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 students working together, reading tablet](https://parentsandsupporters.utoronto.ca/wp-content/uploads/mature-students-1024x683.jpg)
![Mature students work together at table](https://parentsandsupporters.utoronto.ca/wp-content/uploads/Mature-Student-Welcome-1024x682.jpg)
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.
![Students laughing and drinking beer outside](https://parentsandsupporters.utoronto.ca/wp-content/uploads/family-care-1024x683.jpg)
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.
![Mom & daughter use a library](https://parentsandsupporters.utoronto.ca/wp-content/uploads/Library-Services-for-students-with-children-1024x683.jpg)
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.