Living at uni and quite literally alone

I was 40 when I started college (former military career...). At first, it was kind of weird being around all the 'kids'. BUT... eventually many sought me out for advice and such.

At 43 I graduated and got my degree.... it was tough working full-time and going to school full-time, but I was laser focused on getting that degree.

Never too late to start...

Started at 17. Had a retired Army guy (45) friend.

In and out over several years due to moving and finances. Graduated at 26.

Went back for Masters at 44. I enjoyed it all.

Different stages of life.
Partying your @$$ off is a lot more fun in your early 20's (supposedly) but you have no appreciation or understanding of anything at that age.

This is one reason why I've never understood why they push kids into college who have no experience of life or work or careers yet largely ignore all us middle agers who actually want to study.

Have to wonder at the daft student loans fiasco too... specifically created to amass debt in the young ?

Good for you if you're studying and enjoying it !

I don’t think I would live at Uni if I was a mature student. I remember my last year at a new college, I was 20. A lot of people I knew were 16-17. That’s only a few years but I felt old. Can’t imagine what over 10 years would be like. Saying that my best friend for a year was 15 years younger than me and was at Uni, I was at home. Knew him from work. It’s not uncommon to have younger friends so I think we should be able to relate to younger people even if we don’t fit in.

If I went back to college, I'd probably choose a distant form of studying. I did a driver's licence at 29 and it really is an odd feeling to attend group classes with 18-20 year olds.
I also remember how strange it was the other way around when I was on a study stay as a 23 year old and there were groups of foreign students well over 30, maybe pushing 40s even, moving around campus, living in dorms etc. In one room you have 19-20 year old girls and right next are grown up mature foreign men who not always acted like grown up mature men. 😅

I remember some older students in undergrad. They did well because they really wanted to be there and they managed their time as if school was their job.

You’re living on campus???

That’s a bit strange. I can see how it’s tough to fit in. I’ve had some difficulty fitting in with younger people as well, but it’s not like I wanted to fit in with some idiot kids anyway. I felt weirded out even from just talking with them too much, and ended up doing my own thing.

I like to keep it short or to myself. If they want to talk to me, I’ll talk back. I don’t want to be the person that wants attention from kids.

I had trouble fitting in while being the same age as the majority.

Yep. Several times. The last time I was almost 50 when I graduated. But I wasnt "hanging" with the students and only studying part time with a mix of day and night classes..Most of the time I hung back a little, but made a few friends here and there..Already having a wife and family, a real social contact thing with students wasnt for me..😷

I'll be facing same thing next year when I go back. One of the reasons I may do online courses.

No chance there's other mature students you can hang with?
More people are going back to university now in their 30's, even 40's.

Ive heard that many colleges are starting degree programs specifically tailored for working adults,in order to minimize those types of conflicts.Plus,there's always internet school.

@BasedTurnip2391 maybe you feel a little out of your depth and i can understand that .but you need to make the best of a bad job if you want to achieve your goal with yor studies maybe a small sacrifice

I'm at a community college where there are students of various ages, but most of the people I hang out with are over 10 years younger than me.

I don't look to fit in... I prefer to be by myself or with a small group of friends that I am close to.

You need to watch the movie Old School and take some notes bud. You could be slaying if you wanted to

Where are you studying? What is your subject?

I went to college when I was 27.

What are you studying?

I'm certain she's not the only older student there, she and others can, and should, start a group for themselves.