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.

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. Their Peer Support Scheme puts you in touch with other students who've had similar issues in the past.

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.

For parents and students with caring responsibilities, you can find more information on financial support and funding here.

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 one-to-one appointment with:

Mature student booster

Sometimes mature students feel less confident about studying than those coming straight from school. This scheme recognises that, and offers you personalised support to help you succeed. Visit the Knowledge Boosters Portal to complete a brief survey and a Library Student Mentor from your School will be in touch. They will arrange a time that fits in with your studies and other responsibilities, and work with you to find useful tips about the aspects of university study you feel least confident about.

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 a microwave on City Campus, visit the Student Kitchen in the Dryden Building, Level 0. This is building 9 on the campus map. You can also find your best route using MazeMap.

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.

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 here.
  • 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.

  • Last updated: 07/12/2023