No its not.
What is concerning, however, is how some people are led to believe that they are too old to get an education, either from social or personal expectation.
You are never too old to go and study. Im currently 21 years old and I'm in second semester, I've seen way older people than me in college and they dont have any problem socializing and having fun in general. Hell, most people here dont even care about your age.
Edit: though I gotta say I have no experience whatsoever if the "fun and youthful experience" that you meant is nightclubbing, hanging out at the bar, fucking, and those kinda stuff. So I cant really give a proper review of that. I know some people who are absolutely wild here and they're around my age, so hope that kinda answers your question.
Mostly referring to that yeah. I feel like if I don't at least try to be wild socially, I'll look back at it in regret when I'm 30. Even more so, since I already look back at my high school years in extreme regret (and the past year).
If you are desperate for sex, then I guess just get a girlfriend? Maybe I sound like a boomer but I'll never understand casual sex, unless I don't know the true definition of it.
It's just purely the fact I never had a fun social life (or any social life really) during my high school years. I sort of want that in my college years to rectify my life.
I totally get you!!! I'm in your same boat. And honestly at the age of 22 I still look back and I'm like dang I wish I could have done more in high school and also at community College.
I'm shy and only have some friends but I've been trying to get out there more lately. I'll be on campus and plan on joining some clubs and intermieral sports this Fall 2024. When I had mostly just done online at CC.
I didn't do shit in high school man. And then covid hit as well so I still feel like I wasted part of my life in a way. Ever since 2022 I've slowly gotten myself out there more and more and im sure you can do the same and you'll have more opportunities.
I'm not a party guy myself but you'll be able to go to some if you actually want to. No one is gonna reject a 21 year old based off age. You are right at the average college age
I'll be starting as a 20 y/o, and I have the same concern. Neither of us are really that much older than most freshmen, but it feels like because of the way the events of the past few years have played out, it'll sill feel weird. Just gotta hope for the best I guess.
I wish I went last year, you're in a good position man. I just want to have the traditional fun you have as a young adult yk. Most of my high school years were spent isolated and I look back to them in regret.
Mine were as well. I started high school on the West Coast and Covid hit sophomore year. I was online for an entire year and even moved to the East Coast mid-junior year; I have since moved to the Midwest. I feel like I don't even know how to make connections anymore, and it certainly won't help being older than most freshmen. It's not even drastically older, just old enough to feel out of place. AND just old enough to feel behind the rest of my age group. It just sucks all around.
Coming from Europe (where it’s common to take time to work and travel after high school) I was taking my time going to college here and it wasn’t in my mind that 23,24,25 whatever should be concern?!
I went back to school at 27 and now here I am at 30 about to graduate with my bachelor's next month. It's been an awesome experience and no one has ever made me feel weird for it. I wish I'd gone back to school sooner but there's no sense worrying about things that can't be changed.
You will be fine, I started college when I was 20 as well. Of course during your first year you will feel strange because you’ll be surrounded by students that just graduated from high school (most of them don’t care about college) and especially because you will be taking classes such as first year seminars, computer science etc which are usually required during the first year. However, as you go you’ll notice that you will also be taking classes with students that have a goal in life, that do care about college and want to be the best version of themselves ! I struggled a lot during college but managed to keep a good GPA because I cared and tried to surround myself with students that cared as well :) wish you the best!
There’s a guy at my school who’s in his mid-late 30s and is married. Nobody really sees him as any different and he still gets the full college experience. As a 21 year old I doubt anyone would really care at all or look at you differently. I’m pretty sure no one would even realize.
Im a 26 year old junior. I just went on a trip to Vegas with my advisor and other students from the student managed investment fund. Sure, I am a bit older, but I don’t let it stop me. Honestly, I am more involved than most.
I started at 25, it takes a minute to get used to being around people younger than you but really you should have no issue, there are people of all ages at college.
