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Congratulations on taking the next step to furthering your education!
Are you a mature student? You're not alone!
Many mature students worry about their first year back:
Will I fit in?
Will I have time?
Will I be able to budget?
Will I get the support I need?
Basic planning strategies will help you manage these worries so you can have a smooth first year!
Did you know?
Make The Time
Make Schedules and Checklists
Set short-term goals each week while planning your work over each semester.
Organize both academic and non-academic tasks to have an accurate picture of your day/week.
Budget and Optimize Your Time
Break tasks into smaller chunks.
Account for all tasks.
Know when/how you do your best work with minimal distractions.
Ask For Help and Know Your Limits
Let your family know your schedule so they can support you.
Don't be afraid to say no!
Quiz
Suzie is a full-time mature student and juggling a part-time job. With weekly quizzes, mid-terms, a project, and final exams, she finds it challenging to fit everything in. What recommendation would you make to Suzie? Select all that apply.
Planning out your time from the start, and starting work well in advance will reduce stress, improve the quality of your school work, and let you course-correct as needed so you won't have to quit important commitments like a job.
Control Your Expenses
Juggling the costs of school and other responsibilities can be challenging.
Your Budget
Account for the total cost of school (tuition, books, student fees, transportation, etc.)
Prioritize needs instead of wants
School Resources
Take advantage of:
Used textbooks, eBooks, or free resources in the school library
Work-study programs
Scholarships, bursaries, emergency aid
Student Discounts
Many organizations offer student discounts for:
Computers and software
Memberships
Transit
Workplace
Look into allowances and tuition reimbursement offered in your workplace.
Did you know?
Leverage Your Network
Take stock of those supporting you at home, work, and school.
Family
Keep your family in the loop on your schedule and goals. Ask for help when needed.
Work
Many employers support efforts to increase and leverage new skills and may help subsidize costs. Your colleagues, manager, and Human Resources department can point you to these programs.
School
Look into clubs, webinars, and learning supports specific to mature students. On the flip side, remember you have a lot of experience that will help your junior counterparts.
Take Action
Completing your education, though challenging at times, can be life-changing.
Some up-front planning and knowing your options will make for a smooth first year and beyond!
This Byte has been authored by
Brandy Mauro
Passion for Lifelong Learning!