The Student Room Group

Mature student social life.

Hi,
Would it seem a little off-putting to younger students (18-23) if a fellow (guy) student in their mid thirties wanted to join in all the usual student escapades of getting hammered at various student nights etc?

Had health problems throughout the second half of my teens, then throughout my 20's. As a result of this I missed out on a hell of a lot of social activities, but I don't want to let *****y life circumstances prevent me from joining in because of being 15 years older.

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Original post by Taz2k90
Hi,
Would it seem a little off-putting to younger students (18-23) if a fellow (guy) student in their mid thirties wanted to join in all the usual student escapades of getting hammered at various student nights etc?

Had health problems throughout the second half of my teens, then throughout my 20's. As a result of this I missed out on a hell of a lot of social activities, but I don't want to let *****y life circumstances prevent me from joining in because of being 15 years older.


Most people don't care tbh unless you have a chip on your shoulder and make a big deal of it or are creepy when it comes to younger girls.
Reply 2
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DCDCo
13
Absolutely not! I'm 31 myself, I have going out drinking with people who are 18, all the way through to 50. You will find things you have in common to talk about, trust me. Then, it's just about relaxing and enjoying yourself!
How about join the mature society and link up with mature students and keeping your sanity?
Reply 4
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Taz2k90
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Original post by alleycat393
Most people don't care tbh unless you have a chip on your shoulder and make a big deal of it or are creepy when it comes to younger girls.

Can you you elaborate on how you'd define "creepy" please mate.
Reply 5
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Taz2k90
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Original post by DCDCo
Absolutely not! I'm 31 myself, I have going out drinking with people who are 18, all the way through to 50. You will find things you have in common to talk about, trust me. Then, it's just about relaxing and enjoying yourself!


Are you currently a University student yourself?
Reply 6
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DCDCo
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Original post by Taz2k90
Are you currently a University student yourself?


No, i'm starting in September! But, I have worked in an environment where at 20 years old, I was the youngest person in a team of 30 by a good 10 years and I was able to socialise with them and have made some of my best friends... I too have my concerns about being sociable at Uni, and what people may think of me being "old" (I don't feel old!) however, I think its honestly a psychological barrier.
Reply 7
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Taz2k90
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Original post by DCDCo
No, i'm starting in September! But, I have worked in an environment where at 20 years old, I was the youngest person in a team of 30 by a good 10 years and I was able to socialise with them and have made some of my best friends... I too have my concerns about being sociable at Uni, and what people may think of me being "old" (I don't feel old!) however, I think its honestly a psychological barrier.


Yeah, but I'll be at least 4 years older than you when I start. Like to think I look young for my age, not sure how I'll look when I start though:colondollar:
Reply 8
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Taz2k90
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Original post by R3negade
How about join the mature society and link up with mature students and keeping your sanity?

Keeping my sanity? You reckon the young guns will break me? Lol
Reply 9
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DCDCo
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Original post by Taz2k90
Yeah, but I'll be at least 4 years older than you when I start. Like to think I look young for my age, not sure how I'll look when I start though:colondollar:


When I did my open days, not a single person asked how old I was. In fact what I encountered was typical of people of that age: quite shy, not wanting to make the first move, but full of enthusiasm and chatter once you break down that barrier. As someone who is older, and i'm sure you'll appreciate this too, I find the anxieties of speaking to someone new who I haven't met disappeared a long time ago. I can pretty much chat to anyone! :smile:

I don't see why if you are friendly, and make an effort to be sociable, why you cant be. I fully intend to do a few freshers nights, probably not all, but some, in an attempt to make some friends that will make my Uni experience much more pleasurable.
Reply 10
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Taz2k90
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Original post by DCDCo
When I did my open days, not a single person asked how old I was. In fact what I encountered was typical of people of that age: quite shy, not wanting to make the first move, but full of enthusiasm and chatter once you break down that barrier. As someone who is older, and i'm sure you'll appreciate this too, I find the anxieties of speaking to someone new who I haven't met disappeared a long time ago. I can pretty much chat to anyone! :smile:

I don't see why if you are friendly, and make an effort to be sociable, why you cant be. I fully intend to do a few freshers nights, probably not all, but some, in an attempt to make some friends that will make my Uni experience much more pleasurable.

Sounds like a reasoned response. Which Uni are you going to, and which course are you studying?
Original post by Taz2k90
Can you you elaborate on how you'd define "creepy" please mate.


First off I’m not your mate. And secondly I think basic decency applies i.e not attempting to get with girls younger than you if they’re not interested.
Reply 12
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Taz2k90
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Original post by alleycat393
First off I’m not your mate. And secondly I think basic decency applies i.e not attempting to get with girls younger than you if they’re not interested.
Obviously you're not my mate. It's called being friendly, a term of endearment for a complete stranger, if you will. I think the second point is correct irrespective of age. If you persist in trying to hook up with someone clearly against the idea, it's wrong either way.
Original post by Taz2k90
Keeping my sanity? You reckon the young guns will break me? Lol


I meant that as someone also in their 30s, there is a huge difference in interests. I have no interest at all with socialising with the younger students. I wouldn't know what to talk about to them tbh.

The age stigma is a bit weird. On campus, during lectures etc, no one cares about your age. But going out to an event where you are nearly twice the age of the average, it is probably going to be a bit weird.

Personally, I would prefer to spend time with people of my own age, but that is just my opinion.
Reply 14
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Taz2k90
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Original post by R3negade
I meant that as someone also in their 30s, there is a huge difference in interests. I have no interest at all with socialising with the younger students. I wouldn't know what to talk about to them tbh.

The age stigma is a bit weird. On campus, during lectures etc, no one cares about your age. But going out to an event where you are nearly twice the age of the average, it is probably going to be a bit weird.

Personally, I would prefer to spend time with people of my own age, but that is just my opinion.
Which Uni are you at, and what are you studying?
Reply 15
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Taz2k90
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Original post by R3negade
I meant that as someone also in their 30s, there is a huge difference in interests. I have no interest at all with socialising with the younger students. I wouldn't know what to talk about to them tbh.

The age stigma is a bit weird. On campus, during lectures etc, no one cares about your age. But going out to an event where you are nearly twice the age of the average, it is probably going to be a bit weird.

Personally, I would prefer to spend time with people of my own age, but that is just my opinion.

Have you tried socialisng with the young' uns, so to speak?
I find it's less about age and more about the individual person. Some older people act more immature/annoying than the younger ones.
Although I tend to get on with 'younger' people as people my age always seem a bit boring to me 😂
Don't overthink it, I'm sure you'll be fine
Reply 17
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Taz2k90
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Original post by jamiejay
I find it's less about age and more about the individual person. Some older people act more immature/annoying than the younger ones.
Although I tend to get on with 'younger' people as people my age always seem a bit boring to me 😂
Don't overthink it, I'm sure you'll be fine


Cheers mate. What are you studying and where?
Original post by Taz2k90
Have you tried socialisng with the young' uns, so to speak?


Nope. I have been asked out a few times and have declined.
Reply 19
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Taz2k90
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Original post by R3negade
Nope. I have been asked out a few times and have declined.


Fair enough. At least you had the offer on the table.

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