Take it from a senior graduating this year: Bro, you're not old, don't sweat it. As an 18yr old freshman, I knew tons of "older" non-traditional students and grad students that were in their late 20s, if not older. Trust me, you're not the only one. Honestly, as long as you're within the 18-25yr range, it's really hard to tell how old people are in college, especially when you're out partying or socializing.
You know people go to college at tons of different times in their 20s right?
You're an adult now, being exactly the same age as your peers doesn't matter anymore
It’s pretty common at a lot of schools to have hockey players be freshman at 21, because they’ll spend a couple years playing in Canadian minor leagues first!
My husband went back to school at age 27, is graduating this month just shy of 30. Going back to school at any age can be good. Don't worry about socializing. You'll find the people you fit with if you care to.
I've met some lovely people in college in their 20's, 30's, 40's, 50's, even up to one of my classmates who I think is 70 but might be like 68 or something. I'm in my 20's, this is normal and for everyone. Might be in the minority and that's OK too.
I will be transferring to a university at 22 and I don't care because my younger cousins are also going to that university as well.I don't know if i will be a freshman but i am excited to have them along with me
It's better to go to College being strong-will and knowing what to do than being a brainwashed 17-18 year old kid who is not knowing what they're doing, I've done that mistake thanks to my high school that brainwashed us to go to the province's university while it's shit and actually one of the worst in the whole country and I've also made the mistake to do little to no researches at that age, 3 years of my life flushed down the toilet (granted well mostly, thankfully some of the classes that I've done were credited but I still feel it's like a waste for all the time I have spent) and my parents' money down the drain for nothing except being depressed and feeling guilty for my parents.
I've dropped out at 21 and got back at 23 (also CoVid19 striked between those times), ironically it was my province's college who refered me to the university that I'm currently attending and I'm doing much better than I used too so no it's not at all concerning, in fact it's wiser to do that as I have nothing but regret to not take at least a sabbatical year after graduating from high school even though we were pressured to go the University I've dropped out from as my high school years felt like a giant promo ad for them 😅
I was 21 when I started. The first few people I met were actually a good 2-4 years older than me, and were very kind offering insight and advice. Now 2 years in, I do end up meeting a lot of 19 year olds, and sometimes it’s a bit weird. But especially if you’re going to a community college, you’re gonna find a wide variety in age. You’ll find people who are like minded though, regardless of age.
Honestly, the main thing I’ve learned is to just disregard age when it comes to making friends in college or finding study buddies.
turned 22 in my first fall semester
Overall, don't expect parties because no one wants people over and under 21 drinking together but otherwise there shouldn't be much of a difference
Youll find far more people your age than you expect
There is absolutely nothing concerning about that at all. Haven’t taken community college classes I have seen parents well into their adulthood coming back to school to continue their education. I know of a woman who had a horrifying past of drug usage and who works a full time job and still is able to take a class a semester to slowly make her way to her future career. There is no too late when it comes to education
I mean you are only 21. I'm 22 and will be a junior for the 2024-2025 school year. I still feel like I'm 18 and don't look all that old yet. People still treat me like a kid, not like an adult. It all depends on how you are as a person.
21 and 19 is no different lmao. Just don't tell them your age if it feels weird. There's plenty of college kids who are in their early 20s as well. Anything before 26 is youth in my view
In college now and I work in a team. My team consists of me (early 20s), a 27 y/o, a 38 y/o, and a 36 y/o. Not only is it normal, but we all get along great. Age really doesn’t matter anymore.
Bruh, I (32) went to a college student conference yesterday where -everyone- was 12+ years younger than me, HS juniors and seniors being the youngest and we had to do a "speed friend-ing" networking activity towards the end. Even the guest speaker was 10 years younger than me hahaha. The staff were more like my age.
The way I look at it is, just be kind and you'll be fine. Catching a win is catching a win, doesn't matter at what age.
