Starting university as a mature student comes with unique challenges and rewards. Now that I’m well into my first year, I’ve had time to reflect on what has helped me navigate this journey. Here are five things I’ve learned so far that may help other mature students settle in and make the most of university life. 

1. You’re not alone 

At first, I worried that I’d be the only mature student in a sea of younger peers. However, I quickly discovered that Sussex has a strong community of mature students, many of whom share similar concerns about returning to education. Engaging with the mature student community has helped me connect with others in the same boat and feel part of the wider university community. It’s worth noting that, once you get to know them, younger students are actually really welcoming, you’ll find that you share many of the same university experiences and can relate more than you might expect. My biggest tip for any mature student is to attend one of the Mature Students' Community events hosted by Belong at Sussex. These gatherings offer a welcoming space to relax, connect with others, and gain valuable academic insights, all while enjoying free tea and coffee. It’s a great way to unwind, share experiences, and feel part of a supportive community. 

2. Imposter syndrome doesn’t last forever

It’s easy to doubt yourself when adjusting to academic life after a break from education. At the start, I often felt like I didn’t belong or that I’d struggle to keep up. However, I soon realised that many students of all ages experience imposter syndrome. Taking advantage of Sussex’s academic skills workshops and study support resources on the Skills Hub has helped me build confidence in my abilities and feel more at home in my studies. 

3. Time management is essential 

Balancing coursework with other responsibilities, like work or family, has been one of the biggest adjustments. I’ve found that setting a study schedule, using time-management techniquesand prioritisingtasks has made a huge difference. Sussex offers tools to help with time management via the Skills Hub,which I wish I’d made use of even sooner! One of the techniques I use the most for managing time is the Eisenhower grid, a great tool that helps prioritise tasks based on urgency and importance.  

Caption: An example of an Eisenhower grid, which categorises tasks by urgency and importance. 

4. Seeking support is key 

Initially, I hesitated to seek help, assuming I should be able to manage everything on my own. However, I’ve learned that using the University’s support services can make a big difference. Whether it’s speaking with academic advisors, accessing wellbeing support, or getting financial guidance from the Student Centre, these resources are there to help and I would highly recommend taking advantage of them before you feel overwhelmed. Personally, making use of the office hours offered by my school’sacademic advisors has worked great for my anxiety around my academic work. 

5. University life extends beyond academics 

In the beginning, I was focused purely on university work and didn’t think I had time for anything else. However, getting involved in societies, events and networking opportunities has made my experience far more enriching. I am currently the treasurer for the Mature Students Society here at Sussex and it has been a truly great way for me to make connections with other people and really gives me that sense of belonging. We’ve hosted a few events now (with my personal favourite being the wine and cheese night), so if you are like me and are a mature student, please feel free to get involved! Sussex has a wide range of student societies and groups, which has helped me meet like-minded people and make the most of university life beyond studying. 

Being a mature student comes with its own unique challenges, but it also brings plenty of advantages. While adjusting to university life can feel overwhelming at times, I’ve found that building connections, seeking support early, and managing my time effectively have made a huge difference. Sussex offers a wealth of resources, from academic workshops to wellbeing services and dedicated mature student eventsthat can help ease the transition. 

Drew Studies Anthropology and International development at Sussex. He is super passionate about Arsenal football club and understanding how people shape and are shaped by the world around them.