Mature Students?

Just given a talk to mature students about the joys of being a student. I promised to put the text of the notes on my blog, and so here they are. Just about all the advice applies to all students - so enjoy.....

Experience with Mature Students:

• Mature Students seem to have an "inside track" in that they are aware of the value of and need for hard work to achieve things.


• Students straight from school often take time to adjust to this requirement without the parental push driving them along.


• Mature students are often better at managing work as well. They are not as inclined to leave things to the last minute (although they may have many other pressures on their time).


• But mature students can have a problem with seeking help. We work very hard in Computer Science to make sure that there are plenty of ways in which people on the modules can get help. We have interactive forums, tutorials and meetings if required. Mature students can be afraid of coming forward and seeking help because they do not want to appear stupid. Please don't do this.

Tips for success:

• Try and always get to lectures and tutorials. Attack your course and be prepared to work hard at it.


• Read through what you wrote in the lectures and tutorials and make sure that you understand it. Do not assume that you can pick things up during the revision lectures. Failing to understand the first lecture means that by lecture three you will be completely lost.


• Build support groups in your cohort. In my experience mature students get on very will with the younger ones and the information exchange is always useful. Also, don't be afraid to get to know students in later years. The second year students have been there and can give you loads of tips and support. And in my experience they are quite happy to do this.


• If you feel that you are slipping, do something about it. Seek help. Start with your peers. Take a look on the support forums etc. If that doesn’t do the trick go to the lecturer and explain the problem you are having. However, don't just say "I didn't understand anything". That will not get you a response. Make a list of points that need to be clarified and work through them.


• If you are doing a practical subject you should prepare for practical work. Lab time is precious. You should arrive in the practical slot with a clear idea of what you are going to do and a sequence to follow to do it.


• Make sure that you hand in practical work on time. One of the major reasons of failure on some of our courses is that students don't hand work in.


• Prepare for exams. The best starting point is often past exam papers. See lf your lecturer will go through our answers if you attempt all the questions in a paper. This is the best way to learn what you have to do, and calibrate yourself for the exams.


• Argue your position. At this level there is often no right answer. Most academics love an informed argument. But make sure that your position is supported by facts and reason.


• Remember that this is supposed to be enjoyable! The main reason why you picked this subject should be that you want to spend three or more years studying it. The staff are here because of their love of the subject. That is what you should be here for too.

Success in nine words, plus two:

• Go to lectures


• Do your coursework


• Prepare for exams


• Have fun!