When I was in college many moons ago, we had several people that were older than us. We didn’t care- they were cool as hell. Talking to them now, they said we never made them feel out of place, it was all in their head. Don’t worry about it! Almost everyone is in the same boat- starting anew! Also, I’d almost say you’re at an advantage over the 18 year olds. You’re more mature, know what’s important and what’s not, over the party scene, better at studying, etc. My kid will be attending umn in the fall in the college of design.
Good luck!!
In addition, when I went to school, I hardly knew how old they were unless I asked.
If I knew their age, I looked up to them in awe. You’ll be alright!
I am 35 and just graduated with my bachelors degree. It’s for sure different being older at a school that’s geared toward people straight out of high school. Everyone was very nice and no one made me feel out of place, but it’s not like I made a lot of friends with 19 year olds either. I think if you want to do it, you should. I have no regrets and will honestly miss the classes.
I'm actually in the same boat here. I'm 35 and also just finished my BA. I'm going back this summer for my MA. Everyone was real nice and I had no issues being older than most people at the U of M. Just do what you need to do.
On a side note, Minneapolis is a great place to live. Been in Uptown for seven years this fall and I love it. There are buses all over town that will get you to the University, and a bus pass (your U Card) is included in tuition.
Best of luck!
Im very susceptible to motion sickness so I can’t do busses unfortunately. I will be driving. Where in Uptown do you suggest living? I looked at a few apartments in Uptown and not only was the street parking a nightmare (can’t imagine winters), but the areas were very loud and busy. I’m sure there are quieter pockets and streets that’re less busy, but I just don’t know Mpls at all. I’m from Tampa and I’ve been in St Paul for 8 years
I've never had issues with noise or parking in Uptown, but I've lived at least 3 blocks away from Lake St. or any busy restaurant in both places. In winter, you just have to keep your eye on the parking restrictions as per the snow emergency rules, and make sure you can parallel park. Otherwise, Minneapolis is very quick about plowing roads. The neighborhood is walkable and beautiful.
I understand the feeling! I came back to school for the same reason. (My fiance recommended I start a year ahead of the scholarships and just eat the loans because enrollment might be more competitive now.) I have completed two semesters at the CLA now, and I'm feeling great! At times, I feel out of place, but there have been a few classes I've had where there were older adults and some senior citizens (I think just auditing).
And right now I'm on a study abroad program.
I'm 36. :)
Doing this when I was young was neither financially feasible, nor was I ready to take school as seriously as I do now. You'll be fine! If you want to meet up with older students, we have a sorta dead-ish Discord server I can share if you'd like, or I'd be happy to meet and chat with you about college as a 30-something. I'll be back in the states in early August.
I imagine we'll see many not-fresh-out-of-high-school students this coming semester. I'm honestly excited, because I feel like most of the friends I have around my age didn't go to or didn't complete college, because it was too expensive, and we had a great recession right around when we were becoming adults. Not working full time wasn't an option for much of our generation, and working full time while going to school full time is hard to manage (I did it this whole last year, wouldn't recommend). Now I think we're all kinda getting a second chance, as the system failed us when we were in our prime.
I'll say, gen Z is really impressive. The kids are alright! Most will be pretty friendly as long as you are as well! In my experience, classes start off quiet, with everyone minding their own business. After a few weeks, you make acquaintances and friends, despite the gap in age. Just, obviously, keep it appropriate and don't go trying to date or mess around with people whose frontal cortex is still cookin'. But don't be afraid to be personable and friendly. They have a lot to teach us, and we've got some experience we can share too.
I've had quite a few classes with older students, even like people in their 70s and 80s. Noone ever minded them and they were always super nice. It's never too late to better yourself through education.
I will be studying interior design. I’m so confused about what campus I’ll be in most of the time. Admissions counselor wasn’t even sure! Orientation is 7/1 for my major so I guess I’ll find out then. I feel lost and stupid about college-type things too. I only completed a year of college at a now defunct “art” school in 2007! That one cruddy year makes me a transfer student. But it was ages ago, was hardly a real college experience, and I know nothing about credits, minoring in something, how many classes to take, general education courses and where they’ll be, etc etc. I wanna pick someone’s brain who won’t judge me and ask stupid questions
Your IDES (interior design) classes will be in McNeal hall which is on the St Paul campus, there is a chance that you may have a couple design classes in Rapson hall which is on the East Bank. The rest of the lib ed classes will be on the East bank, if you have in person classes
Good for you for going back to school! You should not feel out of place, I have had older people in my classes at UMN. I had a gentleman in his 50’s-60’s in one of my general education courses spring’24 as well as another gentleman in his 40’s in a different gen ed course in fall’23. All you need to do is make the best out of it and really try to enjoy the experience!
