Being successful as a mature student is all about time management.
Being a mature student is just like being any other student, but with more studying and better food. While your work friends will think you're dossing, your student friends won't believe how many hours you spend in libraries. And in supermarkets.
One reason mature students work so hard is that they often feel they are intellectual imposters just waiting to be found out. So it is important to recognise you have earned your place at university and have as much right to be there as anyone else.
Being successful as a mature student is all about time management. You will need to explain to family and friends that an essay is not something that can be dashed off on the plane to a weekend minibreak or while waiting for your kids' taekwondo class to finish. But don't get so wrapped up in your studies you forget you have other things in your life.
And don't forget your lecturers have a life outside university too. While they will be thrilled at your enthusiasm, they may not want to discuss your 4am flash of inspiration at 4am - or even 7am.
Don't be nervous about sharing such flashes in a seminar, however, even if the other students have a lot more attitude, and hair, than you do. And try to resist showing how exasperated you are by their ignorance. Allow others to answer the questions sometimes. When you do answer, avoid overusing the words "when I was ..." and certainly the words "when I was your age ...", especially if you are addressing the lecturer.
Bear in mind that newer learning techniques, such as computers, could be worth a look. But don't feel you have to dump all your old habits. Dressing like Russell Brand and using "like" between every word could be a handicap when you return to your old job in the bank.
Nor should you feel obliged to fall in love with your lecturer. In fact, it's far more productive getting to know your fellow students. They may be clueless about many things, but you could find their different perspectives on life illuminating. And it's a great opportunity to learn skills from each other. They can tell you all about how to operate a Second Life avatar, and you can pass on your recipe for salmon en croute.
