Choosing to go to university at any age is a huge decision but you might feel as if there’s more things to factor in when applying as a mature student. That’s why we’ve put this blog together, to highlight all of the different types of support we have in place for you here at Chester, right from the moment you arrive.
When you start.
In your first week, you’ll be invited to specific welcome events for mature and commuting students. Welcome Week is designed to help you settle in, with lots of different opportunities for you to find out more about the University but also to meet new people in a similar position to you. You’ll receive a ‘Welcome Guide’ packed full of information around starting university as a mature student as well as additional advice and guidance for those of you who will be commuting. Whatever your situation, there’s lots of support and resources available to you so you can get all of your questions answered.
We also have our very own ‘Mature Students’ Facebook group which you will be invited to join. This is a great opportunity to become a part of a close-knit online community, allowing you to instantly connect with other mature students at Chester. You can also join our Mature Students society, which organises socials and provides additional support for all mature students. With 130 societies in the Students’ Union, there’s plenty of opportunity for you to get involved with things outside of the lecture theatre and try something new.
All new students have the opportunity to have a Peer Mentor, a current student who can offer you advice and recommendations on all things student life. Learn from someone who’s been in your position and get all the information you need. You can either chat online or meet for a coffee. Either way, they’re a friendly face who can share their university knowledge and experience with you.
We’re here to help.
You might be slightly worried about how you’ll manage your time once you’ve started your studies. It’s likely that, as a mature student, you may have other commitments outside of university. From having your own family, to running a home or additional employment, it might seem daunting trying to fit everything in! Whether you have a specific need or would just like some guidance, we have a whole package of professional student support in place for you, whenever you need it.
This includes:
- Onsite childcare facilities at our Creative Campus, Kingsway
- Disability and Inclusion support
- International Centre supporting admissions and recruitment and tailored support with Student Services
- Wellbeing sessions
- Counselling service
- Specific learning difference support
- Academic skills support
- Induction and transition to university support.
Countless opportunities for you to make the most of.
As a student of Chester, you’ll also have access to a whole range of resources and services to help you develop as a person whilst you’re studying with us. Every student is assigned a Personal Academic Tutor (PAT) before they start; someone who will guide and inspire you throughout your degree. In your second year, our integrated Work Based Learning module helps get you connected to a network of industries and gain valuable real-world experience. You also have the chance to learn a new language as part of our ‘Languages for All’ scheme – it’s free and a really worthwhile opportunity if you’re looking to learn a new skill.
It’s our priority to make sure that throughout your degree, the experiences you have will help you to become career ready. Our Careers and Employability team will support you from the moment you arrive up until two years after you graduate. They will work closely with you, supporting you through all the stages of career planning, from creating career ideas through to action planning, as well as valuable 1-1 Career Chats and guidance appointments.
Volunteering at University is another great way to meet new people, build transferrable skills and give back to your local community. The Volunteering and Mentoring team offer a series of bespoke student-led volunteering opportunities that any student can get involved with! You can even start your own project and enhance key employability skills whilst doing your bit for the local community.
If you’re wondering whether studying as a mature student is the right decision for you, rest assured that the University of Chester has a thriving mature student community ready to welcome you. For more information about studying with us, take a look at our full course list or book a place at one of our events.
