In this post, Rachael King and Zoe Jones showcase the creation of the Mature and Access Student Society (MASS) – a welcoming hub for anyone who joined the University as a mature or Access student. Rachael is Programme Director of the Part-time Access Programme at the Centre for Open Learning, and Zoe is President of the Mature and Access Student Society and undergraduate student in Edinburgh Futures Institute. This post is part of the Student Partnership Agreement 2025 series.
With support from the Student Partnership Agreement, the collaboration between the Access Programme and the newly established Mature and Access Student Society (MASS) has flourished. What began as a small, student-led idea has grown into a vibrant community that is transforming the experience of those who began their studies later in life or through the Access route.
Thanks to this funding, we hosted a bespoke information session at the University Library, designed specifically for mature and Access students. The Library team offered a tailored introduction to services, spaces, and resources most relevant to learners returning to education or navigating university for the first time. The event was not only practical—providing tips on making the most of the Library—but also social. Students enjoyed a relaxed lunch together, giving them the chance to connect, share experiences, and start building friendships.
For many, it was more than just an information session: it was a moment of recognition and belonging. Mature and Access students often speak of feeling ‘othered’ or slightly out of place within the traditional student community. This event created a space that acknowledged those experiences while celebrating the strengths, perspectives, and resilience that mature learners bring to the University.
MASS: From vision to vibrant community
Funding also played a vital role in helping MASS establish itself in its first year. Founded by and for students, MASS quickly became a welcoming hub for anyone who joined the University as a mature or Access student. It provided a platform for peer support, networking, and community—ensuring that no student felt they had to navigate university life alone.
From the outset, MASS positioned itself as more than a social group. Its committee worked closely with the Access Programme, the Students’ Association, and other partners to design events that were both inclusive and meaningful. Activities ranged from informal coffee meet-ups to practical workshops, each carefully tailored to the needs of mature and Access students.
The society’s first year culminated in an outstanding Welcome Week, where MASS events attracted a remarkable turnout. Students from across disciplines and backgrounds came together to share stories, form friendships, and celebrate their place in the wider University community. For many, it was the first time they felt truly recognised as part of the student body.
Why this matters
The success of MASS shows the transformative impact of listening to students and acting on their ideas. Mature and Access students often juggle work, family, and caring responsibilities alongside study, while adapting to academic environments that can feel unfamiliar. By working in partnership, staff and students were able to design initiatives that spoke directly to these challenges, offering both practical support and a strong sense of belonging.
Crucially, MASS has not developed as a separate or siloed group. Instead, members have actively engaged with the wider student body, co-hosting events with other societies and encouraging participation in activities that some might not have felt confident attending alone. These collaborations have built bridges across the University, strengthening connections and showcasing the valuable contributions of mature students.
Looking ahead
The first year of MASS has exceeded all expectations, and its success is a testament to the vision, commitment, and creativity of the students who founded it. With the continued support of the Access Programme, the Students’ Association, and University funding, MASS is poised to grow even further—offering more events, stronger networks, and greater impact.
What has already been achieved is something to be proud of. A student-led initiative, supported by partnership funding, has created not only a welcoming and supportive community but also a model for how collaboration between staff and students can make a tangible difference.
MASS has shown that when students who may feel ‘othered’ are brought together, something special happens: they discover solidarity, confidence, and joy in the journey of learning. As the society grows, so too will its influence—ensuring that mature and Access students are not only welcomed into the University community but celebrated as an essential and inspiring part of it.
Rachael King is Programme Director of the Part-time Access Programme at the Centre for Open Learning.
Zoe Jones is President of the Mature and Access Student Society and an UG in the Edinburgh Futures Institute.