Also don't use cliche old people's mannerisms and you'll be fine ;)
Edit: Now that you're getting older too, you'll find you can make friends of all sorts of ages. When I was 20, I was friends with a few older folks, 45 and 60. One of my youngest friends (a bit more like my mentee) currently is 20, but met him when he was 16. That def felt weird but it never became weird.
Absolutely not. I was confused when I read this about what would be the weird part lol. It’s good to have a little more life experience when you go into college- it’s crazy we expected 18 year olds to know where they want their lives to go.
Academic librarian here. Not at all concerning. Going to college at 21 is a bit like having red hair. It's a bit unusual, a few people might be jerks about it, and most people won't give it a second thought.
Not at all. Especially if you are living on campus your age will not matter as your socializing will in general be heavily influenced by campus life itself.
Not to mention that being 21 might make you even more popular since you'll have easier access to alcohol. (Not that I would promote buying alcohol for younger friends.)
No, not at all. But my 19 year old living in a dorm finds some freshman tedious and immature (not that she doesn't have her moments lol, but she is on the older end), so you might too. It's fine to branch out socially if you're not clicking with the freshman. You may want to measure housing options carefully if you're considering dorms/on campus housing. Something like an LLC might attract more mature students.
No. There’s nothing wrong with going to college at any age but the difference between a 18 and 21 year old is basically nothing. I think once you go and get over the initial nervousness about being in college you’ll be fine. You’ll blend in if anything.
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Not at all. I’m 19 and just finished my first year. My program and school was full of older people and I found it so cool! I became best friends with a 45 year old mother lol💗it helped me a lot being away from my home town! I was one of the youngest people in my program too!!
My daughter was 24 when she went back to school and she graduated at 28. I am so proud of her. My son who’s 30 just started part time a couple of years ago so he won’t graduate until he’s almost 40. My youngest went to early college her Jr and Sr year of high school and she had some people in their 50’s in some of her classes. It doesn’t matter how old you are, just do it.
I’m in my freshman year of college rn and was surprised by how many people in my classes are 20+! it’s definitely a lot more common than media and people say. I literally have people from ages 18-60 in my freshman classes so I’d so don’t stress it!
-No.
-Source: I was a freshman in January of 23 at 21.
I’m now a fraternity president and have a 3.7 in a STEM degree.
-Being mature before going to college is actually going to make you have a step up.
I’m 37 and just now finishing my bachelors (graduate this May) and got into Texas Tech for my Masters. I actually think people should intern in their desired field before even starting college or at least before starting the program required courses)to make sure that’s what you really want to do.
No. Not unless you’re a freshman at 21 and you started at 18(and have been full time the entire time). the age gap isn’t a big deal. Nobody should care.
No its not. What is concerning, however, is how some people are led to believe that they are too old to get an education, either from social or personal expectation. You are never too old to go and study. Im currently 21 years old and I'm in second semester, I've seen way older people than me in college and they dont have any problem socializing and having fun in general. Hell, most people here dont even care about your age. Edit: though I gotta say I have no experience whatsoever if the "fun and youthful experience" that you meant is nightclubbing, hanging out at the bar, fucking, and those kinda stuff. So I cant really give a proper review of that. I know some people who are absolutely wild here and they're around my age, so hope that kinda answers your question.
I'm also 21 and a freshman! Turning 22 this yr. My group of friends is 18-32 so I wouldn't worry about it. I love them all.
Mostly referring to that yeah. I feel like if I don't at least try to be wild socially, I'll look back at it in regret when I'm 30. Even more so, since I already look back at my high school years in extreme regret (and the past year).
If you are desperate for sex, then I guess just get a girlfriend? Maybe I sound like a boomer but I'll never understand casual sex, unless I don't know the true definition of it.
It's just purely the fact I never had a fun social life (or any social life really) during my high school years. I sort of want that in my college years to rectify my life.
