Trent University :: Academic Skills Centre

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Our Fall/Winter Hours of Service:

Monday to Friday
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Closed 12:00 p.m. until 1:00 p.m.

Drop-in sessions are reserved for Mondays.

Individual appointments are scheduled on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.

Mature Students

University is an exciting and challenging experience. Returning to school after a year (or ten) away, you may justifiably be nervous. However, you bring a world of experience with you and have already honed many of the skills necessary for success.

You Are Not Alone

Mature students are one of the fastest growing student demographics. You will find many peers on campus who understand you and can join you in strategizing, studying, commiserating and celebrating your educational journey.

How To "Do School"

You already have many valuable skills. "How to 'Do School'" explores key strategies, resources and dispositions that will turbocharge your academic journey.

Activate Different Support Groups

Tell friends and family how important education is to you. Solicit help (for example, child care). Explain that you will be less available. Discuss your transitions with those close to you. On campus, you will see that you have much in common with classmates who are not mature students. Students sharing challenges are an invaluable support.

Be Active

Form study groups. Speak in class. Talk to professors. Get involved in student organizations. Campus life will ground and inspire you; your life experience will inspire others.

Build Relationships with Professors and Tutors

Academics have a passion for their field (be it mice, ice, lice or spice). If you show some interest, they will be delighted to speak with you. While professors can be busy with research and teaching, do not be intimidated. Think about it: how many students approach them with an interest in their chosen field? If you do, they’ll notice.

Use the Network of Support Services at Trent

There is a fabulous network of people dedicated to helping you at Trent. Services include the Academic Skills Centre, Career Centre, Disability Services Office and Academic Advising . Other important supports include Housing, Counseling, the Trent Central Student Association, Spiritual Affairs Coordinator and the Trent Queer Collective. The Trent Central Student Association has a Mature Student Commissioner representing you on its Board of Directors.

Computer Woes?

Manage your time carefully and pace yourself: you do not want to encounter a new computer program the night before an assignment is due. Computers, Scholarship and Trent is a short document that will help you find resources and support for navigating campus computer systems (for example, myTrent, the library or myLearningSystem).