I am 33 and starting college in Sept. Any suggestions to help ease my nerves?

Question

I am 33 and starting college in Sept. Any suggestions to help ease my nerves?

Answer 1

Bottom line, you are all adults trying to achieve the same goal. Who cares if they are younger than you? You have more life experience than they do and that gives you an edge. Of course there will be some who's maturity level is not exactly up there, but just know that you will probably do far better than they ever will.

I am 35 and started college around 32. You would really be surprised by the amount of people your age and older. I attend U of Mich and there were some people in their 40's and 50's in my class last semester, so you are definitely not alone! Heck, even my mom earned her BA when she was 60!

Just take it one day at a time and do your best. You will succeed if you really want it. Just think about the end goal and the rewards that it will bring you!

Best of luck to you!

Answer 2

You need to first relax and take a deep breath (and exhale).

Just because you're 33, doesn't mean you'll be lonely. Which university are you going to? Depending on whether you go to a state school or private school, you'll notice the difference. State schools will (typically) have a larger population, larger campus, and an awesome campus area than a private school

Do you have kids? Know your schedule with your kids being there. If you don't have kids, then more time for you, which is good for you.

Hopefully, you'll enjoy your time back at school!

Answer 3

Relax - you are all in the same boat

Answer 4

That is so cool. I think you will find the college kids look very young and are probably nothing to be afraid of. Come on most have just barely graduated high school last year. Someday I think it would be cool to go back to school too.

But if I could give some advice I would say not to try too hard to fit in with the younger groups. Just be yourself and let them either accept you for who you are or just forget about it. People can tell when someone is trying too hard and it's usually a bit of a turn off because it comes across as insecurity. When your insecure it scares other people because they can sense that tenseness in your demeanor. But people who are comfortable with themselves (without being obnoxious to others) make other people feel comfortable too.

I wish I could go back to college. Good luck!

Answer 5

well really dont think about it just go in and you will get used to it like how hard can it be

plus just keep thinking of why you are there

Answer 6

Take advantage of the resources - like tutoring, counseling, career development - "traditional" students tend to wait to use them until it is too late!

Use your "life experience" to excel - organization, for example.

You may feel a little intimidated by the younger students, that they have an "edge" having come right into classes from high school, but they are looking at you as the "curve wrecker".  Once you realize you are both there for the same reason, you will find it a great place to be!

Good luck!

Answer 7

Just make yourself realize that everyone is there for the same reason. Not many people show it, but I pretty sure everyone has the same nerves on the first day of school. You are bettering yourself, you should be confident, not many people can get that honor. Don't be afraid to be yourself. I was nervous going to college because I started late as well. I was 22, and I was really nervous knowing that there will be people way younger than me there. I would think that they would make fun of me, or dislike me in some way. But low and behold, first day I had half the class younger, and half the class way older than me. So I knew I wasn't alone. Keep your chin up, you'll be ok. Good luck.