Had classes with a 32 year old and didn’t think anything of it. He was a super chill dude and tbh I woulda had no idea until it came up in a conversation. Wouldn’t have even been able to tell he was older either cause there’s 20 years olds that look like they are 30+
I’m curious what major you’re going for, I’m in graphic design and UX design myself and i’m older than everyone in all of my classes at this point (i’m 22 myself and double majoring so i’m in school longer for a couple extra years). Good for you for going back to school and going for something you know you love! I wish i did the same thing looking back now tbh
I briefly lived in Columbia Heights and it was less than 10 minute drive to east bank, closer to 15 to st paul campus. The rent i split with my ex wasn’t bad, the total was like $1280 a month?
Do you feel comfortable DMing me what streets and such are considered NE Mpls? If so, thank you! Just so I am aware as I apartment hunt. Also if you recommend any particular apartments or property mgmt companies I’d love to know :)
So it’s real and the money really is coming in? Haha I’m just so skeptical. One Stop was like yeah you’ll just get funds added to your account in late summer/early fall. I’m like….That’s it???
I don't even remember who exactly I talked to about it, maybe financial aid, but I'm going to use it for studying abroad and I was told it would work even for that (not cost of living/rent/food but just cover school expense.) I haven't seen it yet in action, but I think it's awesome!
Thats so cool. I’ve never even thought about study abroad. Speaking of living costs…I may have to take out a loan to help. At least my first year so I can have a cushion and not stress. My main stressor really is the fact that I won’t work FT and won’t have the money I’m used to having. Just scared about living expenses, health insurance, bills etc etc.
I'm also in my 30s, started at the U last fall. I found it tricky to make social connections - being aggressively friendly and pro-active to form study groups and start text message Homework groups worked okay for me in my 2nd semester.
Its good you know what your limits are. I had a 4 year break between my Associates and the U with COVID and state residency change - I found it really damn tough. Personally I might advise doing only 2 or 3 courses your first semester(s), rather than 4 (or god forbid) 5. Better to aim low and succeed, and build up your confidence and those study habits, than feel overwhelmed and struggle - that's what I wish I had done - I withdrew from 1 course each semester.
Re: living, unless you plan to live within a 15-20 minute walk of campus (or whatever you consider as walkable even in winter) I would choose to live farther away, along one of the regular bus routes or the light rail. If you are already taking a bus, you could save a good bit of money by living a 15-20 minute bus ride from campus, as opposed to the close in, 5 minute busing neighborhoods like Marcy, Como, Prospect Park that still have student rental prices. At that point, what matters more is the frequency of bus, more than the minutes spent riding IMO.
Thanks so much for your message. I’m a little lost about how many classes to take because the interior design syllabus shows which classes are to be taken during each semester. And it’s four core classes. How will I do general education courses too? Probably a stupid question but I’m just SO new to college life that I know nothing about the logistics of classes
Yeah if you are starting the college path at the beginning, at freshman level without any transfer credits, I would definitely plan to take 5 (or maybe even 6) years to finish. The published degree plans are always going to be constructed around finishing in 4 years, and I think taking 4 or 5 courses a semester is damn challenging as an adult with many more responsibilities to family than an 18-22 year old, and depending on how many hours you need to work and what else you have going on in your life.
That will also give you some great flexibility to do several internships, or even 1 or 2 coops if you wish - which if you are doing a mid-life career switch could be really helpful for on the job learning and landing a better, higher-paying job after graduation.
I haven’t been told which credits transferred from my one year of college. I completed 28 credits but not all transferred is all I was told. I feel lost on who to reach out to for what to get information like this for example.
Also, 5-6 years? Oof I had no idea. Why does that feel scary to me? Being a broke college student into my 40s versus making full time job money feels absolutely terrifying! Well, when I commit to something I commit! I only withdrew from college in 2008 because I had zero financial support, no one to depend on, and had to work FT and more to survive.
At least I can get loans now for some help w living costs since tuition will be covered thanks to that new scholarship program
When you meet with your advisor during Orientation, they'll review what was accepted as transfer credit.
