While Never Too Late for College has discussed the importance of building a social and professional network while maintaining a strong support system, many do not realize that as an adult attending college, you may find it difficult to make friends with all the responsibilities you have to deal with that your peers may not. Making school friends, however is very important if you want completely integrate into college life. Here are a few pointers for making new friends on campus.
Photo by u7b
When you first begin being involved in your school, you may notice that you are older than most students, and you may feel uncomfortable being among those who are younger, sometimes significantly so, than you. Still, if you force yourself to retain the mindset that you are not a whole lot different than these kids, it will be much easier to make friends. Find things in common with your peers, and you'd be surprised by how easy it is to get along with almost anyone if you are open to doing so.
One issue that may be keeping you from enjoying the social environment in a university is that you feel as though you are too old to have the same sort of fun your peers are having. You may fear being the oldest person at the party or social function. When I was in college, I had befriended many older students, and although they were reticent at first, they soon embraced student life and became some of the most fun people to hang out with.
Chatting someone up in the cafeteria or talking to a student after class will only take you so far in making new friends in college. And this is true of all students, no matter what age. If you really want to enjoy a robust social life, then you will have to take charge. Find out what student activities you can and would like to participate in, and talk to students after class about starting a study group that meets after class in the evenings.
Of course, it may be frustrating every once in a while to be conversing with students who are much younger than you, because they often do not share the same experiences. Almost every university has a sizeable population of older students, and many of them are just as nervous about making friends as you may be. Find out from other students and professors if you don't personally know any older students. Once you meet some, you'll be able to have other older students to talk who can commiserate with your own problems of living the student life but having adult responsibilities, too.
Making friends in school is really not that difficult once you've dedicated yourself to opening up to others. Even if it has been awhile since you were last in school, you'll soon see how easy it is to get back in the swing of things.
This guest post is contributed by Barbara Jolie, who writes for online classes. She welcomes your comments at her email Id: barbara.jolie876@gmail.com.
Latest Comments