About the Mature Students' Community

The community is a space to make new friends, talk about what matters to you or reach out for support.  It's been designed by, and for, Sussex students, whether you're in your early twenties, or much later in life.  

All sessions are drop-ins - come for 5 minutes to grab a coffee and say hi, or stay for the whole 2 hours, it's up to you! (but please, still book a place, to help us order the right amount of refreshments).

We particularly want to offer a space to mature students navigating university for the first time, so some activities may be slightly more relevant to undergraduates than postgraduates, but we are open to all.

Follow our team on Instagram @SussexUniSEE!

Upcoming dates:

We currently run every fortnight: Coffee, tea and snacks are always provided, and you're welcome to bring your lunch. Bookmark this page and save the dates!

Student Centre, Woodland 3:

• Wed 26th March, 12-2pm - CareerLab. Chat informally with our Careers team and find out more about work experience and training opportunities with CareerLab that you may be able to take part in either this or next year. CareerLab offer opportunities for Foundation, Undergraduate and PGT students, but please note application windows open at different times of the year - a full list is available here.

• Tuesday 8th April, 12-2pm - Taskmaster! This week we'll be running some fun, lighthearted 'Taskmaster' style challenges. As always you can drop in whenever you like during the 2 hour session, and there's no pressure to join in if you don't want to (you can just sit and chat) - but we hope you will. Come and join us for some fun!
  
  

The Meeting House

• Wednesday 7th May, 12-2pm - Wellbeing Wednesday: Canine Cuddles! Take a 'paws' from your studies for our wellbeing-themed event. Join us for a chat about how things are going (supported by the University's Wellbeing team), a little treat to take away, and (completely optionally) enjoy some furry time with our adorable four-legged friends*! Perfect for de-stressing, boosting your mood, and bringing smiles and wagging tails to your week.
  (2-3 care dogs from the charity canineconcern.co.uk will be joining this session - they are assessed to ensure that they are calm and friendly around people. If you have any worries, please feel free to reach out to staff on the day or by email SEE@Sussex.ac.uk). 

• Wednesday 21st May, 12-2pm - End of term social, games and picnic. Join us for tasty food, games and (hopefully!) sunshine at our end-of-term picnic. We will be providing a delicious cream tea with scones, sandwiches and cake, including vegan options, and if the weather is nice will sit outside on the grass (picnic blankets and a few seats will be available). 

Previous sessions have included planning for assignments, creative workshops, student voice activities, wellbeing / relaxation, festive fun, games, and more. We typically see between 10 and 40 people at each session.

Please book for the dates you're interested in so you receive reminders and key information. It's also important to help us plan activities and refreshments to avoid waste and ensure the sessions can remain financially sustainable. 

Most sessions will be in Woodland 3, on the ground floor rear corridor of the Student Centre, but some sessions will be in The Meeting House, just next to Library Square. Please check above for details. 

Further information can be found below, but if you have any questions, please do email SEE@Sussex.ac.uk

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Frequently asked questions

Who can attend?
The community is open to all mature students at Sussex, though some activities may be slightly more tailored to undergraduate students. You might be a couple of years older than others, or returning to learning much later in life - by mature student, we mean anyone aged 21+ at the beginning of their undergraduate degree, or 25+ at the beginning of postgraduate studies. We understand that this includes a wide range of experiences - the community programme is being co-created with mature students of varied ages to reflect this.

Who organises it?
The sessions are hosted by staff from Student Experience, and Student Connectors - current mature students like you! We've co-created the Mature Students Community as a student/staff team, based on feedback from students like you about what you'd like to see at Sussex. If you have queries, please email SEE@sussex.ac.uk.

Where does it take place? Is it accessible?
Most sessions will be in Woodland 3, at the back of the building on the ground floor of the Student Centre. For information and photos click here: https://www.accessable.co.uk/university-of-sussex/access-guides/student-centre-building

Is it on the same day and time every fortnight?
We intentionally vary the days to allow as many people to participate as possible. Most sessions take place over lunchtime but please book and check the reminder emails you'll receive just in case there's any changes.

I'm really nervous / I don't know anyone!
We totally understand, and will do our best to help you settle in. Most people won't know anyone, and will come to make new friends. Look out for staff or Student Connectors wearing lanyards - we're there to chat, and we'll help you join in!

Will I have to do anything specific?
No - Each session will be a relaxed drop in, hosted by current students and usually including a short 20-30 min themed, informal activity. We go on the assumption that you may just be popping in for a short while between lectures, so while we may have short activities, everything's optional.

Do I have to book?
It's really helpful if you can, to help us plan activities and order refreshments without too much waste, so we can continue long into the future. It also means we can contact you with a reminder and if there's any last minute changes. 

Do I have to sign in?
Yes please! Whether you come for 5 minutes or 2 hours, please sign in - it helps us evidence the need for the activity and keep it running.