The Student Room Group

reference for mature student

Am I able to email my old chemistry teacher as a reference? I checked online on the UCAS website and it said i can use a college tutor but since my tutor left when i left year 13, am I able to just email my old chemistry teacher who wasnt a form tutor?
Usually universities expect to see you have undertaken some recent academic study within 3 years of applying, and it would be typical for your reference to come from the provider of that. How long ago did you last study?
Original post by artful_lounger
Usually universities expect to see you have undertaken some recent academic study within 3 years of applying, and it would be typical for your reference to come from the provider of that. How long ago did you last study?

I finished studying college in june 2024 and im currently in uni. (Im doing a 1 year course that finishes may 2025) But im applying to uni this year and since im out of school i have to do it independently
Original post by hootenberry03
I finished studying college in june 2024 and im currently in uni. (Im doing a 1 year course that finishes may 2025) But im applying to uni this year and since im out of school i have to do it independently


Just contact your college and ask them to provide a reference - even if your old tutor left, they should still have someone that can write a reference I would expect?
Original post by artful_lounger
Just contact your college and ask them to provide a reference - even if your old tutor left, they should still have someone that can write a reference I would expect?

could i personally ask a teacher? im not sure the college would be helpful if i send an email
Original post by hootenberry03
I finished studying college in june 2024 and im currently in uni. (Im doing a 1 year course that finishes may 2025) But im applying to uni this year and since im out of school i have to do it independently

Most universities would expect you to have a reference from your current university. That shouldn't be difficult to arrange.
Original post by hootenberry03
could i personally ask a teacher? im not sure the college would be helpful if i send an email

You could although I think the typical process would be to contact the college itself as they probably have someone in a more centralised position who is able to review your whole record and write a full reference based on that rather than just their individual experience teaching you.

Although I'd note with less than 2 weeks before the deadline, it's really very last minute to request a reference at this time anyway - usually you should give referees at least a month of lead time.

Most universities would expect you to have a reference from your current university. That shouldn't be difficult to arrange.


Fair point! I just assumed their uni may be less able to provide a reference after only one term? But that may be the quickest option at least...!
Original post by hootenberry03
Am I able to email my old chemistry teacher as a reference? I checked online on the UCAS website and it said i can use a college tutor but since my tutor left when i left year 13, am I able to just email my old chemistry teacher who wasnt a form tutor?

Hi hootenberry03,

Different courses may have different reference requirements, you should speak directly to the university you've applied to study with and see what they would accept.

You may be able to get a general academic reference from your old college, and they may also accept professional reference from an employer.

Best of luck with your plans, Steve
Reply 8
Fellow mature student here - I recently got into contact with a teacher at my old school to provide a reference - it was no trouble and she told me I definitely wasn't the only mature student that had asked her either! Best of luck with your application and your studies :smile:

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