Mature students

Specific support is available for mature students to help you get the most out of your time at university.

Mature students are those who are 21 years or older when they start their first undergraduate degree. Our mature student community is diverse, including career changers, parents, and retirees. 

Starting UCL as a mature student can be both exciting and daunting. Whether you have attended university before or not, there is support available to help you get the most out of your time at UCL. 

Academic support   

UCL offers various support services to help you transition back into learning and succeed at university.  

Academic Communication Centre   

The UCL Academic Communication Centre (ACC) helps students develop academic language and skills. It offers one-to-one tutorials, workshops, and courses. These cover critical reading, academic writing, oral communication, and more. 

Academic Writing Support   

UCL provides tips, advice, and courses to improve your academic writing skills. Use these resources for essays, lectures, and assessments. 

Library Services  

Developing your library and information literacy skills before arriving can ease your transition. UCL Library Services supports learning, teaching, and research. LibrarySkills@UCL helps you build your library and information literacy skills. 

LectureCast  

All lectures are recorded and available on Moodle, so you won’t miss out due to additional responsibilities. 

Personal support 

Personal Tutor 

Every student has a Personal Tutor (or a supervisor if you are a research student). They help you with your studies, academic progress, and personal professional development. Personal tutoring is organised by your department. You can find your assigned tutor by logging into Portico.    

UCL Student Success 

Our dedicated Student Success team acts as the key contact for undergraduate mature students. They are happy to be contacted by email from the offer-holder stage onwards and run regular meetups on campus. 

Student Support and Wellbeing Services

We understand mature students may have multiple responsibilities. Our wellbeing, disability, and mental health advisers offer a safe, private, and supportive space. You can talk about any problems affecting your studies. Our advisers are familiar with the issues mature students face and can provide support or direct you to other services. 

Student Advisers 

Student Advisers in your department support you during your first year. 

Career Support 

UCL’s career services supports all current UCL students, researchers, and recent graduates. They help you find the right career path. Sign up with myUCLCareers for virtual CV writing and career skills events. 

Social networks and peer support 

Connecting with peers who have similar experiences can be helpful. Here are some ways to connect with the UCL community of mature students: 

Transition Mentor Programme 

All first-year undergraduate students are assigned a Transition Mentor from their department. This mentor is a second or third-year student. They help with social, academic, and personal issues related to university life. They also run weekly mentoring sessions to help you settle in and meet other students. 

Students' Union UCL 

Mature students are represented in Students' Union by the Mature, Part-time and Carers Student Network. They organise events and bring mature students together, providing a peer network. Contact the Mature and Part-time Students' Officer at su-mpts.officer@ucl.ac.uk. 

Financial support 

UCL offers financial support such as bursaries and scholarships to help with tuition fees and living costs. Prospective students can use our scholarship finder tool. Current students can book an appointment with a Student Funding Adviser to discuss available options. 

Student Funding Advisers  

Student Funding Advisers at UCL offer valuable financial guidance. They help with budgeting, funding applications, and other money matters. Their services include assistance with appeals and study plan changes. 

Financial Assistance Fund  

Students in financial need may be able to access the Financial Assistance Fund. This is discretionary assistance for current UCL students who find themselves in unexpected financial difficulty. This service is available to undergraduate and postgraduate students. 

UCL Student Worker Opportunities  

UCL offers student worker roles like Ambassadors. Check Unitemps and UCL Job Shop for exciting part-time, seasonal, and temporary positions to earn extra cash.  

Student Discounts  

As a university student, you're entitled to various discounts, make the most of them before your status expires. Always ask shops if they offer student discounts and show your student ID or Totum card in-store.   

For online savings, you may be required to sign up to a student discount services like UniDays, Totum or Student Beans. 

Travel support

Student Railcards 

Mature students can apply for a student railcard, typically for ages 16-25 and 26-30. Any mature student can get a 16-25 railcard. Complete the Railcard Application at home and have a university staff member sign to confirm eligibility. 

On-campus facilities

We know many mature students commute and spend full days on campus. There are plenty of places to study and take breaks. You can find and book study spaces as needed. Explore UCL campus facilities to find the best places to eat, shower facilities, water fountains, and travel options. 

Food and Refreshments    

If you need to relax and socialise – there are 24 cafés/bars in Bloomsbury. Make sure to check out all the Food at UCL. The Bloomsbury Shop is a great place to grab a meal deal on campus!   

Kitchen facilities are available with accessible microwaves for student use in multiple locations. Water fountains are accessible in every building. There are also vending machines scattered across to grab a snack on the go 

UCL Go App   

Download the UCL Go App to explore all the on campus facilities available for mature students.