Returning to university after 4 years out of education
Hello there,
I think you have to keep in mind that university is entirely different from school, so even school leavers are out of their depth and must re-learn to learn in university! So you're definitely not behind.
That being said, do make sure you keep up with your work, go to all the lectures, seminars, etc etc and don't be afraid to ask for help to your lecturers or any other academic services your university offers!
Hi there!
It is a common worry for those starting education after some time out that they will struggle when they return. I came to uni in my late twenties and this was one of my biggest worries, that I would lack the understanding that others have when it came to writing assignments and that I was generally a bit out of practice. I know many mature students I spoke to who were in the same position also felt the same and it's an understandable concern.
I can say from my experience that you will pick it up quicker than you expect, and you'll be surprised what abilities and skills you have...you just need a bit of practice to get back into it and some guidance - which is what the university is there to help with! 😊
There are lots of resources and systems available at university to help you with the transition and to support you as you go. Here's what helped me:
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Course staff, lectures, tutors, programme leaders - there are lots of staff there to advise you on how to approach your assignments so make sure to reach out, they are there to help you and will know the content and expectations the best! I found getting feedback was one of the most valuable learning tools so try ask for as much as you can. If possible book in for 1:1 meetings to discuss any questions, content or your progress, and remember there's no stupid questions, particularly if they help you to learn. I like to book a meeting with whoever marks my assignments after I've received the mark so I can discuss it with them and really understand how to improve so if this is available to you I really recommend it.
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Library resources, academic writing advice and courses - something available at my university is a course called Wordscope which helps students with academic writing skills. It's always really popular as it covers everything you'd need to improve your writing and really focus on this skill. You could look out for similar things, or also any resources through your university website or anything run through your uni library to advise and help with writing skills. I've found these really make a big difference, if you're struggling to find anything just pop into your uni library and ask where you can find any academic writing skills support.
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Similar to my first point but, don't be afraid of getting things wrong. This is how we learn! I can't reiterate this enough as I know I felt a little shy to ask questions and get things wrong, but it really is how you learn and progress. Ask the questions you need to, ask for more clarification and keep reaching out. Even if you struggle to begin with, if you ask what went wrong then you will be able to improve and change it.
Try not to be too hard on yourself and be patient with the learning process. Before you know it you'll be back into the swing of it 😊
All the best!
Becky
University of Salford Student Rep
Reply 3
Some free online courses from the Open University that might help :
Search | OpenLearn - Open University
and other interesting stuff relevant to Politics :
Free short courses from the Open University | OpenLearn - Open University
Reply 4
Hi there, how you are feeling is completely normal. Returning to education can feel scary and out of your depth. As someone who studies politics at university, my biggest tips for keeping up to date with everything are:
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Read the news frequently- half of politics is knowing what's happening around the world
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Go to your lectures and do the reading
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Keep in touch with your lecturers, and if you are struggling, reach out.
I also have a few book recommendations that I read before I started my degree:
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Why we get the wrong politicians
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democracy for sale
LJMU student ambassador- Sarah
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