Going back to university as a mature student can be scary. But it also has the potential to be a life-changing opportunity. It can open new doors for you and help you advance to new levels in your career. And while it’s hard to go back, remember that everyone starts from somewhere, and you just have to stay motivated as a mature student.

But we know that with all the studying, work, family, and other life responsibilities, staying motivated can be an issue. It might seem really difficult but it’s not. With the right mindset, you can excel in no time. Here’s a guide to help you stay motivated as a mature student.

Tip #1: Remember why you went back to studying.

Keeping your “why” in mind is a great way to stay motivated. By remembering your reasons for going back to university, you will be able to focus on your goals and push through the bad days.

Ask yourself “Why am I doing this?” and write the reasons down. Make sure to write them somewhere easily visible so that you can look at them often.  This will help you remember the reason why going back to university is important for you.

Tip #2: Identify your goals.

Before you get started, it is important to know what you hope to achieve as a mature student going back to university.  Understand how exactly you’re going to benefit from this situation and how being a mature student is going to help you achieve your goals.  By having your goals in mind you’ll be able to make a clear plan for yourself on how to achieve them.

Another important factor in staying motivated as a mature student is having realistic goals. Focus on small, achievable goals. For example, instead of saying you’ll ace your course, try telling yourself you’ll ace a single quiz, exam, assignment, etc. Take one step at a time.

Whenever you achieve a goal, no matter how small, remember to celebrate it. Celebrating small achievements is another way to stay motivated as a mature student.

What are some other goals you can focus on? They don’t have to be too complicated, they can be something as simple as finishing an assignment before the deadline or participating in class discussions.

Tip #3: Set a realistic timeline.

As a mature learner, you’ll probably have a lot of responsibilities along with studying. This can be super overwhelming. Especially with work commitments and family pressures, you may feel like you are not doing enough as a student. Or you may feel as if you are not working through your learning as quickly as everyone else is.

This feeling is very demotivating, which is why it’s very important to set up a realistic timeline for yourself to follow. Otherwise, managing everything can become a chore!

If you want to stay motivated as a mature student, the best tip anyone can give you is to plan ahead! Planning ahead can save you from a ton of last-minute stress. Try to create a realistic study schedule that fits your lifestyle.

When you were younger you might’ve just gotten by pulling an all-nighter and cramming the study material at the last minute, but unfortunately, that’s not possible as a mature student. Try to use planners to track your deadlines and allocate specific study times. Otherwise, managing everything becomes difficult.

If you want a more in-depth university guide, check out the Complete University Guide for mature students.

Tip #4.  Take Breaks and Avoid Burnout

It’s so important to practice self-care as a mature student. Studying can be physically and mentally tiring so don’t forget to look after yourself while studying.

Don’t try to put pressure on yourself and try to do a studying marathon. Studying non-stop is a one-way ticket to burnout. So make sure to avoid burnout by taking breaks.  Give yourself permission to relax!

The Pomodoro technique is a popular tip with students these days! In this method you study for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break. It helps you stay focused.

Other things you can do to avoid burnout and stay motivated as a mature student are, taking walks, exercising, being in nature, etc. Don’t forget to get enough sleep! Your brain works best when it’s well-rested.

Tip #5. Ensure you have a supportive network around you.

Studying can be a challenge in itself. But returning to studying after a long time as a mature student, is even more difficult. It’s normal to feel scared or unmotivated. That’s why it’s so important to have a supportive network around you that will help you stay motivated as a mature student.

A support network can include anyone. This can be family members, friends, study buddies, or even a mentor. The only thing that matters is to surround yourself with people who will encourage and support you. And who genuinely wants the best for you?

There are many ways to build a support network; for example, you can join study groups or online forums with other students. You can try to find groups of mature students so that you don’t feel alone. Don’t be afraid to connect with your professors and ask for help if you ever need it.

Remember, having people around for this journey will make it much more fun and less overwhelming.

Conclusion

Imagine yourself graduating, and achieving all your goals. Imagine how your life will be different after graduating. This visualization will be a huge help in staying motivated.

We know that being a mature student comes with challenges, but it also comes with many rewards. So be kind to yourself, stay focused and patient, and enjoy the ride! Follow Enrollmate to stay motivated as a mature student and you can manage it all like a pro.

You’ve got this!