University of York Students’ Union

1. Booklists are meant to help you with your studies, NOT to confuse you. It is important to find out which books on your list are main texts and/or essential reading. ASK your tutor if it isn´t clear from the list. They are there to help you.

2. Most students use services like the Library or IT Centres at the peak times of 10am to 2pm including lunchtime. Try to use them at off-peak times if you can.

3. Throw off the Imposter Syndrome! Many mature students feel they are at the University under false pretences and that someone will eventually discover them and throw them out. You have earned your place by hard work, determination and commitment, so make the very most of everything and ENJOY IT!

4. Recognise your own biological clock and use it. Ask your self what time of day is best for you to work and for how long can you concentrate, then plan accordingly. Keep some time for yourself, for domestic and social activities.

5. Non-mature students are OK. Remember that other students are just as much in awe of you as you are of them. Try to make friends with all age groups and other nationalities. It´s a great opportunity to mix with a very wide range of people, and YOU are just the kind of adventurous person to take the initiative in getting to know people.

6. Exchange ideas: discussing your work and ideas, sharing notes and reading each other´s work is quite acceptable, though plagiarism isn´t. Working with others helps you to pinpoint what is expected of you academically. Mature students often form their own study support groups, asking second and third year students along to give advice.

7. Learn to discard information: this is difficult to do, but you can´t use all those notes in one piece of work. Keep to what is relevant, though the notes will be useful later for revision. Also, concentrate on what you do well and enjoy.

8. Get used to the feeling of never doing enough and never being finished. There will always be another article or book to read, more notes to make. It´s a way of life!

9. Believe in your own intuition. If a book is not making sense to you, it probably is badly written.

10. Finally, if you feel that you are not coping, ASK PEOPLE. Your tutors, Student Services, the Student Advice Centre, Counselling Service will all be able to offer help. Try to relax and ENJOY your time at university.