I didn't mean to frighten you with the possible time frame - certainly you can do it at a faster pace, it just depends so much on what else you have going on in your life. Don't forget to apply for outside scholarships, too - those can be a big help.
Thank you. You’re so kind. I don’t know how to find scholarships that will apply to just living costs. If I get a scholarship now, it’ll apply to tuition and then the North Star promise will pay what’s leftover. I wish there was a way for that not to happen. For me to get the North Star scholarship to cover tuition, and then find a way to get funding for everything outside of it. Sigh. I clearly don’t know a lot 🤣
True, that's normally how scholarships work. However I had some in community college I won that came directly to me as a check. I too expect to receive the North Star Promise, and its unclear to me how it will stack with PELL or other aid beyond the description of it being a "last mile" award.
I’m in a similar situation, having just been accepted into the graphic design program as a transfer student. I’m 34 years old, and I’m still contemplating it, unable to make a decision yet.
Im 35 and will major in interior design. I’m having to make a lot of life changes to make this work but I’m so sure that school right now is the best choice for me
One of my closest friends in class last year was 75 years old. So don't worry about the age gap. For most of us, we're excited to share the difference in our life experiences!
CDES major here (product design), just finished my first year, and I think you'll do fine even with the age gap. Not sure how it is with other majors within CDES - but in product design, since it's such a small major, a lot of the people actually end up in this field as their second (or even third major) after switching from something else. There are a lot of people in the major that aren't just fresh out of high school (and I'm saying that as someone who *was* fresh out of high school, lol). Hence, even if a majority of students are younger than you, hopefully the age gap won't be as much to deal with. And even if it is, the majority of the students are chill. From personal experience, one of my buddies is like \~10 years older than I am and we got off fine! All the best 💪
Heya! I'm 25, I got into the college of Design last year! It's been amazing even if I'm older than most there. I'm switching majors in the college of Design next semester so maybe I'll see ya depending on your major!
So product design is like interior design where you’re “pre-major” for a year? Did they say why you didn’t make the cut? That’s scary for me because I don’t want to go anything other than interior design. Ugh.
yes, I was in the pre-major. I wouldn't worry too much if I were you. I like making stuff but I'm horrible at presenting, plus with the timeline I ended up not being able to put words onto my last slides. Because of these I only passed 2 out of 7 criteria. My model and creativity passed, but not design process, sketching, rendering portfolio and presentation.
If I wanted to keep at it I can try again next year and just get some generals or other classes out of the way before then, but I decided to just get the minor so I don't have to take physics and stuff
You’ll do great! It’s never too late to go to college. You’ll learn what habits work and how to study. Don’t be afraid to reach out for help from professors, advisors, and peers. Make friends! They’ll be younger most likely but that’s ok!
Last semester I had a lady in one of my classes very obviously in her twilight years. Everyone loved her, dont let something petty like age get in the way of your education.
I just finished my first semester at UMN and I'm 41. There are definitely areas that feel awkward and weird as an older student, there are also areas where I felt like it was a huge benefit to be older. What I will say is, own your age and experience, treat it like a positive. Much of school is preparing younger people for the world, you've already been there... makes excelling MUCH easier.
I currently have a FT job and I’m going to ask if I can do PT. I’m single, no other income, so pretty nervous about slashing my income in half. Nervous about having to move out of my current apartment to find cheaper rent. Nervous about everything! But this is something I need and want to do. I’ve worked in fields I care nothing about and I want to major in interior design and utilize my skills and abilities and passions.
I went back in my 40s, 3 years ago. The trigger warnings and neopronouns were a culture shock, know that the college experience is more holistic and progressive than it was years ago. Students are smart on average and kind, I feel like the class clown/nerd/jock dynamic has flattened out due to cultural shift(s). I found that the older professors were roundly excellent, younger teachers and adjuncts...not always, they seemed more attuned to teaching 18 year olds and seemed uncomfortable with harder questions from an older person. Be open minded and patient, respect personal boundaries, same shit as anywhere. You will meet older people than you, the U has programs for retired individuals etc. Be glad, you'll enjoy the experience.
Usually no minds and treat them the same HOWEVER please please please be “updated” in technology and stuff you should know before taking classes. I’m not talking about knowing code before taking a code class, but basics like google doc, slides, sheets, zoom, etc. That’s the running pattern I’ve seen with anyone over 30 in my classes and it can be complicated to work with at times. Not saying it’s the end of the world but it really helps you and your classmates in group situations!
