Fitting into student life is a common concern for many adults returning to education. Many students at university have progressed into study straight from school but be reassured that our thriving mature student community continues to grow year on year, with over 17% of our undergraduate population defined as mature students – those who are over 21 when they start their course.
As a student, you’re welcome to try anything that takes your fancy. With over 250 clubs and societies you can join, you’re spoilt for choice! Please attend the society and sports fair to meet other students and get a feel for the groups to see which ones you would like to be part of. Most have very low cost to join, which you can find detailed on the UEASU Opportunities pages.
Our award-winning Mature Student Peer Support Group boasts a strong committee of current mature students keen to provide help and support to one another, as well as light relief outside of studies. Over the past two years, we have seen multiple social events, group chats and a growing Facebook community. Find out more, its absolutely free to join so please don't hesitate to get involved.
If you’re balancing other commitments alongside your studies but interested in taking part in sports, UEA Sport host a timetabled schedule of activities available for mature and postgraduate students, including Yoga, fitness classes, running groups, badminton and more. Find out more through this about UEA Sport.
If you use social media, feel free to join our Facebook network.
Our mature student Peer Support Group have arranged for these fantastic ‘mature student’ hoodies so that you can show off your student status with pride, without fear of being mistaken for an academic.
Throughout the year, you will be invited to join regular get togethers on campus. We host a range of activities and opportunities for mature students as well as those who have caring responsibilities. To stay on top of these opportunities and services, you’ll be invited to sign up to receive a regular newsletter throughout term highlighting how to get involved.
You can also join our Learning Enhancement Team on a Thursday in the Warren for Study Together between 11am and 2pm. This relaxed, weekly opportunity supports all students with study and networking so you can chat with staff and other students from a range of disciplines and backgrounds.
At UEA, we have an impressive range of support available for our students. Our services range from talking therapies, to specific disability and wellbeing support and much more. UEA’s Support Services fall into three departments:
- Wellbeing – help with mental health and wellbeing, as well as any Disability related support, including those who may currently be going through a diagnosis of their own.
- Student Life – provide a range of help to students living on and off campus on all aspects of navigating student life, including managing finance, adjusting to study and supporting international students.
- Learning Enhancement Team – are here to help you practice and home in your study techniques and skills. They can offer practical solutions, tips and more in either a one to one or group setting.
You can find more information on the range of support services through their dedicated pages.
If you’re joining UEA this year and you have a known disability or long-term health condition, you can contact our Disability Support team ahead of starting your degree. There is a pre-arrival form you're welcome to submit to make the University aware of the support you may require to help your transition into your studies smoother.
You can find more information on the full range of services on our Supporting you page.
If you’re stuck and unsure which department is best placed to help you, you can pop in and visit the Student Information Zone (SIZ) staff. Based on the street, next to the post shop, the friendly staff will help direct you as necessary. They often have regular teams visit throughout the week, including the Outreach Officer for Mature students on a Thursday. Our current students can also SIZ online.
Mature students and Postgraduate students have access to Scholar’s bar – a dedicated space you can find upstairs in the Union Building. This space also has kitchen facilities available, which include microwaves, a hot water tap for hot drinks, and a fridge which you can utilise as required. Many students use this space to study, relax and catch up with others. Throughout term on a Tuesday evening, you will be welcome to join in on weekly quiz, if you’re available to join.
This space is only accessible with your campus card. If you have issues with accessing the space, please email maturestudents@uea.ac.uk.
If you have any questions, you can contact Gemma on Ask Us or by emailing maturestudents@uea.ac.uk. Or you can find more information by booking a virtual meeting .