<p>When and if I go back to college, I'll be a 21 or 22-year-old freshman. Not quite the age where I'd be considered "nontraditional" by most colleges (usually that's 24+) but obviously I'll be basically starting college when most people my age are finishing. Has anyone been through that experience? What's it like?</p>
<p>I have not been through this situation myself; I am 21 and a senior. However, I have had two residents that were 21 and 22 year old freshmen. </p>
<p>As a Resident Assistant my first year, I was 19, I held my first meeting with my residents and met these two guys that were 21 and 22. I wasn’t sure how I would really like them; these would be residents of legal drinking age on a dry campus. They ended up being some of my closest friends and best residents.</p>
<p>Most people who start college later go for a different reason. You go so that you can better your life. They came to me and separately talked about their concerns. (Being the oldest on the floor, not fitting into the college life, and the other residents finding them to be weird since they were older.)</p>
<p>We talked a lot about different ways to get involved on campus. I truly believe that your college experience is greatly enhanced by getting evolved on campus. The two guys started getting involved and because of their ages and experience were able to give invaluable outside perspective into each organization. I also used them to talk to my residents about the “real world” and what to expect when you’re looking for a job or just not in school. They ended have a great year.</p>
<p>Hope this helped,
-C</p>
<p>Thanks a lot! That is helpful for sure. I would definitely get involved with my campus, that’s a big reason I want to transfer. I also don’t drink much at all (like…often times not even one drink a week) so I don’t think that’d be an issue. :)</p>
<p>Any other experiences?</p>
<p>Well, I am 23 and a junior. A friend of mine is graduating with his Bachelors next semester and is 25. In my group of undergrad friends and associates, there are people aged 18-30, with a few 22-23 in my same year. Keep in mind, this is a typical large state school.</p>
<p>I used to be self-conscious about being slightly older than straight-out-of-highschool, but honestly, people don’t care…and neither should you. It’s not a race. :)</p>
<p>You should have more life experiences, maturity and self-confidence than the younger students. I got my undergrad degree in my early 30s.</p>
<p>I’m not in your situation since I’m 21 and a senior. I don’t think you should worry too much though, particularly if you are going to a larger school. I’ve met a few people your age who were underclassmen and they seem to fit in just fine (plus they do better in classes than the average 18 year old freshmen). They all seemed to be really popular because they can easily relate to the upperclassmen, on top of that they provide a good study partner for underclassmen.</p>
<p>Not my personal position, but my freshman year, my House had several fellow first-years that were 21 or 22, because they were from Singapore and had completed their compulsory military service before coming to school. These guys were very popular among freshmen and upperclassmen alike, and more often than not the life of the party.</p>
<p>Most of my experience has been that age is not something that is noticed or thought about very much in college–for example, one of my now-close friends is quite a few years older than me, and I had no idea until several months into our friendship, when she mentioned her upcoming wedding anniversary! Being too young when entering college and acting immature is far more likely to make you stand out than being a bit older and more mature and motivated.</p>
<p>Good luck if you do decide to go back to school! :D</p>
<p>I would think you don’t even have to tell anyone and could pass for 18-19 or at least upperclass. I don’t really see the issue.</p>