Do 18-21yos generally avoid mature students?

16

It seems that the people who are most concerned about age gaps in friends are the younger ones. If someone is for example 28, do you think other people on the course (the standard 18-21yos) would discard becoming friends with that person?

Reply 1

flowersinmyhair

Volunteer Section Leader, Clearing and Applications Advisor

20

Original post

by safari24

It seems that the people who are most concerned about age gaps in friends are the younger ones. If someone is for example 28, do you think other people on the course (the standard 18-21yos) would discard becoming friends with that person?

Half my friends at uni were mature students, though it was more because we are disabled which is how we came to know each other. I can't speak for anyone other than myself, but it didn't bother me that they were several years older than me.

Reply 2

BCU Student Rep

Official Rep

18

Original post

by safari24

It seems that the people who are most concerned about age gaps in friends are the younger ones. If someone is for example 28, do you think other people on the course (the standard 18-21yos) would discard becoming friends with that person?

Hi @safari24 ! I hope you are doing well. Honestly, this is a valid question. As a 21 year old myself, I would definitely say it depends on the people, I do not think there is a uniform answer for this. For me, I do have mature friends, and it never really comes up as a topic of discussion when considering the age gaps. What I will say though is, as an international student, we bonded because they were also international students so that common ground really helped. So I would say perhaps 18-21 year olds are usually concerned about what to bond over, but again, this is not a uniform answer just like it is not to say there is nothing to bond over.

To add on, I know other people my age who are also friends with mature students so I really think it is entirely subjective. What I can say is that, do not completely write those ages off due to what you have heard or experienced in the past because it will not always be the same.

Please let me know if you have any more questions, I hope this helped 🙂

Ru
BCU Student rep.

Reply 3

Daniel - UOS

Official Rep

9

I'm a super mature home student, in my 50s now, late 40s when I returned to education - 99% of my friends at uni are between 18 and 28; I'm still close friends with a lot of people I graduated with from my undergrad - even been on holiday with some of them. It definitely depends more on personality than anything else - I just get on with people and don't judge that young automatically equals immature; My university friends are from a variety of backgrounds - rich, poor, international, home, etc, they're all amazing people who I am immensely proud to call friends. Attitude is a big factor - if young students are standoffish because they think older students are boring or weird, then there will be a gulf between them, equally if mature students avoid younger students because they're 'kids' then that is just as bad. The truth is, young students often bring vitality, fun, and new ideas to us olds, and in return, we can offer maturity, experience, and established skills to younger students...I've supported numerous student friends going through intense life events, academic issues, and even taught a whole bunch how to cook! In return they have got me out into the world, helped improve my mental health, and made me feel like I have some worth. Be open-minded, however old you are 😀

Reply 4

hallamstudents

Official Rep

18

Original post

by safari24

It seems that the people who are most concerned about age gaps in friends are the younger ones. If someone is for example 28, do you think other people on the course (the standard 18-21yos) would discard becoming friends with that person?

Hi there,

I agree with what has been said here really - it shouldn't matter and most people won't see any age gaps as a big deal, but it depends on the individuals.

In my experience, it doesn't matter! I was 20 when I started uni, and I had friends who were 18, and friends who were 30. We didn't have many mature students on my course, but any we did have were just as much a part of the group as the 18-21 year olds. Whenever we did things as a course, we all were invited and most people went if they were free, which was really nice.

I would say most people would be open to being friends with anyone. Uni is about getting out of your comfort zone and meeting so many new people, regardless of age so I am sure most people would just see it as an opportunity to make more friends.

I think it depends on the course too - I have a few friends who did nursing, or healthcare in general courses and there were a lot more mature students on these courses than I had on mine and as far as I am aware they all made friends so if you are a mature student please don't worry about this.

I hope some of this helps,

Lucy -SHU student ambassador 🙂

Reply 5

gjd800

20

Wasn't my experience

Reply 6

Kingston Eve

Official Rep

13

Original post

by safari24

It seems that the people who are most concerned about age gaps in friends are the younger ones. If someone is for example 28, do you think other people on the course (the standard 18-21yos) would discard becoming friends with that person?

Hey @safari24,

When I first made friends with people at uni, age wasn't a factor - in fact, I had several friends who I thought were my age (19) in first year who I found out months later were 25 and 27! It didn't bother me in the slightest. We were friends
because we had similar interests (we were in the same film society) and a similar sense of humour, not because we were close in age.

I always thought university was a nice change from college/sixth form because you did have the opportunity to make friends with people of a wide variety of ages. It was refreshing to be around people with different backgrounds and experiences prior to coming to uni.

Hope this helps,
Eve (Kingston Rep).

Do 18-21yos generally avoid mature students?

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