• You've probably waited a long time to get here -- now reap the rewards. Although at times you may feel like you're alone, there are, in fact, thousands of students in undergraduate programs at U of T who are here after a long period away from formal education. Engage fully in the experience by participating in class, attending events, meeting profs during office hours and chatting with classmates.

Whether you’re returning to university after a long time away or starting your post-secondary education for the first time, there’s no doubt that your decision to enrol at U of T involved a lot of careful planning and thought!

Attending school as a mature student can provide many rewards, but can also present challenges that younger students don’t face, so here are four tips to help you make the most out of your university experience:

1. Find your peers. If you feel like you need the support of other mature students, try contacting the Association of Part-time Undergraduate Students (APUS) or the Mature Students Association . There are literally thousands of “later life learners” just like you so reach out and connect with them!
2. Participate. Don’t feel shy about getting involved in class discussions, attending events and joining student groups. Most mature students find that their experiences are highly valued by younger group members. So visit ULife to find out more about getting involved and sign up for one of many organizations on campus that deal with a wide range issues, such as human rights, community service, media, religion and recreation.
3. Gather family support. Communicate openly with your family about what being a student means to you. Let them know that you want to do more than just attend classes and that you might be socializing or involved in other activities outside of class time.
4. Integrate your children into the U of T community. If you have children, they are welcome on campus. We run children’s programs at the Athletic Centre, maintain a Family Resource Centre where parents can gather and plan lots of child-friendly events and offer loads of resources through the Family Care Office.