Many potential mature students are put off applying for a college place because of a fear of what to expect when they get there.

Recognising this, a number of organisations now offer university preparation and foundation courses designed to ease mature students back into a learning environment. These courses give students a good sense of what study at third level is going to be like and equips them with the skills to cope. The adult education office at UCD offers three such preparation courses. For more details or a brochure, contact (01) 716 1234 or e-mail adult.education@ucd.ie or consult www.ucd.ie/~adulted. See also page 2.