We have a dedicated Student Inclusion Officer and a team of Mature Student Advocates who can help you settle in and make the best possible start in your studies. They will be there to support you throughout your studies.

You will also have support throughout your course from someone in your department, such as a personal tutor who is there to help you. You can also access support from a range of services. This includes both study support and personal support. 

You can also request a peer mentor to help you in the first few months of the year.

Make sure you read the rest of our information for new students too.

Events

We run a range of events and activities for mature students throughout the year. Filter' the events calendar by the "mature students" category to see upcoming events.

Our welcome programme will run from Wednesday 4 September to Thursday 12 September. 

Welcome events

Building Up to Bristol sessions

Our Building Up to Bristol sessions help mature students prepare for undergraduate study. You will work together to gain confidence and learn more about academic language and culture. These sessions will help you to:

• practice critical reading, reflect on your learning, and get the most out of your lectures
• listen and respond in a constructive way when working in a team or seminar context
• develop writing styles and processes for a variety of academic contexts
• understand the expectations of your academic community, and how to engage with feedback.

Coffee morning

This offers a chance to meet other students, and have a campus tour before term starts.

Mature student introduction day (Monday 9 September)

Our Introduction Day helps mature students to find out more about University support. It also offers a valuable opportunity to meet other new students. You can also hear from current students about their University journey and top tips.

Strategies for study success sessions (Monday 9 or Thursday 12 September)

These sessions give a brief introduction to the Study Skills Service. They will introduce you to eight study skills strategies to help you succeed.

Events throughout the year

Mature student mingles

Mingles are an opportunity to meet with other mature students, Mature Student Advocates and the Mature Students Inclusion Officer.

They will also give you valuable opportunities to find out more about different aspects of the University, such as Careers, Funding etc.

It's a great opportunity to meet other students, across all years, take a breather and build the mature student community. You can ask questions, chat and share experiences in an informal setting.

These events are open to all students in all years. There will always be refreshments available and you can drop in at any point during the session.

Mingles are monthly during term time and are listed on the events calendar. 

Blackboard group

The Mature Students at University of Bristol Blackboard group includes useful information to support your studies such as resources from the sessions we run.

The resources are aimed at Foundation and UG students. You'll also get regular newsletter updates via this group.

You should be added to the group within the first few weeks of term and can also choose to opt-out. If you think you don't have access by the end of September, email mature-students-adviser@bristol.ac.uk to be added.

Individual appointments for current students

Maria, the Mature Students Inclusion Officer offers one-to-one coaching and support appointments throughout the year. This provides an opportunity to work through any concerns and to help you access support.

You can choose to meet in person, online (Microsoft Teams, Zoom etc.) or just to talk on the phone. 

Email mature-students-adviser@bristol.ac.uk to arrange an appointment.

Mature Student Advocates

Mature Student Advocates are current students who are available to act as peer mentors to first-year students. They also help to run events and activities throughout the year to help improve the mature and part-time student experience at University.