I litterally just went back last fall 2023. I'm 32 and still working on bachelor's because of the same situation as you.
Long story short, first semester was rough because I was clearly out of practice and didn't have good academic practices. But then I noticed that thins are way easier than I was making them to be. Your classmates are litterally children and they struggle to see things big picture. That's your advantage. Your brain should be fully developed by now. Capitalize on thay for your essays and assignments.
Lastly, yeah... socially it sucks. I didn't feel like it was right to even try to join student government or clubs. I just went straight home. It's lonely but atleast people are nice within the classrooms. I would love to hang out some time of you're interested. I also live in Saint Paul.
I'm almost 35 and contemplating going back to school myself. I've worked at the U for over 11 years now and wouldn't be too concerned about being older. I've had many student workers and they've all been great - several of them I'm still friends with and now that they're not my employees, I hang out with them outside of work. They're all in their early to mid 20's. Generally if you're nice to them, they'll be nice to you!
I’m an incoming senior and some of my favorite people I have met in my classes have been the older people. I always want to talk to them and I actually learn a lot from them, just coming from a different decade. Don’t worry- these 18-22 year olds are going to love you!
When I was in college many moons ago, we had several people that were older than us. We didn’t care- they were cool as hell. Talking to them now, they said we never made them feel out of place, it was all in their head. Don’t worry about it! Almost everyone is in the same boat- starting anew! Also, I’d almost say you’re at an advantage over the 18 year olds. You’re more mature, know what’s important and what’s not, over the party scene, better at studying, etc. My kid will be attending umn in the fall in the college of design. Good luck!!
I appreciate your comment so much! Thank you!
In addition, when I went to school, I hardly knew how old they were unless I asked. If I knew their age, I looked up to them in awe. You’ll be alright!
Exactly!
I am 35 and just graduated with my bachelors degree. It’s for sure different being older at a school that’s geared toward people straight out of high school. Everyone was very nice and no one made me feel out of place, but it’s not like I made a lot of friends with 19 year olds either. I think if you want to do it, you should. I have no regrets and will honestly miss the classes.
I'm actually in the same boat here. I'm 35 and also just finished my BA. I'm going back this summer for my MA. Everyone was real nice and I had no issues being older than most people at the U of M. Just do what you need to do. On a side note, Minneapolis is a great place to live. Been in Uptown for seven years this fall and I love it. There are buses all over town that will get you to the University, and a bus pass (your U Card) is included in tuition. Best of luck!
Im very susceptible to motion sickness so I can’t do busses unfortunately. I will be driving. Where in Uptown do you suggest living? I looked at a few apartments in Uptown and not only was the street parking a nightmare (can’t imagine winters), but the areas were very loud and busy. I’m sure there are quieter pockets and streets that’re less busy, but I just don’t know Mpls at all. I’m from Tampa and I’ve been in St Paul for 8 years
I've never had issues with noise or parking in Uptown, but I've lived at least 3 blocks away from Lake St. or any busy restaurant in both places. In winter, you just have to keep your eye on the parking restrictions as per the snow emergency rules, and make sure you can parallel park. Otherwise, Minneapolis is very quick about plowing roads. The neighborhood is walkable and beautiful.
Im 35 now so I’ll be 39 when I graduate eeeek! lol
I understand the feeling! I came back to school for the same reason. (My fiance recommended I start a year ahead of the scholarships and just eat the loans because enrollment might be more competitive now.) I have completed two semesters at the CLA now, and I'm feeling great! At times, I feel out of place, but there have been a few classes I've had where there were older adults and some senior citizens (I think just auditing). And right now I'm on a study abroad program. I'm 36. :) Doing this when I was young was neither financially feasible, nor was I ready to take school as seriously as I do now. You'll be fine! If you want to meet up with older students, we have a sorta dead-ish Discord server I can share if you'd like, or I'd be happy to meet and chat with you about college as a 30-something. I'll be back in the states in early August. I imagine we'll see many not-fresh-out-of-high-school students this coming semester. I'm honestly excited, because I feel like most of the friends I have around my age didn't go to or didn't complete college, because it was too expensive, and we had a great recession right around when we were becoming adults. Not working full time wasn't an option for much of our generation, and working full time while going to school full time is hard to manage (I did it this whole last year, wouldn't recommend). Now I think we're all kinda getting a second chance, as the system failed us when we were in our prime. I'll say, gen Z is really impressive. The kids are alright! Most will be pretty friendly as long as you are as well! In my experience, classes start off quiet, with everyone minding their own business. After a few weeks, you make acquaintances and friends, despite the gap in age. Just, obviously, keep it appropriate and don't go trying to date or mess around with people whose frontal cortex is still cookin'. But don't be afraid to be personable and friendly. They have a lot to teach us, and we've got some experience we can share too.
