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Getting the most out of ANU as a mature age student
Students at ANU come from all sorts of backgrounds and experiences. Many of our mature age students took different paths after school (sometimes a while ago) and are now ready to start or continue their university journey. Here are some tips on navigating university as a mature age student and continuing your lifelong love of learning!
Overview
- Being a mature age student means that you tick certain boxes. If you don’t know what they are, we have lots of resources available to help you find out.
- Some study techniques never go out of style. Even though you may be returning to study with life experience and prior knowledge of how it’s done, we have some essential tips on nailing your upcoming study.
- Support and community come in abundance at ANU. There’s groups of students just waiting to welcome you in and join you on your next academic journey.
How do you know if you’re a mature age student?
Well, if you’re over 21, and it’s been a while since you completed year 12, you fit the bill! Maybe you took a gap year (or a few), decided to explore a different career path, or now you’re ready to advance your career with some university study. Remember, being over 21 isn't the only requirement to get into an ANU program as a mature age student. You’ll also need to complete a pathway or already have some qualifications we can assess to meet our entry requirements. But don’t worry — plenty of options are available to suit your needs and help you return to study.
There’s so much waiting for you to discover as a mature age student at ANU.
Fine-tune your study methods
You may be out of study practice, but like riding a bike, most people never forget how it’s done! Here are a few key tips that apply to all students, including those who may have more life experience. Also, research some apps. There are so many out there that do everything from helping you concentrate and improve your productivity to sorting your study notes and enhancing mindfulness.
- Manage your time. Develop a weekly planner in whatever format you’re comfortable with. Before you do, consider your learning style, your current commitments, how long your lectures are and how long various tasks take you. Also, factor in study breaks and time for fun.
- Embrace AI. From research assistants to smart note-taking apps, they can save time and make learning easier. Try out different ones to see what works best for you.
- Think about your academic goals. Be realistic about your performance and understand that it may take time to reconnect with your academic skills and realise your expectations.
- Improve your concentration. You can get better at concentrating by taking things step-by-step, being strategic, figuring out your best concentration times and finding the right environment.
- Minimise procrastination. We all do it, and it’s easy to do. But delaying or postponing things can make them even more daunting. Bring it!
- Build resilience. Resilience is an integral quality for both academic success and personal health. Maintaining strong resilience in the face of challenges can enable you to reach your potential and gain satisfaction and enjoyment from your studies.
- Speak with confidence. A bit of nervousness is normal and can even be helpful, but too much can make speaking in front of others tough. Practice speaking confidently to make it easier.
- Talk to your academic staff. Make sure you know your faculty’s rules about your studies and check out online resources and handbooks. Don’t wait to ask for help if you’re having trouble with your classes – the sooner, the better.
- Celebrate your wins. Take time to reward yourself and share your successes with family and friends. Remember, every big journey starts with small steps.
Mature age study is an amazing opportunity to learn new things and challenge yourself to go outside of your comfort zone.
Build support networks
Your first few weeks as a mature age student may feel overwhelming, but there are lots of support networks here to help you settle in. The ANU Students Association (ANUSA) has a Student Survival Guide with all the important info, like public transport and student medical services.
Our Student Assistance Advisors are professional staff, not students, who keep everything confidential. This free service can help with academic, accommodation, financial, physical, mental and sexual assault and harassment support.
We also encourage you to make friends and build a network by attending faculty welcomes and tutorials or just grabbing coffee together. These connections can make your university experience even better.
Going back to uni as a mature age student is an amazing opportunity to build new connections.
Join a club
ANU has over 110 clubs and societies, including sports, cultural, and social communities, ready to welcome you. They include:
- Clubs that focus on disciplines, culture and language, social justice and advocacy, political arts and performance, faith and religion.
- Sporting clubs, including those that focus on ball sports, martial arts, outdoor adventures, performance sports, and more.
Clubs and societies bring other students together who share common interests – perfect for making new friends who also may be returning to study.
Join a student community
ANU has several community groups, a great way to meet other students and connect with people who share your interests. There's a community for you, whether you're into sports, arts, culture, or something else.
- Community Connect Food Relief. This service is for eligible students identified with food insecurity.
- Kitchen Garden program. This fun and sustainable initiative helps students learn to grow, harvest, and cook nutritious foods.
- Set4ANU Mentoring. This is a fun, free, 8-week program designed to prepare students to excel at ANU.
- Griffin Hall Non-residential Community. Griffin Hall offers opportunities for students who don’t live on campus to engage in dynamic and connected university experiences.
There’s no limit to what you can achieve at ANU as a mature age student – from academic success to social fun.
Find out more about the support available for mature age students at ANU.
