Being a student is one of the most exciting times in a person’s life, full of firsts, freedom, and finding your feet. However, for mature students returning to education the excitement of starting a new pathway might be accompanied by other emotions such as nervousness, stress and uncertainty over the process of going ‘back to school’.

With a few mindful choices you can approach your learning journey the smart way. By making sure to set yourself up for the year ahead with smart habits you can make university life work for you and you’ll be prepared for any challenges or roadblocks. You’ll be more than ready to embrace the amazing educational journey that awaits.

Drop into the Students' Union

The first port of call for mature students seeking assistance with factors that may impact their progress as a student should be the Students' Union, which is located within the One Elmwood building. There are several support systems set up to assist with financial issues, study and wellbeing advice, mental health support, flexibility due to care/childcare responsibilities and more. Don’t hesitate to make an appointment or drop in (check relevant service information) and see how they can help you on your journey.

Supporting your success

There are also support systems tailored specifically to mature students which offer tailored learning support advice, check out the Mature Students link below for specific details. For mature students with childcare responsibilities, the university provides its own childcare facilities for example; financial assistance towards the cost of the childcare facility may be available depending on circumstances. Citizens Advice may also be able to provide information on assistance to mature students provided by the government such as Childcare Grant or Parents' Learning Allowance.

Find out more about Accessible Learning Support at Queen's

Uniquely qualified

Mature students have a secret superpower as they bring with them a wealth of lifetime of skill and experience. As you navigate your studies, look for ways to apply what you’ve already mastered in the world of work to a fresh academic context. Perhaps you can even share some of these skills with your peers, for example working within a team to design a great presentation and anticipating questions from the audience ahead of time.

Avoid Imposter syndrome

Imposter syndrome is a phenomenon that causes an individual to have difficulty believing in themselves and is associated with a feeling that success has not been deserved or earnt despite evidence of past and current successes. Imposter syndrome can be the cause of missed opportunities and a lack of confidence in the academic world, so it is important to be aware of and take steps to remedy imposter syndrome. It is important from time to time to take a step back to reflect on past achievements, celebrate wins and remember how hard you have worked to get to the pathway you find yourself on. 

High society

Student societies don’t have to mean sports and academia, there are a vast range of societies to get involved with at Queen’s, with a society to suit almost any student’s interests as well as the dedicated Mature Students’ Society. There are also exciting extracurricular societies such as the Mountaineering Club, Queen’s Rowing Club and the Snowsports Club which will be sure to whisk you out of the library and on an adventure. These groups are always very keen to bring new members onboard and you will have access to a fantastic range of new hobbies and interests.

My hiking boots

You’re not alone

Mature students currently make up around 10 per cent of the total undergraduate body at Queen’s University so it is important to keep in mind that you are part of a large group of students who will be studying different courses but with similar circumstances. Everybody has their own personal motivations for returning to study, but you are sure to find common ground and shared stories by connecting with other mature students.

Explore the facilities

Queen’s University has a world class campus filled with absolutely fantastic facilities. As well as having an Award-Winning Library in the McClay Library, the campus also boasts the stunning One Elmwood building just a hop across the road from the Lanyon building, itself a beautiful building which dates back to 1849. While strolling the library shelves be sure to pop by the C.S. Lewis Reading Room which provides a cosy study area surrounded by C.S. Lewis decor.

CS Lewis Reading Room in the McClay Library

Taking time out

Don’t forget leisure time! Check out Mandela Hall for top class music and comedy, the university’s very own boutique cinema Queen's Film Theatre, and of course the student gym the PEC which boasts a fitness area with cardio and weights equipment, a 25m swimming pool, exercise studios, squash and handball courts, climbing walls, and outdoor 3G pitches. Also make sure to check out the Thomas J. Moran Graduate School for support and additional study space.

Finding your rhythm

Time management is likely to be of top importance as mature students are balancing responsibilities such as parenting, employment and care activities with their studies. A good practice to get into could be setting time aside at the end of every week to plot out how these responsibilities will be managed and to pinpoint any potential conflicts. Where any timetable conflicts occur, you will be able to pick up on these early and secure childcare cover for example, or make arrangements for school pickups.

Remember to have fun

Finally, make sure to remember to enjoy the university journey that awaits you and to get involved with university life as much as you feel like you can. Remember to have fun and treat yourself with rewards whenever you accomplish any milestones and achievements associated with your path of study. Take things at your own pace, and with the right support and time management in place, you’ll be ready to thrive as a mature student.

Find out more

UCAS: Support for Mature Students

Mature Student support at Queen's

Life as a Mature Student at Queen's

QUBSU: Practical Help and Support

The Pantry: Free Refill Station

Beth Knights Software Development | Postgraduate Student Beth is a postgraduate student at Queen’s University Belfast, currently taking a course in Software Development to pursue a career change. With a background in finance and a passion for lifelong learning, she has returned to university as a mature student to embrace new challenges in the sector of software development and data analytics. Outside of her studies, Beth enjoys sailing, hiking, and exploring the hidden corners of Ireland, bringing an unstoppable desire for adventure on every trip.