Student Wellbeing Services
Mature Students
Menu
General / Welfare
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some of the typical questions and concerns that mature students have voiced at our introductory session. Below each are answers based on the support network available and the experience of current mature students. If you have other questions or useful solutions please contact us.
Q2. I’m really worried I won’t be able to cope?
Q3. How will I feel if I am the only mature student in my seminar group?
Q6. If I am living off campus, where can I go if I want to stay around during the day?
Q7. I’m worried about writing essay, what can I do?
Q8. Everyone will be so much cleverer than I am what if I can't cope?
Q9. How much money will I need to support myself / family?
Q10. Should I work part time work?
Q11. Can I access University e-mail and files from off campus?
--------
Q1. What can I do if my listed reading books are not in the library and I can’t afford to buy copies?
Firstly try to prevent this problem by going to the library early. Alternatively the library has a recall system or you might find the book in the 2nd hand bookshop. There is a short term loan facility which means most of the recommended texts are available for nightly or week end loan. If you can't complete the work in this time you might choose to photocopy selected material. If you cannot find reference material anywhere then it might be an option to change essay titles.
Q2. I’m really worried I won’t be able to cope?
Having achieved entry to the University indicates that you are capable of a high standard of work but please do not be afraid to seek extra help from teaching staff. It is natural that you may feel apprehensive but don’t worry too much this is normal, just take each step as it comes. If you have difficulties you can talk to your subject tutor, personal, other students or central support services. If you feel in crisis or have other problems which are impacting your University experience then you can also talk to a trained counsellor. See Support Network > Counselling Service ' from the menu
Q3. How will I feel if I am the only mature student in my seminar group?
How you feel is very much down to the individual. Often mature students have invested a lot in coming to University and you may find that you are more focussed than younger students in your seminar groups. Feedback from our tutors indicate that they greatly value the willingness of mature students to talk and share ideas. Being more confident or articulate in expressing ideas can therefore often be a very positive factor
Q4. I have been given a seminar time that is late in the afternoon, I have to collect my child from school at that time. What can I do?
Seminar sessions may be repeated so it could be possible to arrange another time that does not conflict with your other commitments. Contact the department to find out if there is this possibility and ensure you let the lecturer know if it is unavoidable for you to miss a seminar. The tutor or a friend may be able to provide notes.
Q5. Will there be a great deal of difference between studying on an access course and the first year of university?
Most mature students don’t find there is much difference in the level of difficulty, although some emphasise the strictness of University deadlines!
Q6. If I am living off campus, where can I go if I want to stay around during the day?
There is a designated room on campus for mature students which is called the “Calder Room” and is located in Bowland College. Beside this area there’s the Cartmel coffee lounge, the library, or sports centre. See 'campus facilities' from the menu. For information on accommodation for mature students please see: http://www.lancs.ac.uk/sbs/mature/accommodation.htm
Q7. I’m worried about writing essay, what can I do?
Take advantage of courses run by SLDC regarding study skills which look at essay writing and reading / research skills. Talk to your lecturer about your concerns and of course practise your skills. Plan your time to give some leeway before deadlines in case of emergencies.
Q8. Everyone will be so much cleverer than I am what if I can't cope?
This is not true………you will most likely find that you can bring many practical life experience / examples to your study. However if you do have difficulty there is the support network in place to help you. Remember that things that do not make sense initially can become clearer later. Don’t hesitate to ask for help, you can be sure other people will be thinking the same.
Q9. How much money will I need to support myself / family?
The amount you will need will depend on your own lifestyle and commitments. For further information on living costs and budgeting see: http://www.lancs.ac.uk/sbs/funding/costsandbudgeting.htm
Student Finance Services can provide one-to-one advice and information to ensure you are receiving all the Government support to which you are entitled. They will also be able to explain the help that might be available through University funds. http://www.lancs.ac.uk/sbs/funding/
Q10. Should I work part time work?
This depends on the academic demands of your course, which can vary across subjects and years, combined with your financial situation. It also depends on how quickly you learn and how hard you want to study. The National Union of Students recommends that your paid employment does not exceed 14 hours per week. It's therefore important to balance your paid employment with course demands to ensure that you maximise your degree result. The Student Union has a job shop which can help you find part time work and there are also employment agencies in town.
Q11. Can I access University e-mail and files from off campus?
Yes, you can access e-mail and files from off campus – for detailed information see: http://www.lancs.ac.uk/users/iss/
Social Events!