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Mature Students

Current Students

Orientation Programme for Mature Students

A two-day Orientation Programme for Mature Students takes place each year prior to commencement of lectures.

This Programme is provided for students who have been offered a place at this University. It aims to provide new students with a wide range of information, which will help them cope with the transition to university life and study. It familiarises students with the campus and the Library, and provides information on finance, accessing support, subject requirements and study skills.

Advisory Service

The Mature Student Officer, Emer Sheerin, provides an Advisory Service to all registered mature students, on a one-to-one basis. The Officer can be the first ‘port of call’ for mature students, and can offer assistance and guidance in any area in which a student is experiencing difficulties, whether academic or personal. Where appropriate, students will be referred to other support services within the University.

Support through this service is accessible through drop-in hours or by appointment.

Seminars for Mature Students

In addition to individual support and advice, study skills seminars are provided throughout the year. These seminars provide opportunities for meeting other mature students experiencing similar challenges, as well as gaining advice on study issues. The seminars or workshops cover a range of skills particularly useful for mature students such as 'library skills', basic computer skills, time management, note-taking, academic essay writing, and examination techniques.

Mathematics Support Centre

Students who need to improve their mathematics skills can attend weekly workshops or follow a self-directed programme through Moodle. These workshops and courses are available to all students, but would be particularly useful for those studying Mathematics, Economics, Finance, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Computer Science, Engineering and Psychology.
More information is available from the Mathematics Support Centre.

Essay Support for Mature Students

All students are required to submit written assignments throughout their time in college. Academic essay writing is a skill that most people need help with whether they are here directly from school or coming to college as a mature student.

A number of essay writing seminars are held each year and the Mature Student Office can also provide help to students around essay writing on a one-to-one basis throughout the year.

Learning Support for Mature Students

There are a limited number of places available for mature students in their first year at NUIM to attend a group learning support module called Student+ with a strong online component. Student+ is a 20-week academic skills module which is designed to help students to become effective, independent learners at third level.

Mature Student Academic Advisors

As part of the mature student support programme at NUI Maynooth, each academic department of the University nominates one of its academic staff members to become a mentor or advisor for mature students in their particular subject.

An Advisor in this regard is someone whose experience of the University, and of their own subject, can be drawn upon by a student when any kind of advice and support is needed.

In the establishment of Mature Student Academic Advisors, NUI Maynooth recognises that mature students have particular needs in return to learning that require extra support from time to time.

An updated list of the Mature Student Advisors is available at the beginning of term each year from the Mature Student Office. The current list is available on the 2009/10 list of Academic Advisors.

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Support for Students with Disabilities

There are a wide range of supports for those students who have a disability. For a full list of all supports offered by our Disability Officer see our Disability Office section of the website.

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Learning Support

Mature students who feel they need help with their learning in terms of how they learn or how to manage their learning can avail of one-to-one learning support.

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Careers Advice

Mature students wanting to explore career ideas, postgraduate study of employment options can avail of the services of the Career Development Centre. Check out the Careers service on http://careers.nuim.ie/.

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Academic Advisory Office

Students seeking particular information on University regulations and progression routes to their degree, can avail of the services of the Academic Advisory Office. See http://academicadvisory.nuim.ie/ for more information.

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Social Activities

Mature Student Christmas Dinner 2008The Mature Students Society acts as a social and educational support group for Mature Students.

Last year there were over 100 members and a very dedicated committee to help organize events, run the weekly meetings and spend the money! In years gone by, the Society’s events have included pub quizzes, wine receptions, the annual Christmas dinner, and Alternative RAG Week. The Society strongly encourages people to join, as this is a great way of meeting other mature students from different years.

In 2005 the Society was successful in obtaining a common room of its own located in the Students' Union Centre. The Common Room is located in the Student Centre, North Campus. All mature students are encouraged to drop in at any time: advice, tea, sympathy, books and gossip are freely available. In addition, a Coffee Morning takes place every Wednesday from 10.00-12 noon in the room.

Counselling Service

The Counselling Service offers a confidential professional service, free of charge to all students attending NUI Maynooth. See http://counselling.nuim.ie for more information.

Crèche facilities at NUI Maynooth

Childcare is provided for staff and students on campus in the University crèche. There are a limited number of places available each year. Application for a place in the crèche should be made to the Crèche Supervisor at (01) 708 3319.

The term opening hours are 8.45 a.m. to 6.15 p.m. The out of term opening hours are 9.00 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. The age limit for crèche users is 6 weeks to school age. A playgroup is provided for children of 3 years and over. An after school service (children up to 12 years) is also provided. For more information visit the crèche website on http://creche.nuim.ie/

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Accommodation

NUI Maynooth currently houses nearly 900 students on campus. There are specific apartments available for mature students and a limited number of spaces available for students with children. All prospective students may apply through the Residence Office for campus housing (Tel: 01-703 3322). Early application is advisable. See http://residence.nuim.ie/ for more information.

Students can also book on campus accommodation for once-off overnight stays. If there is a function you wish to go to on the campus or you have to stay late in the Library finishing off an essay, or if you commute long distance every day and would like to stay here one evening a week, then visit the Maynooth Campus website on http://www.maynoothcampus.com/ and check out the range of accommodation options available to you.

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