Funny you should mention societies! I was reading through this thread and just about to reply that I am a mature student currently at Nottingham (older than all of you!) I can't help much with accommodation questions as I live locally and commute, but I wanted to let you know that we have an active Mature Students' Network at UoN, that you will all be very welcome to join! If you are visiting the campus and want to meet for a cuppa or a beer just let me know. If not, I'll hopefully see you in September!