Getting back into 'study mode'
Whether you're coming to uni for the first time or you've studied in the past, you may be worried that you've slipped out of 'study mode'. But don't worry - our Learning Centre provides a range of free academic support programs to help bring you up to speed. Their Returning to Study seminar, within the Study Management program, is designed specifically for mature age students.
If you do find it difficult to get back into the swing of things, you can feel secure in the fact that Curtin has a comprehensive support network for all students. There's a number of people you can turn to for help with everything from workload management to changing courses to welfare services.
Managing your workload
As a mature age student, it can sometimes be difficult to fit study into your schedule, especially if you already have work or family commitments. Probably the best way to make sure you keep on top of things is to stay organised: read through your unit outlines (which you receive in your first lecture or study package) and put the all the days and times of your lectures and tutorials into a semester plan. The StudyTrekk guide on the library website describes some ways to best organise your time. Read Studying at Curtin for more info on what you can expect study-wise.
A full-time student would dedicate around 40 hours per week to study but most of our courses are available to study part-time (one or two units per semester), instead of the typical four units you'd study as a full-time student, effectively halving or even quartering the workload per week.
Taking time off
You can take a break from your studies too. It's called leave of absence and can be granted if unforeseen circumstances mean you need to take some time off.
