Some 'challenges' you face as a mature student

Studying at a Further Education College can be particularly demanding for mature students. Mature students typically face life circumstances that from time to time interfere with academic commitments.

These include:

The demands of various 'life' roles. Roles as parents, partners, income earners and caretakers of elderly relatives are difficult to juggle on top of study. These demands can be unpredictable. Care and concern for a sick child the day before an assignment is due can place overwhelming pressure on a mature student.

Choosing to study may mean financial sacrifices. Pressure to pay the rent, mortgage, food, electricity and telephone bills as well as having enough money for unexpected expenses can create on-going anxiety.

The demands of lone parenting as a mature student can be especially difficult. Being the only parent available to attend to a child's needs may mean that mature students who are lone parents are constantly caring for others with less likelihood of receiving support and 'time out' for themselves.

Beginning study after a long break from academic work can be scary. Mature students often face fears of 'not being able to make the grade.'

The risk of burnout can be high for mature students. Pre-existing time commitments can make study at College a pressured experience.

Becoming a student at a mature age can feel lonely. Friends and family may not always be supportive and offer less than useful advice. The dominant age group of other students in the College may create a sense of isolation or 'not fitting in.' The circumstances of other students may feel very different from your own.