Mature Students

According to the Government and the University, a mature student is anyone who's age 21 or over when they start an undergraduate degree.  However, some people under 21 might think of themselves as mature students, and face the same issues (for example if they have children or other dependants, or if they receive no support from parents), and some postgraduates also consider themselves mature students, even if they were under 21 when they started their first degree.

Where can I go for advice?

• The Students' Union has a Mature Students Officer who represents the interests of mature students on Student Council, and supports individual students.  This position is up for election every October. You can contact them at mature-ubu@bristol.ac.uk

• There is a Mature Students Facebook Group, through which we organise monthly lunches and occasionally other events like Laser Quest. This group has been up and running for two months and is proving popular and successful. It is called 'University of Bristol Matures!!'.

• Student Help has all sorts of useful information, including pages for mature students and those with children

• The University Widening Participation Office produce a handbook for mature students.  They also have a Mature Students Officer, Betsy Bowerman, who can be contacted at betsy.bowerman@bristol.ac.uk

• There are lots of courses available to help with your study skills and other areas, some aimed specifically at mature students - book on-line using COBS (courses on-line booking service)

• The Postgraduate Committee exists to support all postgraduate students.

• The NUS (National Union of Students) runs a Mature Students Campaign and produces materials that we use here at UBU.  They also have a useful briefing on the new Age Discrimination Legislation

What about money?

• The University's Student Funding Office offers advice on finances including grants, loans and bursaries, and has specific pages for postgraduate students and those with dependants.

• The Careers Service hold a list of jobs and offer advice on job hunting or applying for graduate programs, including some specialist information for mature students.

• Prospects provide information for students and graduates on finding work and further study, and have specific resources for mature students.