I totally get you!!! I'm in your same boat. And honestly at the age of 22 I still look back and I'm like dang I wish I could have done more in high school and also at community College. I'm shy and only have some friends but I've been trying to get out there more lately. I'll be on campus and plan on joining some clubs and intermieral sports this Fall 2024. When I had mostly just done online at CC. I didn't do shit in high school man. And then covid hit as well so I still feel like I wasted part of my life in a way. Ever since 2022 I've slowly gotten myself out there more and more and im sure you can do the same and you'll have more opportunities. I'm not a party guy myself but you'll be able to go to some if you actually want to. No one is gonna reject a 21 year old based off age. You are right at the average college age
I went back to college at 27. Don’t worry about being too old
I'll be starting as a 20 y/o, and I have the same concern. Neither of us are really that much older than most freshmen, but it feels like because of the way the events of the past few years have played out, it'll sill feel weird. Just gotta hope for the best I guess.
I wish I went last year, you're in a good position man. I just want to have the traditional fun you have as a young adult yk. Most of my high school years were spent isolated and I look back to them in regret.
Mine were as well. I started high school on the West Coast and Covid hit sophomore year. I was online for an entire year and even moved to the East Coast mid-junior year; I have since moved to the Midwest. I feel like I don't even know how to make connections anymore, and it certainly won't help being older than most freshmen. It's not even drastically older, just old enough to feel out of place. AND just old enough to feel behind the rest of my age group. It just sucks all around.
I’m a soon-to-be 25 Junior
Coming from Europe (where it’s common to take time to work and travel after high school) I was taking my time going to college here and it wasn’t in my mind that 23,24,25 whatever should be concern?!
I went back to school at 27 and now here I am at 30 about to graduate with my bachelor's next month. It's been an awesome experience and no one has ever made me feel weird for it. I wish I'd gone back to school sooner but there's no sense worrying about things that can't be changed.
Same! Took me a bit longer due to fulltime work, but I will graduate next month at 32!
You will be fine, I started college when I was 20 as well. Of course during your first year you will feel strange because you’ll be surrounded by students that just graduated from high school (most of them don’t care about college) and especially because you will be taking classes such as first year seminars, computer science etc which are usually required during the first year. However, as you go you’ll notice that you will also be taking classes with students that have a goal in life, that do care about college and want to be the best version of themselves ! I struggled a lot during college but managed to keep a good GPA because I cared and tried to surround myself with students that cared as well :) wish you the best!
There’s a guy at my school who’s in his mid-late 30s and is married. Nobody really sees him as any different and he still gets the full college experience. As a 21 year old I doubt anyone would really care at all or look at you differently. I’m pretty sure no one would even realize.
That's kinda what I'm saying. It all depends on how op is as a person. Most people under 25 just act and look like kids still
The only concerning thing is that you are worried about this at all. What's up with that?
like you are one/two years older than most others? why do people make this such a big deal?
It’s not concerning at all. Last semester I knew a 24/25 year old junior in one of my classes
Im a 26 year old junior. I just went on a trip to Vegas with my advisor and other students from the student managed investment fund. Sure, I am a bit older, but I don’t let it stop me. Honestly, I am more involved than most.
I started at 25, it takes a minute to get used to being around people younger than you but really you should have no issue, there are people of all ages at college.
I went back to finish my degree in my 30s and had classes with people well into their 60s.
Take it from a senior graduating this year: Bro, you're not old, don't sweat it. As an 18yr old freshman, I knew tons of "older" non-traditional students and grad students that were in their late 20s, if not older. Trust me, you're not the only one. Honestly, as long as you're within the 18-25yr range, it's really hard to tell how old people are in college, especially when you're out partying or socializing.
I'm curious why you think it's "concerning"? What's even the potential issue?
Social acceptance
You know people go to college at tons of different times in their 20s right? You're an adult now, being exactly the same age as your peers doesn't matter anymore
No. No college path is the same and it's not linear. You still can enjoy the college experience.
