Be Yourself

This is the most important thing. Don’t try and be something you’re not. If you’re the kind of mature student who likes art and culture, don’t try and hide that. If you’re the kind of person who is likely to spend your nights playing games like Overwatch, FIFA or Rocket League instead of studying, well, you’ll find people to connect with no problem.

The point is that there’s no disguising that you’re older, so you might as well embrace it. Be who you are, and It’ll save problems in the long run.

Be Patient

The students that you’ll be studying alongside are young and overconfident. There’s at least a decent chance they’ve never had jobs. This can be difficult at time.

But experience does definitely count for something, if only for knowing when to walk away. It’s easier to be the bigger man when you have a few more years under your belt, and have seen more of the world.

But with that patience and experience, know you’re all there to learn, and you’re not necessarily in any better a position than they are.

Get Out of Your Comfort Zone

This is what university is about, regardless of how old you are. Get out of your comfort zone in your studies, in your social life and in your activities. Meet new people, experience new things – try not to say no to anything unless you absolutely have to.

This way you can be sure that you’re stretching yourself, and testing the boundaries of what you are capable of. This is one the most vital parts of the university experience, so have a good time.

Prepare for the Future

It’s never too early to start thinking about what you want to do after leaving university, so start taking as many opportunities as you can early on. It is, ultimately, about getting a better life for yourself. After three years, you want a portfolio of work you can be proud of, and a degree you have earned.

Your age can help you here, so make sure to use your maturity to its best advantage.