As a mature student with children I have at times felt a little out of the loop at uni. Of course, some of this is because I am a lot older than some of the students and they crack about being young and lovely and fun while I, well, don't.
I am doing some training next week to become a mentor and I have had an idea I might put forward to the organisers.
I am proposing a support group for mature students, not just parents, where we meet up once a month during the day and everyone shares how they are getting on, any problems etc. I think I would have got a lot out of this in my first year, especially after the relatively 'protected' feeling of the access course. I would arrange it and email everyone, maybe even hold two a month because of differing schedules etc. I think the 'organised' aspect would help it get off the ground.
There are welcome events at uni but they are always in the evening and I know many of us with children couldn't attend. Plus many of them involve just getting pissed, which isn't a viable option on a school night! I think the group would help everyone get to know each other and people would naturally form friendships and therefore the support networks we all need.
What do you think? Would this have helped you?