Centre for Student Development and Counselling

Tip Sheet: Mature Student

Here are some tips that might help you with your transition back to school:

Assess your learning and study skills. If you need to sharpen them, attend the Learning Success Seminars offered by the Learning Success Centre (ext.7350).
Pace yourself. If you feel you have taken on too great an academic load, speak with your department’s academic advisor.
Be patient with yourself and your program. It may take you a semester or two to meet your performance expectations and get a feeling for where your program is going and where you are going in it.
Take satisfaction from your accomplishments.

Be flexible. Recognize that you may have to let go of some of your responsibilities because of your new role as a student. Be willing to delegate.
Prioritize your personal, social, academic and employment commitments. Revise as necessary.
Try to lead a balanced life. Good nutrition, proper sleep, and regular exercise are all important.
Set aside time for social, family and relaxation activities to get some relief from school demands.
If you start to feel overwhelmed or discouraged, ask for help. The Centre for Student Development and Counselling offers free, confidential individual and group counselling for personal, career and academic concerns and the Stress Management Starter Kit to help you learn to harness and manage stress. The earlier you seek support, the better.
Try to focus on one task or role at a time. This will help enhance your concentration and improve your effectiveness.

Keep your family members and friends informed about changes in your routine that result from new demands on your time. Enlist their support. You may also want to include them in school-sponsored events.
Be patient with others. Recognize that it can take some time for them to adapt to your new way of life.
Set aside times when your family and friends can count on your undivided attention.
Ask friends or family members to support you by proofreading your essays, quizzing you for exams or acting as a practice audience for your presentations.

Seek out like-minded people who share your values and your desire to learn. These qualities transcend age, cultural and experiential differences.
Talk with other mature students. Share strategies.
Take advantage of the opportunities offered to you as a student to broaden your circle of friends and develop future professional colleagues.
Make use of the activities and organizations available on campus to broaden your social life.

Familiarize yourself with the teaching styles and expectations of your various instructors. When in doubt, consult with them.
Request and welcome constructive feedback.

Make sure you have the necessary finances to meet the demands of pursuing a university education.
Conduct regular financial reassessments. Make use of the Student Financial Assistance budget-planning services.
Investigate OSAP eligibility, bursaries and other financial assistance that may be available to you.
Pursue cost-cutting strategies (e.g., purchasing used books and equipment).
If you run into financial problems, seek the assistance of a Student Financial Assistance – POD59. You may be able to appeal your student loan, apply for emergency funding or work out some other helpful strategy.

NEVER LOSE SIGHT OF YOUR DREAM

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