Fitting in on Campus

Abstract

This chapter draws on mature-age male students’ experience of embarking upon university life. Transition processes and a shift in identity are considered initially and the ways in which these are experienced across men’s experience, given their diversity, are reflected upon. Their decisions, feelings and circumstances around living arrangements; financial constraints and support; family commitments; experience of university orientation/induction; fitting in and making friends at university, and their relationships with staff are all heard. The ways in which these accounts intersect with men’s age, circumstance and orientation to study are highlighted. Research on the importance of students’ feeling a sense of belonging within the university and being accepted by both peers and tutors is drawn on at the chapter’s conclusion.