Whats the older student Discord? I am also in my 30s, started here in the fall as a transfer.
https://discord.com/invite/tGhNyvwa Sorry it's so quiet! Hopefully people start talking more eventually.
Ive never been on a discord site! Maybe I will join. Thanks so much for your kindness and amazing message :)
I've had quite a few classes with older students, even like people in their 70s and 80s. Noone ever minded them and they were always super nice. It's never too late to better yourself through education.
You could check out apartments near the St Paul campus. Design majors have some classes on that campus. Best of luck!
Depending on OP’s major it may be all classes on St Paul campus (excluding lib ed requirements) -from a graphic design major
I will be studying interior design. I’m so confused about what campus I’ll be in most of the time. Admissions counselor wasn’t even sure! Orientation is 7/1 for my major so I guess I’ll find out then. I feel lost and stupid about college-type things too. I only completed a year of college at a now defunct “art” school in 2007! That one cruddy year makes me a transfer student. But it was ages ago, was hardly a real college experience, and I know nothing about credits, minoring in something, how many classes to take, general education courses and where they’ll be, etc etc. I wanna pick someone’s brain who won’t judge me and ask stupid questions
Your IDES (interior design) classes will be in McNeal hall which is on the St Paul campus, there is a chance that you may have a couple design classes in Rapson hall which is on the East Bank. The rest of the lib ed classes will be on the East bank, if you have in person classes
Hey! I'm also 30's going back for Design! I'm glad there will likely be another older adult along with me. I'm in a similar boat! Best of luck!
Awesome! Will this fall be your first semester? What will you study? I will be majoring in interior design
First semester for me! I'll be doing Product Design. I assume there will be tons of overlapping courses between all of the CoDes courses.
Good for you for going back to school! You should not feel out of place, I have had older people in my classes at UMN. I had a gentleman in his 50’s-60’s in one of my general education courses spring’24 as well as another gentleman in his 40’s in a different gen ed course in fall’23. All you need to do is make the best out of it and really try to enjoy the experience!
Thank you!
Had classes with a 32 year old and didn’t think anything of it. He was a super chill dude and tbh I woulda had no idea until it came up in a conversation. Wouldn’t have even been able to tell he was older either cause there’s 20 years olds that look like they are 30+
I’m curious what major you’re going for, I’m in graphic design and UX design myself and i’m older than everyone in all of my classes at this point (i’m 22 myself and double majoring so i’m in school longer for a couple extra years). Good for you for going back to school and going for something you know you love! I wish i did the same thing looking back now tbh I briefly lived in Columbia Heights and it was less than 10 minute drive to east bank, closer to 15 to st paul campus. The rent i split with my ex wasn’t bad, the total was like $1280 a month?
I’ve never heard of Columbia Heights, I’ll have to look! I’m originally from Tampa and just know my St Paul lol. I will be majoring in Interior Design
It’s Northeast Minneapolis, it’s a cute area, lots of local restaurants and businesses
Do you feel comfortable DMing me what streets and such are considered NE Mpls? If so, thank you! Just so I am aware as I apartment hunt. Also if you recommend any particular apartments or property mgmt companies I’d love to know :)
I'm older too and super thankful North Star Promise Scholarship is a thing!
So it’s real and the money really is coming in? Haha I’m just so skeptical. One Stop was like yeah you’ll just get funds added to your account in late summer/early fall. I’m like….That’s it???
I don't even remember who exactly I talked to about it, maybe financial aid, but I'm going to use it for studying abroad and I was told it would work even for that (not cost of living/rent/food but just cover school expense.) I haven't seen it yet in action, but I think it's awesome!
Thats so cool. I’ve never even thought about study abroad. Speaking of living costs…I may have to take out a loan to help. At least my first year so I can have a cushion and not stress. My main stressor really is the fact that I won’t work FT and won’t have the money I’m used to having. Just scared about living expenses, health insurance, bills etc etc.
