You’re starting a brand new term. You walk into your first class and see varied faces – some holding the telltale marks of teenage years. Some of the owners of these faces are wearing shirts or other clothing bearing the name of their high schools. Do you panic or feel slightly out of place?
If so, congratulations! You just may be an “older” student. The first thing to do is RELAX.
You’re not alone and you’re not an oddity. According to a survey put out in 2012 by the National Student clearing house, more than 38% of college students are 25 and older. It can feel weird when ( I say when, not if, because even at this high percentage, chances are you will come across this very scenario at least once) you find yourself in a classroom meeting people, and a large amount of them seem to have just graduated from high school.
Why are so many “adults” going back to school?
This can be for different reasons. Sometimes people don’t go to college right out of high school. They take time to work, travel, or even to just take some time off after 12+ years of school life. Some people aren’t sure that they want to go to college, but end up going later. One thing you will find is that although these reasons can apply when it comes to the higher end of the “older student” spectrum, there is also another reason: economic downturn.
Community colleges aren’t just there to help you save some money and get your core classes done, but in times when the economy is weak and hurting, lots of people go to community college as a way to learn new skills or trades. Sometimes this is the easiest and most affordable way for an individual to re-enter the job market with a new or refreshed set of skills. Regardless of why you are back, you are not alone. Armed with that knowledge, here are some common issues that come up for older students attending college.
How to have a social life
If you’re over 21 and have a life that may involve work, children, a job and other things (such as a mortgage or car payment) that may be foreign to some younger students, it can be a bit hard trying to relate to and connect with them. The first thing to realize is that just because you may have a different life, does not mean that you don’t still have interests and hobbies. Almost every college has clubs, groups and organizations. It’s a good idea to look into some of them and find one that you like. This is the same for any student, but if you’re an older one who may not know anyone, and may not have come to school with a friend, it’s good to get out and get connected on campus.
Living off-campus
If you live off-campus and have a busy life, it may not always be easy to take advantage of and participate in on-campus functions – especially ones that happen by surprise. Most schools, including Oregon State, have an online calendar of events. Use this! Check this as often as you’d like, and see if you can find some events that interest you. Make a point to yourself to seek out and go to these events. Not only are you helping save yourself time (since you know about these events in advance), you’re helping yourself integrate more on campus by participating and meeting people.
Another good idea (if you have some free time on campus) is to simply hang out there. Instead of leaving, try visiting the quad. There are usually various events happening or info tables popping up, and this is a great opportunity to connect.
Communicate with your professors
Life happens. You may think or feel like you have a world of responsibility on your shoulders, and that you’ll need more leeway than other students.
Rule 1: You are not more or less important than other students
Rule 2: Always respect other people’s time just as you’d want yours respected.
You can’t assume that your responsibilities are more important than someone else’s. We all have obligations and stresses no matter what your age or location in life. Your professor may very well be understanding and lenient, but Rule 2 certainly applies here as well. If you are continuously late, absent or disruptive and prone to giving excuses, don’t expect much sympathy from your professor. The same way they could be understanding, they are also aware that you are choosing to come to college knowing that you have responsibilities. Sometimes just a heads up or just talking to them will be enough. Do not abuse this kindness.
What to do if you need help studying
There are many things that we “older” students may consider advanced that are being taught in high schools these days. Sometimes you may find yourself feeling lost or behind. That’s normal. The good news is that not only do we have more resources than ever at our fingertips (Google, Khan Academy, Youtube, etc.), but your school can have great resources as well. Oregon State has MANY resources, from free study tables and tutoring, to other things like a full career resource center. Here you can get help with things like resumes, cover letters, portfolios and even interview practice. No matter what area you’re struggling in, you will be able to find help.
Any of these things will help you make your college experience better, and you should give them a shot! College should still be a fun time whether you’re 18 or 35. Do you have any other tips that help you? Tell us in the comments!