If, like an increasing number of people you have chosen to go to university later in life, you probably feel just a little bit out of place. After all, you are surrounding by teenagers. Your nights of partying until dawn are behind you and you’ve no interest in resurrecting it. While it needs to be said that the age difference between you and your peers need not be a barrier if you don’t let it, you can still make the most of socialising as a mature student.
Join Student Groups
The Student Union will have hundreds of groups and some will be for people like you – you will find special interest groups, groups for mature students, international students, those for minority groups and much more. If you really could not stomach Fresher’s Week and decided to avoid it at all costs then never fear, because your SU should have a web page so you can have a look in peace and at your own leisure to help you with socialising as a mature student.
Volunteering
As recent studies have shown, this current generation is not as selfish as believed. Students all over the country engage in vital voluntary work that their older peers will avoid. It’s not just for RAG Week either, many get involved with international organisations on campus for campaigns and help people in the community all the year round. Finding a volunteer position that is important to you will help you meet like-minded people of all ages and is one way of socialising as a mature student.
Don’t Let Your Age (Or Theirs) Be a Barrier
You might not want to go out drinking every night, but neither do all younger students. If you don’t let your age be a barrier to simply making friends, then neither will they. You are bound to find people with whom you have things in common – sport, films, books and much more. An age gap of ten years or more is no barrier to having a pint over the cup final or sunning yourself on the beach at the weekends. Socialising as a mature student need not mean all night parties.
Become a Representative
Some universities request representatives – one from each academic year to discuss issues and matters of concern within a department. It may be an extra responsibility that you do not want, but it is one potential way of mixing with people. As an older student, others may see you (perhaps unfairly when it’s an assumption based on age) as a responsible person, an authority figure who will speak out for their concerns. It is one way of mixing with your peers and getting to know others a little better.
Finally, treat everyone as the same, treat everyone as you would wish to be treated and the age gap will not be an issue in the first place.