Almost a quarter of students at the university are mature students – aged 21 or over at the start of their course.

Ipswich Star: Jo Graca, an advanced practitioner in medical ultrasound at Ipswich Hospital, who graduated from the University of Suffolk in 2014 with a BSc (Hons) Diagnostic Radiography. Picture: UNIVERSITY OF SUFFOLKJo Graca, an advanced practitioner in medical ultrasound at Ipswich Hospital, who graduated from the University of Suffolk in 2014 with a BSc (Hons) Diagnostic Radiography. Picture: UNIVERSITY OF SUFFOLK (Image: Archant)

Head of student recruitment, Karen Hinton, said the university is “custom-built for a changing world” and said student diversity improves the learning experience.

The university issued two case studies of mature students ahead of an open event at its Ipswich waterfront campus from 10.30am to 2.30pm on Saturday (July 8).

Jo Graca, of Ipswich, is an advanced practitioner in medical ultrasound at Ipswich Hospital who graduated with a BSc (Hons) Diagnostic Radiography from the University of Suffolk in 2014.

He said: “The university helped me in so many different ways, starting with the organisational structure and facilities available for students to use, even out of hours. The course was divided into blocks of lectures and hospital placement which helped me to concentrate on specific areas of the course. The lecturers and my mentor were always available to provide support and guidance during difficult times.

“Finding a job was actually straight forward. The University of Suffolk is one of the best universities in the UK to study radiography, so the university profile boosted my application.

“The course also helps you to prepare for interviews and how to do your CV in the final year of the degree. I only applied for one job and I was successful, and 100% of my peer group obtained jobs within a month after the graduation.”

Caroline Roberts, of Manningtree, is in her first year of studying BA (Hons) English.

She said: “The university has a friendly, welcoming atmosphere and I feel at home on the whole campus. There’s lots of support available academically, as well as with finance and student issues. It also has a very active and supportive multi-faith chaplaincy.

Ipswich Star: Caroline Roberts, of Manningtree, who is in her first year of studying BA (Hons) English at the University of Suffolk. Picture: UNIVERSITY OF SUFFOLKCaroline Roberts, of Manningtree, who is in her first year of studying BA (Hons) English at the University of Suffolk. Picture: UNIVERSITY OF SUFFOLK (Image: Archant)

“All the course tutors have been so encouraging to me, before I applied for the course and throughout my time here. That was a big part of my decision to study here and makes me feel well supported.”

Mrs Hinton added: “Our students say they feel welcome here regardless of their age and value the mix of backgrounds and perspectives shared.”