5 essential tips for returning to higher education as a mature student

Collaborative Post | Choosing to return to higher education as a mature student can be the ideal way to achieve your dreams and enrich your life.

Whether you want to take the next step in your career or embrace a lifelong interest, pursuing further education can help you reach your goals.

Of course, balancing your academic schedule with your personal and professional commitments doesn’t come without its challenges, but there are steps that you can take to make this transition smoother.

Photo by Felicia Buitenwerf on Unsplash

So, if you’re thinking of returning to higher education, then here are just five essential tips to help you see success as a mature student.

1. Choose the right course for you

When you decide to return to higher education, one of the most important choices that you’ll make is your course.

You should start by asking yourself why you’ve chosen to return to higher education. If it’s to further your career then research which course will best help you achieve your goals. However, if it’s to pursue a lifelong passion, take the time to establish which course best aligns with this interest.

Platforms such as UCAS have a wide range of resources on different courses, universities, and levels of education to help you find the right path for you.

2. Leverage your life experience

One of the biggest advantages of being a mature student is that you’re more likely to have useful life experience than students who are fresh out of school. This experience can help give you an edge when it comes to critical thinking and problem solving, as you’ve had the opportunity to use and hone these skills in the real world.

And, if you’re returning to education following a professional career within the field that you’re studying, you’ll have practical knowledge of your subject that you can apply to your learning and assignments.

3. Consider distance learning

For some of us, returning to traditional campus education as a mature student won’t align with our current lifestyle or responsibility.

Luckily, with the rise of distance learning, mature students need no longer choose their personal and professional commitments or their academic pursuits.

With online learning providers, such as Signum Magnum College, you can embark on your higher education journey from the comfort of your own home and around your existing schedule.

4. Master time management

Time management is one of the most important skills that you can master in your life, and it’s particularly essential when you have to balance your academic commitments with your personal responsibilities.

Take the time to put together a detailed schedule that outlines all of your academic deadlines, along with your personal and professional requirements.

If you struggle to manage your tasks, then consider utilising apps such as RescueTime to keep track of your time and manage your schedule more efficiently.

5. Establish a support network

Returning to higher education can require significant changes to your life, and therefore, having the support of your friends, family, and colleagues can make all the difference.

When you have a support network, both inside your university and in your personal life, you’ll stand a better chance of embarking on the path to success.
 
Have you returned to higher education as a mature student? Share your experiences in the comments below!


Disclaimer: this is a collaborative post.