Haven't Studied in a While?
If has been a while since you last studied, starting life at university can be a real challenge. As a mature aged student you bring many valuable skills and life experiences to your University studies that can help you suceed in your studies. To help you get started, here are a few mySupport tips on succeeding at Uni as a mature aged student:
Develop a Network at Uni
Research suggests that students who actively connect with university life have a better chance of success with their studies. Whether it is attending social activities, joining online communities or study groups – connecting with the university can help you feel like you are part of a community, which seems to lead to better academic performance.
Take up technology
UoN uses technology for everything from enrolment to exams. Learning resources are available online via Blackboard, assessments are checked for plagarism via Turnitin, you are contacted through Numail for all Uni matters, and MyHub holds all personal enrolment and academic information. As such, you are expected to be computer literate from the onset of your degree. If this is not the case, don't worry - there is support available to you. Bridging courses are an easy way to develop computer literacy skills relevant to Uni studies. If you are too late to undertake a bridging course, why not make an appointment with Learning Development.
Find Study Support at UoN
If you want to brush up on your study skills, Learning Development is a good place to start. Learning Development can help with general study skills, maths help, writing style and many other important aspects of university study.
Another good place to start in getting acquainted with the university is the Library. More than just books, the library can also help with referencing, research skills and getting past exams to help you get familiar with your course assessments.
The University of Newcastle runs PASS (Peer Assisted Study Sessions) for a number of subjects each semester. PASS can help improve your grades, and gives you an opportunity to ask questions of a student who completed the subject last year. For additional information on which subjects have PASS please visit:
Understand Uni Terminology
Uni language can be confusing, especially if you have come from another institution that uses the similar language with slightly different meanings. Have a look at the mySupport Glossary or Ask UON site for definitions of words such as course and program.
For more great mature aged advice read the following: