I’m Sophie Brown, first year undergraduate psychology student and apparently, old! I'm 24 and decided to pursue a degree after feeling trapped in my previous career.

As a mature student myself, I have an understanding of the unique challenges that ‘older’ students face once they have made the courageous decision to start, return or continue with university study, however, I am confident that those challenges can be overcome if the university has suitable support networks in place that I can do my utmost to help bring about if I am elected. I’m standing for mature student officer because I’m passionate about helping other mature students to get everything out of university that they can.

If I am elected I would seek to understand the issues that the community of mature students face at the university of Essex  and work passionately to resolve them. I would be very keen to advocate for any positive changes any mature students would like to suggest. I would love to liaise with the mature student community to help advocate for positive change. A few ideas of my own that I would explore if I was voted in as mature student officer would be:

    a. Many mature students treat university like a “9-to-5”, commuting in and can’t just pop back to halls if every study space is reserved. I want to create a mature students’ area that also has a quiet corner where mature student can go to study.

    b. I would explore interest in the need to provide regular drop in sessions for mature students and to create an advice and support forum.

    c. Additionally I would like to ensure that there is extra support available for mature students who are responsible for young children.

    d. I will also advocate for the introduction of open and welcome days solely for mature students.

    e. I would explore the avenue of organising social events that don't revolve around drinking alcohol specifically aimed at mature students if there was a demand for it.

    f. And finally I would love to work towards introducing a handbook written by mature students for mature students that can help you embrace the unique experience of being a mature student at the University of Essex!