Mature students are self-identified students beginning or resuming their postsecondary studies after a break (usually 5 or more years) from formal education.
Every student who comes to U of T has followed their own unique pathway to postsecondary education. As a family or a friend supporting a mature U of T student, please know that students come to U of T with a variety of backgrounds, experiences and life circumstances. Our diverse community is one of the best things about U of T!
No matter how your student chooses to define themselves, U of T strives to be an inclusive and supportive environment for all learners. There are so many ways to be a U of T student.
Mature Student Welcome
During orientation in September, U of T Student Life, offers welcome events for mature students to learn about programs and services available to them and to help them to connect with other mature students. Students enrolled at U of T may register for mature student-specific programming via CLNx. Visit Student Life’s Orientation, Engagement and Transition website for more information about the Mature Student Welcome event.
Family Care Office
Some mature students may have family responsibilities, such as being a caregiver or parent. The Family Care Office (FCO) provides confidential guidance, resources, referrals, educational programming and advocacy for U of T students, staff and their families. In addition to providing resources and peer support programming, the FCO frequently holds in-person and virtual events just for students with children and family responsibilities. For more information about the FCO, visit their website or events page.
Library services for students with children
Several U of T libraries welcome student parents through special programming and services for children, such as the Family Study Space at Robarts and learning resources for students with children. Check out U of T’s library website for more details.