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.

You will have support throughout your course from someone in your department, such as a personal tutor who is there to help you.

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. Search 'mature' in the calendar to see upcoming events.

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 you can sign up through the events calendar. 

Blackboard group

The Mature Students at University of Bristol Blackboard group includes useful information on starting at University such as 'Strategies for Study Success Resources'.

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

You'll 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 mid-October, email mature-students-adviser@bristol.ac.uk.

Individual appointments for current students

Maria, the Mature Students Inclusion Officer offers one-to-one coaching and support appointments throughout the year. 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.

SU mature students, parents and carers network

The mature students, parents and carers network is affiliated with the Students' Union (SU). They run a range of events and activities as well as opportunities to meet other mature students in term time.

To stay up to date with what's going on in the network:

• join the network 
• join the Facebook group

We recommend you join both as information on upcoming events and activities is sent out via email and on Facebook. If you are not on Facebook you'll still get information via email if you choose to join the network.

Building up to Bristol

Each September, we run a Building Up to Bristol for mature students course that helps mature students prepare for undergraduate study in an active and practical way. Working together with your peers, you will gain confidence and develop your understanding of academic language and culture. The course has finished for 2023.