Being an adult student on campus, Worried about fitting in/general discomfort Options

[Joan N.]

I'm not quite sure if this is the best place to put this topic, so if the moderators feel otherwise, please move it to the appropriate spot!

Here's my situation: I'm an non-traditional, first generation college student (27 years old) who just finished my transfer application to BSC. I've spent my time working and assisting my disabled mother, and I'm back in college to complete a degree - I'm terribly excited that I'm getting closer to meeting my goal! I'm hoping to get into the dormitories instead of going through the financial and emotional stress of renting a place off-campus.

My question is this - how difficult would it be for someone of my age to integrate into campus life? I'm feeling a bit awkward about it since I'm outside of the typical age group for college students. Is there any support/advice for non-traditional students? And, while I have you here, are there any resources for first generation students?

Answers would be greatly appreciated! Thank you.

[MikeC]

I'm not quite sure if this is the best place to put this topic, so if the moderators feel otherwise, please move it to the appropriate spot!

Here's my situation: I'm an non-traditional, first generation college student (27 years old) who just finished my transfer application to BSC. I've spent my time working and assisting my disabled mother, and I'm back in college to complete a degree - I'm terribly excited that I'm getting closer to meeting my goal! I'm hoping to get into the dormitories instead of going through the financial and emotional stress of renting a place off-campus.

My question is this - how difficult would it be for someone of my age to integrate into campus life? I'm feeling a bit awkward about it since I'm outside of the typical age group for college students. Is there any support/advice for non-traditional students? And, while I have you here, are there any resources for first generation students?

Answers would be greatly appreciated! Thank you.

I am a non-traditional student as well, and actually several years older than you. I've found integrating on campus was actually much easier than I expected. For me, connecting with the professors in my major was really important, and I got involved with the college newspaper. I graduate in May, and I've really enjoyed my time here. My advice would be to take advantage of what the campus has to offer, which sounds cliche, but it's been important to me.

[Joan N.]

I am a non-traditional student as well..

Thanks for the reply, Mike! I appreciate that.

[Student Ambassad...]

I agree with Mike. We have plenty of older students on campus; the average age of our students is actually 25, so it's not uncommon for me to see students that are non-tradiotional in my classes. (Also, 25% of our incoming students are first-gen-- so go you!!! )While I am 20, I find that the insight of my older classmates is really interesting. For example, in one of my classes we were talking about the impact of the war on terror on our lives. Most of the students were in elementary or middle school when it started, but there were 2 students who were old enough to tell us how it impacted their teenage and adult lives in such a profound way. Another example is in one of my developmental psychology classes, there was a mother of 2 who was able to vouch for the textbook examples, how her kids react to situations and how they grow. That kind of insight is indispensible to my college career.
As for socializing, age honestly doesn't matter. I made friends with people older than me, and they're my best friends, even if they are 2-4 years older than me. If you're interested, I think we even have a club on campus for non-traditional students. Aside from that, we offer scholarships, workshops, and more, so keep an eye out for those events.
There's a class called UNC100 (University College) and it teaches you the skills and information you need to be successful in your college career. Here's a snippet from the incoming students website about it:
UNC 100: UNC 100 provides strategies and lessons for success at Buffalo State College. It further develops academic and living skills that are necessary in college life. This course provides an overview of the benefits of a college education, a liberal arts education, and a Buffalo State College education. UNC 100 also provides specific information about procedures at Buffalo State College that will facilitate students’ matriculation. Most importantly, the course teaches strategies and skills that will improve a student's likelihood of academic success.


UNC 100 is a good idea for a student if. . .

• you are a first generation college student.
• you have never been exposed to the difficulty of college course work.
• you are newly fully independent (not living at home with parents and paying most of your own college expenses).
• you want to give yourself the very best chance at academic excellence.

I look forward to seeing you around campus, and good luck with finishing your degree!!
~Kelly, Student Ambassador

[Joan N.]

Thank you both for your feedback and information! It definitely puts me at ease, and I really appreciate your replies.