Starting university for the first time can be pretty daunting at any age – but it can be particularly challenging if you’re a mature age student.
Perhaps you took a gap year, or maybe you raised a family before going to uni. There are many reasons why people decide to enter uni as an adult. In fact, it’s more common than you might think. Around half of our students at Flinders come from adult entry backgrounds.
So if you're in the same boat, here’s some tried and tested advice to make your transition to uni a little easier.
1. Set realistic study goals
Before you hit the ground running at uni, it’s important to make sure you can realistically balance study with your existing family or work commitments. Take some time to plan your calendar – determine how many hours a week you can commit to study, and block out a regular time each week to work on assignments. Setting realistic expectations will help you stay on top of your studies.
2. Choose a flexible program
What works for another student might not work for you, so consider a study option that suits your schedule. If you’re juggling work or a young family, online study could be a good idea. This allows you to work at a pace – and place – that fits in with your lifestyle. Flinders offers a range of online degrees, with plenty of support available to students.
3. Get prepared with Foundation Studies
If you haven't studied in a while, our Foundation Studies Program is a great way to prepare you for university studies. No matter what your background, this 4-month program allows you to brush up on key study skills like academic writing, literacy and numeracy. The best part is, if you successfully complete Foundation Studies, you’ll be guaranteed entry into a number of undergraduate degrees at Flinders.
