Support for mature students
Being a mature student can give you an advantage at university. It might also come with some challenges. We're here to offer information, guidance and support where you need it.
A mature student is defined as someone over the age of 21 at the start of undergraduate study. We'll help you succeed in your studies and get the most out of your time at university.
Termly events
We host a range of termly events designed and delivered by our Mature Student Ambassadors. These events provide an opportunity to connect with other mature students, share experiences, build confidence, and make the most of your time at NTU.
Whether you're looking to expand your support network, develop new skills, pick up useful study tips, or simply take a break and socialise, we encourage you to get involved. Many students find that attending these sessions helps them feel more connected to the University community and better supported throughout their studies.
Please see the event dates below (please note these may be subject to change). Exact room locations will be posted on the Mature Student Community MS Teams site, and calendar invitations will be sent to all mature undergraduate students. Attendance is completely optional, and you're welcome to participate in as many or as few events as you wish.
| Date & Time | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Term One | ||
| Wed 30 Sept, 1-3 pm | Mature students: Kickstart your term together | City Campus |
| Wed 7 Oct, 1-3 pm | Mature students: Kickstart your term together | Clifton Campus |
| Tues 3 Nov, 10am-3 pm | Mature students: Personal development workshop with GRIT | City Campus |
| Wed 4 Nov, 10am-3 pm | Mature students: Personal development workshop with GRIT | Online |
| Wed 2 Dec, 1-3 pm | Mature students: End of term social | Clifton Campus |
| Wed 9 Dec, 1-3 pm | Mature students: End of term social | City Campus |
| Term Two | ||
| Wed 27 Jan, 1-3 pm | Mature students: Welcome back check-in | City Campus |
| Wed 3 Feb, 1-3 pm | Mature students: Welcome back check-in | Clifton Campus |
| Wed 17 March, 1-3 pm | Mature students: Study planning session | City Campus |
| Wed 24 March, 1-3 pm | Mature students: Study planning session | Clifton Campus |
| Term Three | ||
| Thurs 27 May, 1-3 pm | Mature students: End of year celebratory social | Clifton Campus |
| Friday 28 May, 1-3 pm | Mature students: End of year celebratory social | City Campus |
Practical and wellbeing support
Mature students can face specific challenges during their time at university. Our student support colleagues understand, and can help you.
Use our support and wellbeing referral form to request a meeting with a Student Support Adviser or get advice on wellbeing support at NTU. If you're experiencing personal challenges that are impacting your studies, they can:
- offer specific tailored advice by email or phone
- help you to engage with your course team
- help you access other services within NTU.
Find out about our wellbeing service.
You can also contact Nottingham Trent Students’ Union Information and Advice Service. It offers independent, free, confidential advice and support during your time at NTU.
Financial support
We have a range of support available to help you stay in control of your finances while studying at NTU, including money matters workshops and budgeting tools.
You can also contact our student financial support service directly for advice on funding and managing your money.
View parents and students with caring responsibilities information on financial support and funding.
If you are an estranged student, care leaver or care experienced student, and are experiencing financial hardship, you may be able to apply to NTU's Discretionary Hardship Fund.
Academic support
We have a variety of specialist support services on hand. They can help you transition back into learning if you've had a break, and guide you through learning at university in general.
Academic skills support
Attend our online lunchtime learning workshops and webinars to improve your skills in:
- study
- research
- academic writing
- referencing
- maths and stats.
For specific questions and guidance, you can book a book a one-to-one appointment with a member of staff from the Learning and Teaching team.
Skills for success
Find tools and resources to help with:
- time management
- study skills
- information and research skills
- using digital platforms such as Office 365 and NOW.
Timetabling
Find information on timetables, including:
- how to access them
- scheduled release dates
- advice on what to do if you need to change your timetable.
Studying on campus
We understand many mature students may commute and spend full days on our campuses. Here are some recommendations to help you:
- find study spaces that work best for you
- make a hot drink or heat up some lunch while you're here.
Study spaces
- There are various zones in our libraries. They provide a choice of study environments to suit your needs.
- We also have extended study lounges across both our City and Clifton campuses. These offer smaller, quieter study spaces.
- For access to hot water and microwaves, you can visit our self-catering stations across our campuses.
Social networks
It can help to have a support network of like-minded peers with similar experiences. There are several ways you can connect with the NTU community of mature students. These include the following.
- The Mature Student Ambassador Scheme. You can request a meeting with one of our friendly ambassadors to connect with a like-minded student and gain their advice, share your experience and ask any questions. Simply email maturestudents@ntu.ac.uk
- NTU’s Mature Student Community Microsoft Teams site. Please feel free to send a request to be added to this Team if you haven't already.
Accommodation
Our Student Accommodation Services team can offer advice and guidance to all NTU students.
Current students in halls of residence can now also receive advice and wellbeing support from our Student Accommodation Support Officers (SASOs) – contact them on support4halls@ntu.ac.uk
- Emergency support: we have an out-of-hours service which can help you if you find yourself in need of emergency accommodation.
- Financial support: we can provide financial support to students experiencing hardship and acknowledge the additional impact of the cost of living crisis on students with caring or family responsibilities. You can apply for a hardship award or book an appointment and find resources for money advice and budgeting.
- Students with families: for tips on securing accommodation with your spouse or dependents, we recommend using Unipol’s guide on Finding somewhere to live for you and your family. If you are struggling to find accommodation for you and your family you can also use Unipol's message boards to see what is available in the local area.
Parents and those with caring responsibilities
We know some mature students may be parents or have other caring responsibilities. These may bring their own set of challenges for you.
We can provide information and resources to help you plan your time and get the support you need.
Disability and inclusion support
If you're a mature student with a disability or specific learning difficulty, you can contact one of our specialist disability and inclusion services.