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Will I be the oldest student in my classes? How do people deal?

Surrounded by younger classmates in your college program? You can cope—and even learn from them—with these few tips.

By Johnny L. Hopkins, 8/17/09

It is the first day of school, and you are ready to dive into classes as an adult student. You notice a sea of faces, some of which look like you, some of which look younger.

…In fact, some of your classmates may look like your children. You wonder, “Am I in the right place?”

Many adult students feel that they are “too old” and cannot relate to their younger peers. I have some helpful hints to make your life easier.

Younger students are adults, too

When you go to college, you are considered an adult no matter your age. Realize that younger students are trying to adjust to life on campus, too. Get to know them.

You are not their parent

One reason younger students look forward to college is to “escape” being bossed around by their parents. Younger students want adult learners to be approachable, and that will not happen unless you treat them as your peers.

The easiest way to relate to younger students is to join clubs and organizations on campus, such as the university’s programming board. This will help you see your younger friends from a different perspective.

Be a positive role model for your younger peers

You will be a role model whether you admit it or not. Younger students respect you because you have a strong commitment to your education.

Younger students do not like it when you try to act like them by being the campus drunk or dressing just as provocatively as some of them. You don’t have to be boring, but the time when you were the life of the party is over.

Be assertive

As an older adult student, it is just as important for younger students to respect you as it is for you to respect them.

Keep in mind that you and the younger students are at college to get an education, too, and that you are all in it together.

Johnny Hopkins graduated in December 2004 from UNC Charlotte with a degree in computer science. He has served as communications officer for the Association for Non-Traditional Students in Higher Education.

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