Top Tips for Going to Uni as a Mature Student

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What is a mature student? 

If you’re aged 21 or above and you start an undergraduate degree, you’re now technically classed as a mature student. Between 2019-2020, over one-third of all undergraduate entrants in UK universities were mature students. 

Why study as a mature student? 

Being a mature student at university reaps many benefits: 

• Increases your employability

• Become more qualified in a particular field

• Potentially experience life in a new city

• Progress higher in your career

Our top tips for mature uni students 

Here are our top tips to help you make the most of your university experience and thrive as a mature student. 

Find what works for you 

If it has been a while since you last studied, it might be worthwhile refreshing your memory about how to study effectively. Remind yourself of referencing expectations, how to take effective notes, and how to plan essays. 

Keep a positive attitude 

If you’re applying to uni as a mature student, it might have been a while since you last studied. Studying later in life, however, is incredibly valuable. You can bring in your life experiences to reflect on what you’ve learnt and apply skills you already have to benefit your work at uni. 

You’ll also, most likely, have a clear idea of what you want to use your degree towards. As a mature student, you won’t have to worry about what you’re going to do with a degree, like many younger undergraduates! 

Keep track of your budget 

Whether you’re working while completing your undergraduate degree or not, it’s important to budget your money. Amongst your assignments, exams, and possible part-time or full-time work, you’re going to need to keep track of what you’re spending. 

To help ease this pressure, some unis have options to apply for bursaries, scholarships, and grants. You may also be eligible for student finance loans, so this is something to research and find out before you start your undergraduate course. 

Here are some financial benefits of being a mature student: 

• Students (of any age) on full-time courses are exempt from council tax

• Public transport discounts

• Restaurant discounts

• Shopping brand discounts

Take a look at the latest student deals here… 

Don’t be afraid to socialise 

Most undergraduate students are 18-21 years of age and it might - at first - seem difficult to fit in. The great thing about university is that it is what you make it. Taking the first step to speak to somebody new could open up a whole range of possibilities for what happens next. 

Sit next to someone new in your lectures, or engage in discussions in your seminars with people you haven’t spoken to before. You never know what might come of it! 

Remember: there are other mature students 

Even if it seems like you’re the only mature student on your course, you certainly aren’t the sole mature student at the entire university. It’s most likely that the majority of mature students at uni are feeling similar to you. So, talk to them! Find out about how you’re all finding university life! This might open up new possibilities of going for coffee with someone or walking to a lecture with another. 

If you’re close in age, you also might find that you have things in common about your home lives and relationships. There’s an endless amount of things to talk about. 

Join societies 

At most universities, there are societies specifically for mature students. Placing yourself in this environment where you’re surrounded by people who are similar to you may contribute to you feeling less alone in your circumstances. 

Try out swing dancing like you’ve always wanted to, join the acappella group, an orchestra, or a debate club. There are often so many activities and interests to choose from in university societies - make the most of them and the people it puts you into contact with. 

How UniHomes Can Help 

If you’re a mature student and need a place to live in your university city, UniHomes should be your top choice. We offer accommodation to students all across the UK, including mature students. All of the properties we advertise have a bills-included service, we make student living easy. UniHomes is responsible for handling everything complicated so that you don’t have to. 

You’re at uni to focus on your studies, not on what bills need to be paid when. Enjoy uncapped and energy, with no surprise costs. Check out the student accommodation we advertise or contact us today to find out more about our all-inclusive bills packages.