out your assignment deadlines:
    Allocating Time (pdf - 185KB)
    Week Planner (pdf - 196KB)
    2010 Planner (xls - 31KB)
  • Expect that study will include more than just lecture times - add on at least 2 hours for every one-hour-lecture or tutorial: Suggested Study Routine (pdf - 230KB)
  • Ensure your family, workmates or partners know what you are expected to do: 21 Ways to get the most out of Now (pdf - 323KB)

• Feeling isolated - Some students say "Everyone is so young and clever" or "The lecture is so large and I know no-one".
  
  

  A key way to overcome isolation is to make contacts and you are probably much more skilled at this than an 18 year-old.

  • Talk to others in your tutorial group before and after tutes.
  • Form a study group: Self-Help Guide to Study Groups (pdf - 465KB).
• High expectations - Though it is great to aim high - be realistic.
  
  

  Getting an "A" is not the easiest at VUW nor should it be and you need to develop and improve your skills while studying.

  • Take note of comments on your returned assignments.
  • Ask your tutors for ways to improve.
  • Ask questions in class.
  • Develop your skills through SLSS' workshops and contact us if you have any questions.