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BehindTheScenes · 04-08-2012, 02:28

Hey all, I'm a bit nervous about going to college. The problem isn't the course, I'm certain I can handle that. It's more to do with making friends and getting on with the people on my course. I just hope it isn't me in a sea of 18 year olds. Does anyone else feel the same?

CoderDozer · 04-08-2012, 11:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by BehindTheScenes

Hey all, I'm a bit nervous about going to college. The problem isn't the course, I'm certain I can handle that. It's more to do with making friends and getting on with the people on my course. I just hope it isn't me in a sea of 18 year olds. Does anyone else feel the same?

It is normal to be nervous, but trust me, it won't last long. when I was first getting ready to return to college I shared the same concern, but to my suprise, college has now such a diverse range of ages, that you will feel right at home and it won't take you too long before you are making new friend.

good luck with your course

scoob70 · 04-08-2012, 13:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by BehindTheScenes

Hey all, I'm a bit nervous about going to college. The problem isn't the course, I'm certain I can handle that. It's more to do with making friends and getting on with the people on my course. I just hope it isn't me in a sea of 18 year olds. Does anyone else feel the same?

Try not to focus on the age thing. You're going to be hanging out with a bunch of like minded people and they will all bring something different to the table. I was 39 when I did a FETAC 5 a year ago and there was one person that was 45 and one was 30. The rest ranged from 17 to mid twenties. Regardless of peoples age and life experience you will find there are some people you will bond with and others you wont. Don't go out of your way to just be with mature students but instead just make friends. The person I bonded with the most on my course was only 23 at the time and we are still good friends now. I am going back to college again this September and yes I probably will be the oldest in the class as I've chosen science and science is not a popular choice with the 'very mature' crowd. But I am soooo excited about the course and the direction it may take me in. Yes I will probably be selective about the type of social doos I attend - not really intrested in 'getting off' with boys or playing drinking games at my age lol. But then again there are young people that attend college that are not interested in that kind of thing either and they tend to persue hobbies through the student union instead. Seriously just relax and be yourself. You're guna have a FAB time

.

ITS_A_BADGER · 04-08-2012, 14:57

You wouldnt be human if you were weren't nervous! Im gona be the mature boat aswell but im in my late 20s so im not that old either, But i do hope that it wont be in a sea of teens when i do commence in september, theres a mature summer school at the IT im attending that would have been an oppertunity for me to get to know other maturies but im away when thats on, is their anything like that where your going OP? there could be a few matures in your class aswell

[Jackass] · 04-08-2012, 22:03

Well, I didn't make a single friend in first year

But in fairness, I'd just show up, go to lectures and go home, or else do some work in the library. It depends on if you're looking for a social scene out of college, personally I just prefer to keep the head down and get in and out and focus on my own stuff. But if you wanted to make an effort, their are mature student societies etc., and also loads and loads of mature students.

Obviously it's mostly kids, but they are actually pretty sound, I chatted to many of the 18 / 19 year olds in tutorials and stuff and the age thing makes no difference, if anything, I found it kind of creepy how respectful some of the "kids" are, such as one 18 year-oldish girl calling me "Sir" at one point...and I was 28 (now 29) at the time....fml, that made me feel old!!

Don't be nervous though, what you build up in your head versus what the reality is in going back to college are two very different things, and you can choose to be completely anonomys or you can actively socialise with the younger people, or you can seek out other mature students, you get plenty of opportunities to mix and meet people.

Monkey Sampan · 05-08-2012, 23:08

I'll be 25 when freshers week comes around on the 17th of September,
the only thing I'm nervous about is how bad of an influence I'll be on the 18yr olds

The last place I worked I would have to 'mentor' any new comers or people switching departments
age range of about 18-80 where I'd have to get them up to working pace and interacting with everyone

I'm actually really looking forward to the awkwardness of a new group of people.
I'll just have to remind myself to hold back a bit and not scare them off

BehindTheScenes · 06-08-2012, 16:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by ITS_A_BADGER

You wouldnt be human if you were weren't nervous! Im gona be the mature boat aswell but im in my late 20s so im not that old either, But i do hope that it wont be in a sea of teens when i do commence in september, theres a mature summer school at the IT im attending that would have been an oppertunity for me to get to know other maturies but im away when thats on, is their anything like that where your going OP? there could be a few matures in your class aswell

I was told that there's a mature orientation on the 5th and 6th of Sept. so I'm going to head to that and be very sociable. The funny thing is I wasn't even worried about it until a friend of mine on Friday night kept going on and on about it. Then I was worried!

