Hello mature student, many congratulations on gaining your place at Sheffield Hallam University!  Whether you are full time or part time, I’m sure it’s been a huge decision to return to studying.

For most mature students this commitment means juggling work, finances and family life which isn’t easy. The Advice and Information Team are here to help make life easier for you by providing assistance with any issue that affects your studies.

To give you an idea of the support services available at the University that the Advice & Information Team can refer to or advise on, I have put together ten ‘top tips’ for Mature Students :

1)  Get to know your fellow course mates, whether they are fellow mature students or not. University is a great leveller; you will all be studying the same subject and may be expected to work together. Also, finding people to study with is always helpful so make some introductions as soon as possible!

2) Find out where your faculty helpdesk is, and how they can help you. You will have both a Course Administrator and a Student Support Officer based there. Your course will probably involve handing coursework in, and these people can help if you problems meeting submission deadlines for any reason.

3)  Make sure you have all the financial support that you are entitled to. Visit the Student Finance Centre on Surrey level 2 for a ‘check-up’.  I know from personal experience how every penny counts at certain times. If you are receiving benefits or have childcare costs, you can apply for the Sheffield Hallam Student Support Fund now!

Link for more information :  Student Financial Support

4) Take advantage of the Study Skills sessions provided by our learning centres. There are several different study skills group sessions that all students can attend, including academic writing and exam preparation.

Link for more information :   Study Skills Sessions

5) Use everything that is on Blackboard and shuspace. It’s a pretty comprehensive resource, shuspace has referencing help tutorials, university rules and regulations which are helpful if you want to apply for an extension, contact details for your tutors and support staff, and important course announcements to name just a few.

Link :  shuspace & Blackboard

6) Disability Support – Attitudes towards both seen and unseen disabilities have greatly improved, even in recent years. For example, medically diagnosed conditions such as anxiety and depression can be supported by learning contracts. Call into disability support on Owen level 5 for a confidential chat about how we can help you.

Link :  Disabled Student Support Services

7)  Student Wellbeing –  This is a service that has grown considerably in the past five years, as universities recognise the part that personal wellbeing plays in academic success. We also feel it is our responsibility to provide a place where you can talk in confidence with trained counsellors. There are also many self-help tools available addressing subjects such as confidence, stress and loneliness. This personal support is completely confidential.

Link : Student Wellbeing Service

8) Advice Centre – Students’ Union –  This is like a citizens advice bureau for students. Based in the students union they are experts on financial and legal matters. They can look at what benefits you are still entitled to as a student for example, if you have a family to look after. Life as mature student can sometimes be compromised by ‘real life’ – so let the trained advisors make it a little simpler for you.

Link :  Student Union Advice Centre

9) Careers – As a former mature student, I was delighted just to get a place at university, then once there I worked as hard as possible to get through my course. I wish I had thought about my future a bit more, even from the first year. If you are studying for personal development or you are on a very dedicated vocational course to be a trained professional, our Careers and Employment Centre can offer advice ranging from possible careers routes, to practice interviews and application writing. They can also help you find part time work on or off campus, as well as volunteering and work based learning opportunities. You’ve come this far, make sure you are in a strong position at the end of the journey!

Link: Careers and Employment Hub

10) Enjoy yourself!  –  Perhaps that sounds a bit obvious, but it does go pretty fast. There are new and unique relationships to build, and plenty of social opportunities even for the busiest of mature students. A good balance of work and play is recommended by most experts!

Finally, if you ever have any questions or concerns about anything to do with university life or anything that affects it, please come and visit us in the Advice and Information Team on Owen level 5. Our dedicated Student Advisors will offer support and ideas, and are aware of all the support services that the University has. We are here to help you get the most out of your time at Sheffield Hallam University.

Good luck !