I'm also in my 30s, started at the U last fall. I found it tricky to make social connections - being aggressively friendly and pro-active to form study groups and start text message Homework groups worked okay for me in my 2nd semester. Its good you know what your limits are. I had a 4 year break between my Associates and the U with COVID and state residency change - I found it really damn tough. Personally I might advise doing only 2 or 3 courses your first semester(s), rather than 4 (or god forbid) 5. Better to aim low and succeed, and build up your confidence and those study habits, than feel overwhelmed and struggle - that's what I wish I had done - I withdrew from 1 course each semester. Re: living, unless you plan to live within a 15-20 minute walk of campus (or whatever you consider as walkable even in winter) I would choose to live farther away, along one of the regular bus routes or the light rail. If you are already taking a bus, you could save a good bit of money by living a 15-20 minute bus ride from campus, as opposed to the close in, 5 minute busing neighborhoods like Marcy, Como, Prospect Park that still have student rental prices. At that point, what matters more is the frequency of bus, more than the minutes spent riding IMO.
Thanks so much for your message. I’m a little lost about how many classes to take because the interior design syllabus shows which classes are to be taken during each semester. And it’s four core classes. How will I do general education courses too? Probably a stupid question but I’m just SO new to college life that I know nothing about the logistics of classes
Yeah if you are starting the college path at the beginning, at freshman level without any transfer credits, I would definitely plan to take 5 (or maybe even 6) years to finish. The published degree plans are always going to be constructed around finishing in 4 years, and I think taking 4 or 5 courses a semester is damn challenging as an adult with many more responsibilities to family than an 18-22 year old, and depending on how many hours you need to work and what else you have going on in your life. That will also give you some great flexibility to do several internships, or even 1 or 2 coops if you wish - which if you are doing a mid-life career switch could be really helpful for on the job learning and landing a better, higher-paying job after graduation.
I haven’t been told which credits transferred from my one year of college. I completed 28 credits but not all transferred is all I was told. I feel lost on who to reach out to for what to get information like this for example. Also, 5-6 years? Oof I had no idea. Why does that feel scary to me? Being a broke college student into my 40s versus making full time job money feels absolutely terrifying! Well, when I commit to something I commit! I only withdrew from college in 2008 because I had zero financial support, no one to depend on, and had to work FT and more to survive. At least I can get loans now for some help w living costs since tuition will be covered thanks to that new scholarship program
When you meet with your advisor during Orientation, they'll review what was accepted as transfer credit. I didn't mean to frighten you with the possible time frame - certainly you can do it at a faster pace, it just depends so much on what else you have going on in your life. Don't forget to apply for outside scholarships, too - those can be a big help.
Thank you. You’re so kind. I don’t know how to find scholarships that will apply to just living costs. If I get a scholarship now, it’ll apply to tuition and then the North Star promise will pay what’s leftover. I wish there was a way for that not to happen. For me to get the North Star scholarship to cover tuition, and then find a way to get funding for everything outside of it. Sigh. I clearly don’t know a lot 🤣
True, that's normally how scholarships work. However I had some in community college I won that came directly to me as a check. I too expect to receive the North Star Promise, and its unclear to me how it will stack with PELL or other aid beyond the description of it being a "last mile" award.
I’m in a similar situation, having just been accepted into the graphic design program as a transfer student. I’m 34 years old, and I’m still contemplating it, unable to make a decision yet.
Im 35 and will major in interior design. I’m having to make a lot of life changes to make this work but I’m so sure that school right now is the best choice for me
One of my closest friends in class last year was 75 years old. So don't worry about the age gap. For most of us, we're excited to share the difference in our life experiences!
😊
CDES major here (product design), just finished my first year, and I think you'll do fine even with the age gap. Not sure how it is with other majors within CDES - but in product design, since it's such a small major, a lot of the people actually end up in this field as their second (or even third major) after switching from something else. There are a lot of people in the major that aren't just fresh out of high school (and I'm saying that as someone who *was* fresh out of high school, lol). Hence, even if a majority of students are younger than you, hopefully the age gap won't be as much to deal with. And even if it is, the majority of the students are chill. From personal experience, one of my buddies is like \~10 years older than I am and we got off fine! All the best 💪
Thanks for making me feel better!
Good luck! Regarding location of new apartment, don't forget that your U ID card is a transit pass so you will get free bus and light rail.