Quote:

Originally Posted by [Jackass]

Well, I didn't make a single friend in first year

But in fairness, I'd just show up, go to lectures and go home, or else do some work in the library. It depends on if you're looking for a social scene out of college, personally I just prefer to keep the head down and get in and out and focus on my own stuff. But if you wanted to make an effort, their are mature student societies etc., and also loads and loads of mature students.

I'm really looking to create a social scene for myself. I'm moving from Dublin down to Limerick and don't know anyone living there. I'm actually not as worried about it now. I was talking to a friend yesterday who went to college last year and said much the same as what is said here. He's a pretty smart guy, you must all share his wisdom and intelligence as well.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Monkey Sampan

I'll be 25 when freshers week comes around on the 17th of September,
the only thing I'm nervous about is how bad of an influence I'll be on the 18yr olds

LOL

Larianne · 07-08-2012, 19:11

Speaking as a veteran at this stage (heading into 4th/Final year!) do not go into college with the attitude of "OMG, they're all 18-19 year olds!" If you make a big deal out of the age difference, you'll only hinder your college experience. I was 26 when I started. Yes, some of your classmates will be immature but a large number (I found anyway) were way more mature than I was at their age. Also, there will be a number of students in their early 20s too mostly likely. Some having dropped out of college or took a year break from study etc.

I know everyone's circumstances are different returning to college - some have families and part time jobs to keep, but joining a sports club or society is a great way to get involved in college. It also widens your circle of friends, outside of your class, which is a good thing. There are certain clubs/societies which will draw a larger number of mature students. Things like Food & Drink, Politics, Sub-Aqua, Photography.

Some mature students treat going back to college as a job - go to classes, go home, study and that's it. While that may suit some people, getting to know other people in your class will, imo, increase your success at college. Having someone to bounce ideas off or ask the question "did you understand that" or set up a study group with, will only increase your academic success.

Everyone has to let off steam once in a while, so socialising is great for doing that. Whether its going for coffee, heading out for drinks in the student bar or playing a game of tennis, don't forget College is meant to be fun.

Best of luck!

head_honcho · 13-08-2012, 12:15

Returning to college is a means to an end, you are doing it for yourself and for the future. You will not be alone and there will doubtlessly be other 'mature' students around. I was the same going back a few years ago, I was the only 'mature' student in a course of 34 18 year olds, I went in every day and did my work just like I did when I was working and went out with them etc, they aren't alien beings they're just younger than you and have all that growing up to do that you have already done! Obviously there were a few people who throughout my time at college who kept on with the 'old person' jokes and telling me I was ancient etc but you have to take it as water off a ducks back and focus on why you are there in the first place.

Lazarus Malrax · 13-08-2012, 12:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by BehindTheScenes

Hey all, I'm a bit nervous about going to college. The problem isn't the course, I'm certain I can handle that. It's more to do with making friends and getting on with the people on my course. I just hope it isn't me in a sea of 18 year olds. Does anyone else feel the same?

I returned to college at 26 with the intention of going to college every day, attending lectures, studying in the library and then going home. Making friends was not on my agenda as I had a large circle of friends outside. But in spite of myself I made friends - it is impossible not to. you attend the same lectures as the same people, the same tutorials as the same people and as is human nature these people talk to each other. also, mature students gravitate toward each other. When I came back the oldest guy in my year was a 70 year old guy. He represented the college at handball

You needn't worry - the first few weeks will be such a whirl and a buzz and by the time you know it you will have settled into college and have made friends in the process. Best of luck with it all...

AntiRip · 13-08-2012, 19:32

I returned to college last year in my late 30's. Was extremely nervous also but within the first day had made good friends with other mature students. A couple older than me with kids also. Actually the whole class are fairly cool and have good craic with the young ones. I'm amazed how nice and respectful they all are and they do really look up to us older folk :-).

When I was in college first we used to make fun of the older guys (I'm ashamed to say) but I'm glad to say that has changed. Good luck OP, you will LOVE it!

04-08-2012, 02:28	#1
BehindTheScenes Registered User Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 252 Adverts \| Friends	Nervousness Hey all, I'm a bit nervous about going to college. The problem isn't the course, I'm certain I can handle that. It's more to do with making friends and getting on with the people on my course. I just hope it isn't me in a sea of 18 year olds. Does anyone else feel the same?

