Mature students events and support
If you're over 21 and thinking about applying to ßÏßÏÊÓƵ or are interested in university, join us for events specifically for mature students.
On this page:
In-person events
Take a look at our in-person events available to attend on campus.
Preparing for ßÏßÏÊÓƵ: the Widening Participation team
Date: Wednesday 24 June 2026
Location: ßÏßÏÊÓƵ
The Widening Participation team will be a running an event for contextual and mature offer holders. The day is designed to equip you with the necessary skills to thrive at university.
The team are still finalising plans for the day but the event will focus on the following areas and you can select the elements you are most interested in, such as:
- academic and critical skills, getting you ready for university-level study
- preparing for student jobs, include accessing the careers lab and building a CV
- signposting to practical financial skills and support at university
- an introduction to ßÏßÏÊÓƵ support teams
- getting to know the library and preparing for research
- meeting current students who have experience of transition to Sussex.
Get Started at ßÏßÏÊÓƵ: mature students
Date: 9.30am-4pm, Saturday 19th September 2026
Location: ßÏßÏÊÓƵ
A separate one-day transition event for new undergraduate and foundation year students starting at ßÏßÏÊÓƵ aged 21+ (mature students).
This is aimed at increasing students’ confidence to return to education after a break or later in life, with tailored interactive workshops. You’ll meet other mature students and staff and learn more about study skills and what’s on offer on campus.
Who is it for?
New undergraduate and foundation year students who will be aged 21 or above at the start of their course at ßÏßÏÊÓƵ (mature students).
The programme is designed for students with varied life experiences – whether you took a couple of years out after college, are retraining, coming back to education after having children or studying for pleasure in retirement, this event is for you!
What to expect
This event will include:
- a tailored introduction to life at ßÏßÏÊÓƵ, just for mature students, created by people who understand how it feels
- a range of sessions designed to support learners in all subject areas
- guidance on starting at university a little – or a lot – later in life, with a focus on academic skills and finding your community
- low pressure, interactive workshops, designed to help you build confidence and start to settle into university life
- lots of time to talk to other students and staff.
Express interest by filling in the form and we will contact you before 1st September to finalise your place.
Visit our campus
For mature offer holders we can offer bespoke, individual campus experiences. All experiences will include a tailored campus tour with a current student.
We can also provide personal statement support, information, advise and guidance on applying, funding and offer holder support, with a member of our access team.
Depending on availability, we may be able to visit the department you hope to study and match you with a student who studies in that area.
To enquire about a visit email inspires@sussex.ac.uk.
Attend an Open Day
Our Open Days give you a taste of life at Sussex. Learn more about our courses, chat to current students, attend talks led by mature students and tour campus with our ambassadors.
Campus tours
If you’d like to visit campus but cannot attend either of these events, take a look at our campus tour dates or email inspires@sussex.ac.uk.
Online events
Discover the virtual events you can join.
Book an information session
Get an insight into the rewards and challenges of returning to education as a mature student through our informal online information sessions. You can sign up to join as many events as you want.
Each session will be delivered by University staff and a mature student ambassador.
There are currently no upcoming information sessions.
One-to-one UCAS personal statement support
Book a one-to-one appointment with a member of our Widening Participation team to get support and advice on your personal statement.
We’re offering 20 minute one-to-one ssessions for mature students looking to apply to Sussex. During your appointment, you can ask questions and get guidance on the structure and content of your personal statement.
You’ll need to bring a draft written copy of your personal statement to this session.
How to apply for courses
Find out how to apply for undergraduate courses as a mature student, including what types of qualifications we accept along with experience.
Register for event updates
Contact us
If you'd like more information on applying to ßÏßÏÊÓƵ as a mature student, email inspires@sussex.ac.uk.