Challenges for mature students

If you are returning to college or university after many years out of school, your experience will likely be different than younger students in several ways.

Different life experience
To begin with, you have more life experience than many younger students. That, combined with your age difference, can make it difficult to connect with other students and find a peer group. Given the role of a social network in maintaining mental health, you may need to get a little more creative. Many colleges and universities have societies or associations for mature students.

Remember that your life experience also means that you have a lot to offer your peers and younger students. Over the years you have probably had to learn to accept and live with your disability. Your experiences and strategies could be very helpful for younger students with less life experience.

Additional responsibilities
As an older student, there is more likelihood that you have other responsibilities and pressures. You may have a partner and children. Perhaps you are returning to school part-time and continuing to work part-time. It's important to recognize the realities of these additional stresses, and take them into account when choosing a course load.

Need for skills upgrading
You will also need to take seriously the issue of skills upgrading. If you have been out of school for some time, you may find the discipline of reading, studying, and researching and writing assignments and essays more of a challenge than students who are currently in school. Often college and university courses assume a high level of computer literacy.

Services designed with you in mind
The good news is that many colleges and universities have made a point of taking into account the needs of mature students. They offer specially-designed upgrading courses, academic counseling and support tailored to your needs. Remember, too, that mature students often do better in school than younger students. Those with a disability may find they are more successful as older students because they have better supports in place and are often more motivated than when they were younger.

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