Mid-year reminders for mature students
At this point in the academic year, university can feel different from when you first started. You’ll likely have had assessment grades, deadlines may be stacking up, energy can dip, and balancing study with your work, caring or family responsibilities can feel more intense.
If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. These mid-year reminders are here to help you pause, reset and remember what’s already working.
Remember your inspiration
Think back to when you chose to return to study. It might have been prompted by a change in career, a chance to pursue a passion or to open new opportunities – that motivation still matters, especially if it feels harder to access right now.
You could try writing a note to yourself or finding a visual representation of what inspired you to start this degree (perhaps a photo of your children, a book that inspired you, or a message to yourself like, ‘You deserve this opportunity.’) Then place this reminder somewhere you’ll see it regularly, like your home study space, the inside of your notebook or even the mantelpiece.
Revisiting your original passion and drive can help put day-to-day pressures into perspective. You don’t need to feel inspired every day, but keeping sight of your ‘why’ can help you keep moving forward.
Remember your strengths
Coming to university after gaining work and life experience, means that you’ve already developed key strengths that support your studies. These might be problem-solving, critical thinking, time management, resilience, professionalism, work ethic, communication, independence and self-motivation.
If you’re doubting yourself or feeling out of place, remind yourself that you’ve already navigated challenges before, you don’t need to know everything (no one does!) and that your experiences add value to your learning.
Progress doesn’t always look linear, especially mid-year – but that doesn’t take away from how capable you are.
Remember you’re a part of UoB’s community
University isn’t just about lectures and assignments. There are so many ways to make the most of your time at UoB, and feeling connected – even in small ways – can have a positive impact on your wellbeing.
Keep an eye on your inbox or on Canvas for activities within your College that you could join. The University What’s On? page lists events from music performances in The Bramall to open lectures on leading research. There are also hundreds of Guild societies, from hobbies like hiking to groups based on shared experience, such as commuter students.
Being a part of the community doesn’t mean constant socialising, just remembering that you’re welcome to take part in everything UoB has to offer and that you’re not in this alone.
Remember work–life balance might look different for you
For many mature students, ‘balance’ doesn’t necessarily mean equal amounts of time – it means finding workable spaces around your existing commitments, like your job or family.
That might involve:
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Studying in short, focused bursts – something the Pomodoro technique encourages. This might be a 25 minute window to focus on one study task before a short break, perhaps to put the washing on, organise something for work, or prep dinner.
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Breaking down bigger tasks into manageable chunks – so that 4,000 word essay isn’t one overwhelming job looming over you that you don’t know how to even start. It’s a review of this key text and that past research; outlining your argument; drafting your first point with supporting evidence… and so on until you’re checking your references!
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Being realistic about what you can take on – there are only 24 hours in a day, and you should be sleeping for about eight of them! Think of your time and energy as a budget and allocate them accordingly. This might mean saying no to some things or redistributing tasks (there’s no shame in asking loved ones for help).
While you’re doing all this, make sure you protect time to rest and recharge – do not underestimate the importance of this. If you don’t make that time, life (or your body) finds a way of forcing you to take it.
And finally, remember that work-life balance is personal and it’s ok if yours looks different from someone else’s. Avoid comparing yourself to others – it’s rarely helpful!
Remember to make the most of student perks
Alongside your workload, being a student comes with practical benefits too!
Are you getting your fill of student discounts? With sites like Student Beans and UNiDAYS you could be save on food, travel and shopping. It’s also worth flashing your ID card wherever you’re shopping and asking if they offer a student discount – you might be surprised where you can make savings! (Like on visits to Birmingham Botanical Gardens…)
Plus, there are often freebies to be found around UoB. From Careers and Welcome fairs, to festivals sharing food, it’s worth engaging with the events taking place on campus. You can also keep your eye on the bi-weekly Brum Bulletin hitting your inbox – there’s always a giveaway to enter!
Remember there’s support if you need it
If things start to feel overwhelming, free support is available, and reaching out is a positive step, not a last resort.
At UoB you can access:
You don’t need to wait until things feel unmanageable to get help. Reaching the middle of the year is an achievement in itself. If things feel tough, it doesn’t mean you’re failing; it means you’re in the thick of learning and growth.
Support is available, flexibility exists, and you’re not expected to manage everything perfectly.
You belong here and we’re here for you if you need it.