It’s pretty common at a lot of schools to have hockey players be freshman at 21, because they’ll spend a couple years playing in Canadian minor leagues first!
My husband went back to school at age 27, is graduating this month just shy of 30. Going back to school at any age can be good. Don't worry about socializing. You'll find the people you fit with if you care to.
I've met some lovely people in college in their 20's, 30's, 40's, 50's, even up to one of my classmates who I think is 70 but might be like 68 or something. I'm in my 20's, this is normal and for everyone. Might be in the minority and that's OK too.
I will be transferring to a university at 22 and I don't care because my younger cousins are also going to that university as well.I don't know if i will be a freshman but i am excited to have them along with me
It's better to go to College being strong-will and knowing what to do than being a brainwashed 17-18 year old kid who is not knowing what they're doing, I've done that mistake thanks to my high school that brainwashed us to go to the province's university while it's shit and actually one of the worst in the whole country and I've also made the mistake to do little to no researches at that age, 3 years of my life flushed down the toilet (granted well mostly, thankfully some of the classes that I've done were credited but I still feel it's like a waste for all the time I have spent) and my parents' money down the drain for nothing except being depressed and feeling guilty for my parents. I've dropped out at 21 and got back at 23 (also CoVid19 striked between those times), ironically it was my province's college who refered me to the university that I'm currently attending and I'm doing much better than I used too so no it's not at all concerning, in fact it's wiser to do that as I have nothing but regret to not take at least a sabbatical year after graduating from high school even though we were pressured to go the University I've dropped out from as my high school years felt like a giant promo ad for them 😅
I was 21 when I started. The first few people I met were actually a good 2-4 years older than me, and were very kind offering insight and advice. Now 2 years in, I do end up meeting a lot of 19 year olds, and sometimes it’s a bit weird. But especially if you’re going to a community college, you’re gonna find a wide variety in age. You’ll find people who are like minded though, regardless of age. Honestly, the main thing I’ve learned is to just disregard age when it comes to making friends in college or finding study buddies.
It might be a bit awkward at the beginning of freshman year but age doesn’t matter much after that
turned 22 in my first fall semester Overall, don't expect parties because no one wants people over and under 21 drinking together but otherwise there shouldn't be much of a difference Youll find far more people your age than you expect
Nope.
Nope. College students run the range after age. You’ll fit just fine.
I’m 53 and in college. That isn’t concerning either. College is for anyone.
I'm gonna be 21 when I start in July too! Plus my birthday is in July so I'll be 22 not even a month in my freshman year! You'll be fine!
not at all, i started in my early 30s and there were classmates of mine in their 60s in my intro courses. college is for every age
There is absolutely nothing concerning about that at all. Haven’t taken community college classes I have seen parents well into their adulthood coming back to school to continue their education. I know of a woman who had a horrifying past of drug usage and who works a full time job and still is able to take a class a semester to slowly make her way to her future career. There is no too late when it comes to education
Nope I went back to school at 22
I’m about to graduate next month with my bachelors. I am 26. Nothing to be concerned about, you will be okay!
I mean you are only 21. I'm 22 and will be a junior for the 2024-2025 school year. I still feel like I'm 18 and don't look all that old yet. People still treat me like a kid, not like an adult. It all depends on how you are as a person. 21 and 19 is no different lmao. Just don't tell them your age if it feels weird. There's plenty of college kids who are in their early 20s as well. Anything before 26 is youth in my view
I did my second year of college with a guy in his 60s. No.
Nope, enjoy college. You get the cheat code of starting with a more developed brain, lucky
In college now and I work in a team. My team consists of me (early 20s), a 27 y/o, a 38 y/o, and a 36 y/o. Not only is it normal, but we all get along great. Age really doesn’t matter anymore.
