A UNIVERSITY is officially banishing the student stereotype of a teenager studying full-time and living on campus.

While other seats of learning plunge into Fresher's Week, from today the University of Teesside at Middlesbrough will be hosting a Welcome Week, so mature and part-time students do not feel left out.

The new name comes from the students' union.

Spokeswoman Julie Bowron said: "We are trying to get away from the student stereotype and appeal to all students.''

The union hopes that the Welcome Week will appeal to all the university's 15,000 students regardless of their age, whether they are studying full or part time, on campus or at a partnership college.

Students can pick up a free NUS card, entitling them to a range of discounts, chat with representatives from a number of banks, discuss insurance needs and sign up to a doctor or dentist at a Get Sorted Fair, today and tomorrow.

Sports taster sessions and will be a feature of a Clubs' Day Fair mid-week, with a Societies Fair on Thursday.

A band will entertain in the university's own night club on Friday, with a George Michael tribute on the Saturday and comedy nights and 70s disco, the following week.

Kay Gibson, president of the University of Teesside Students' Union, said: "If you are starting or returning to a course at university, the union urges you to visit."