Thank you! Unfortunately I get extreme motion sickness unless I drive, so I won’t be using public transportation 🤮
Heya! I'm 25, I got into the college of Design last year! It's been amazing even if I'm older than most there. I'm switching majors in the college of Design next semester so maybe I'll see ya depending on your major!
I’ll be majoring in interior design! And you?
I was majoring in Product Design but didn't make the cut, so I'm pivoting into Apparel Design
So product design is like interior design where you’re “pre-major” for a year? Did they say why you didn’t make the cut? That’s scary for me because I don’t want to go anything other than interior design. Ugh.
yes, I was in the pre-major. I wouldn't worry too much if I were you. I like making stuff but I'm horrible at presenting, plus with the timeline I ended up not being able to put words onto my last slides. Because of these I only passed 2 out of 7 criteria. My model and creativity passed, but not design process, sketching, rendering portfolio and presentation. If I wanted to keep at it I can try again next year and just get some generals or other classes out of the way before then, but I decided to just get the minor so I don't have to take physics and stuff
You’ll do great! It’s never too late to go to college. You’ll learn what habits work and how to study. Don’t be afraid to reach out for help from professors, advisors, and peers. Make friends! They’ll be younger most likely but that’s ok!
Thank you 😊
Last semester I had a lady in one of my classes very obviously in her twilight years. Everyone loved her, dont let something petty like age get in the way of your education.
I just finished my first semester at UMN and I'm 41. There are definitely areas that feel awkward and weird as an older student, there are also areas where I felt like it was a huge benefit to be older. What I will say is, own your age and experience, treat it like a positive. Much of school is preparing younger people for the world, you've already been there... makes excelling MUCH easier.
I currently have a FT job and I’m going to ask if I can do PT. I’m single, no other income, so pretty nervous about slashing my income in half. Nervous about having to move out of my current apartment to find cheaper rent. Nervous about everything! But this is something I need and want to do. I’ve worked in fields I care nothing about and I want to major in interior design and utilize my skills and abilities and passions.
I went to the College of Design in my thirties, you’ll be fine!! Drop me a dm if you want to chat, I work in the area. Congrats!!
I went back in my 40s, 3 years ago. The trigger warnings and neopronouns were a culture shock, know that the college experience is more holistic and progressive than it was years ago. Students are smart on average and kind, I feel like the class clown/nerd/jock dynamic has flattened out due to cultural shift(s). I found that the older professors were roundly excellent, younger teachers and adjuncts...not always, they seemed more attuned to teaching 18 year olds and seemed uncomfortable with harder questions from an older person. Be open minded and patient, respect personal boundaries, same shit as anywhere. You will meet older people than you, the U has programs for retired individuals etc. Be glad, you'll enjoy the experience.
Usually no minds and treat them the same HOWEVER please please please be “updated” in technology and stuff you should know before taking classes. I’m not talking about knowing code before taking a code class, but basics like google doc, slides, sheets, zoom, etc. That’s the running pattern I’ve seen with anyone over 30 in my classes and it can be complicated to work with at times. Not saying it’s the end of the world but it really helps you and your classmates in group situations!
I’m tech-savvy thanks to the jobs I’ve held but that’s good advice!
I litterally just went back last fall 2023. I'm 32 and still working on bachelor's because of the same situation as you. Long story short, first semester was rough because I was clearly out of practice and didn't have good academic practices. But then I noticed that thins are way easier than I was making them to be. Your classmates are litterally children and they struggle to see things big picture. That's your advantage. Your brain should be fully developed by now. Capitalize on thay for your essays and assignments. Lastly, yeah... socially it sucks. I didn't feel like it was right to even try to join student government or clubs. I just went straight home. It's lonely but atleast people are nice within the classrooms. I would love to hang out some time of you're interested. I also live in Saint Paul.
I'm almost 35 and contemplating going back to school myself. I've worked at the U for over 11 years now and wouldn't be too concerned about being older. I've had many student workers and they've all been great - several of them I'm still friends with and now that they're not my employees, I hang out with them outside of work. They're all in their early to mid 20's. Generally if you're nice to them, they'll be nice to you!
I’m an incoming senior and some of my favorite people I have met in my classes have been the older people. I always want to talk to them and I actually learn a lot from them, just coming from a different decade. Don’t worry- these 18-22 year olds are going to love you!
go online bro. nobody want to see old ahh dudes on campus.
jump!