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04-08-2012, 14:57	#4
ITS_A_BADGER Closed Account Join Date: Oct 2011 Posts: 1,198 Adverts \| Friends	You wouldnt be human if you were weren't nervous! Im gona be the mature boat aswell but im in my late 20s so im not that old either, But i do hope that it wont be in a sea of teens when i do commence in september, theres a mature summer school at the IT im attending that would have been an oppertunity for me to get to know other maturies but im away when thats on, is their anything like that where your going OP? there could be a few matures in your class aswell

04-08-2012, 22:03	#5
[Jackass] Registered User Join Date: Mar 2001 Posts: 8,122 Adverts \| Friends	Well, I didn't make a single friend in first year But in fairness, I'd just show up, go to lectures and go home, or else do some work in the library. It depends on if you're looking for a social scene out of college, personally I just prefer to keep the head down and get in and out and focus on my own stuff. But if you wanted to make an effort, their are mature student societies etc., and also loads and loads of mature students. Obviously it's mostly kids, but they are actually pretty sound, I chatted to many of the 18 / 19 year olds in tutorials and stuff and the age thing makes no difference, if anything, I found it kind of creepy how respectful some of the "kids" are, such as one 18 year-oldish girl calling me "Sir" at one point...and I was 28 (now 29) at the time....fml, that made me feel old!! Don't be nervous though, what you build up in your head versus what the reality is in going back to college are two very different things, and you can choose to be completely anonomys or you can actively socialise with the younger people, or you can seek out other mature students, you get plenty of opportunities to mix and meet people.

05-08-2012, 23:08	#6
Monkey Sampan Registered User Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Parts Unknown Posts: 36 Adverts \| Friends	I'll be 25 when freshers week comes around on the 17th of September, the only thing I'm nervous about is how bad of an influence I'll be on the 18yr olds The last place I worked I would have to 'mentor' any new comers or people switching departments age range of about 18-80 where I'd have to get them up to working pace and interacting with everyone I'm actually really looking forward to the awkwardness of a new group of people. I'll just have to remind myself to hold back a bit and not scare them off

07-08-2012, 19:11	#8
Larianne Something awesome Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: North County Dublin Posts: 9,891 Adverts \| Friends	Speaking as a veteran at this stage (heading into 4th/Final year!) do not go into college with the attitude of "OMG, they're all 18-19 year olds!" If you make a big deal out of the age difference, you'll only hinder your college experience. I was 26 when I started. Yes, some of your classmates will be immature but a large number (I found anyway) were way more mature than I was at their age. Also, there will be a number of students in their early 20s too mostly likely. Some having dropped out of college or took a year break from study etc. I know everyone's circumstances are different returning to college - some have families and part time jobs to keep, but joining a sports club or society is a great way to get involved in college. It also widens your circle of friends, outside of your class, which is a good thing. There are certain clubs/societies which will draw a larger number of mature students. Things like Food & Drink, Politics, Sub-Aqua, Photography. Some mature students treat going back to college as a job - go to classes, go home, study and that's it. While that may suit some people, getting to know other people in your class will, imo, increase your success at college. Having someone to bounce ideas off or ask the question "did you understand that" or set up a study group with, will only increase your academic success. Everyone has to let off steam once in a while, so socialising is great for doing that. Whether its going for coffee, heading out for drinks in the student bar or playing a game of tennis, don't forget College is meant to be fun. Best of luck!

13-08-2012, 12:15	#9
head_honcho Registered User Join Date: Jul 2012 Posts: 162 Adverts \| Friends	Returning to college is a means to an end, you are doing it for yourself and for the future. You will not be alone and there will doubtlessly be other 'mature' students around. I was the same going back a few years ago, I was the only 'mature' student in a course of 34 18 year olds, I went in every day and did my work just like I did when I was working and went out with them etc, they aren't alien beings they're just younger than you and have all that growing up to do that you have already done! Obviously there were a few people who throughout my time at college who kept on with the 'old person' jokes and telling me I was ancient etc but you have to take it as water off a ducks back and focus on why you are there in the first place.

13-08-2012, 19:32	#11
AntiRip Registered User Join Date: Dec 2003 Posts: 2,024 Adverts \| Friends	I returned to college last year in my late 30's. Was extremely nervous also but within the first day had made good friends with other mature students. A couple older than me with kids also. Actually the whole class are fairly cool and have good craic with the young ones. I'm amazed how nice and respectful they all are and they do really look up to us older folk :-). When I was in college first we used to make fun of the older guys (I'm ashamed to say) but I'm glad to say that has changed. Good luck OP, you will LOVE it!