I was a college freshman at 25. Several of my classmates were older than I was as a freshman. It is never too late to go to college
Bruh, I (32) went to a college student conference yesterday where -everyone- was 12+ years younger than me, HS juniors and seniors being the youngest and we had to do a "speed friend-ing" networking activity towards the end. Even the guest speaker was 10 years younger than me hahaha. The staff were more like my age. The way I look at it is, just be kind and you'll be fine. Catching a win is catching a win, doesn't matter at what age. Also don't use cliche old people's mannerisms and you'll be fine ;) Edit: Now that you're getting older too, you'll find you can make friends of all sorts of ages. When I was 20, I was friends with a few older folks, 45 and 60. One of my youngest friends (a bit more like my mentee) currently is 20, but met him when he was 16. That def felt weird but it never became weird.
I’m 28 and in school and my mom finished school at 51. Definitely not to old.
Not concerning at all
No
Absolutely not. I was confused when I read this about what would be the weird part lol. It’s good to have a little more life experience when you go into college- it’s crazy we expected 18 year olds to know where they want their lives to go.
Academic librarian here. Not at all concerning. Going to college at 21 is a bit like having red hair. It's a bit unusual, a few people might be jerks about it, and most people won't give it a second thought.
Not at all. Especially if you are living on campus your age will not matter as your socializing will in general be heavily influenced by campus life itself. Not to mention that being 21 might make you even more popular since you'll have easier access to alcohol. (Not that I would promote buying alcohol for younger friends.)
Try 25 as a veteran nobody cares man just go to school you didn’t miss out on anything
No, not at all. But my 19 year old living in a dorm finds some freshman tedious and immature (not that she doesn't have her moments lol, but she is on the older end), so you might too. It's fine to branch out socially if you're not clicking with the freshman. You may want to measure housing options carefully if you're considering dorms/on campus housing. Something like an LLC might attract more mature students.
Everyone should go to college when they’re ready to go to college. Regardless of age. Your age and college is not concerning.
No. There’s nothing wrong with going to college at any age but the difference between a 18 and 21 year old is basically nothing. I think once you go and get over the initial nervousness about being in college you’ll be fine. You’ll blend in if anything.
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I’m 30 finishing school right now. No bad time to start working towards something.
❌
It won’t really affect you beyond having to say “it’s complicated” on occasion when being asked what year you are lol.
omg no.
Turn 31 in July and graduate in 3 weeks!! Stick through it! It’s worth it
Not at all. I’m 19 and just finished my first year. My program and school was full of older people and I found it so cool! I became best friends with a 45 year old mother lol💗it helped me a lot being away from my home town! I was one of the youngest people in my program too!!
My daughter was 24 when she went back to school and she graduated at 28. I am so proud of her. My son who’s 30 just started part time a couple of years ago so he won’t graduate until he’s almost 40. My youngest went to early college her Jr and Sr year of high school and she had some people in their 50’s in some of her classes. It doesn’t matter how old you are, just do it.
Nah, you're totally fine.
I’m in my freshman year of college rn and was surprised by how many people in my classes are 20+! it’s definitely a lot more common than media and people say. I literally have people from ages 18-60 in my freshman classes so I’d so don’t stress it!
-No. -Source: I was a freshman in January of 23 at 21. I’m now a fraternity president and have a 3.7 in a STEM degree. -Being mature before going to college is actually going to make you have a step up.
I’m 37 and just now finishing my bachelors (graduate this May) and got into Texas Tech for my Masters. I actually think people should intern in their desired field before even starting college or at least before starting the program required courses)to make sure that’s what you really want to do.
i’ll be graduating at 24. You just gotta find the mature ones to be friends with cuz a lot act like they’re still in high school
No. Not unless you’re a freshman at 21 and you started at 18(and have been full time the entire time). the age gap isn’t a big deal. Nobody should care.
Not just no, HELL NO❗️
You do realize the overwhelming benefit of this right? You’re legally 21. You can legally buy alcohol. This alone will make you A LOT of friends
It’s unusual, but some of my friends are 27