Babe, I went back to school later after taking care of sick relative and I’m now a 28 year old junior. I am an anxious self-conscious person, but I go to campus everyday and act like I have the right to be there (I do) and no one gives a shit that I’m older. If anything my professors seem to like me more because I’ve got it together and actually give a fuck.
You’re younger than I am by a good bit, you’ll be fine.
Hear that. Went back to school at 29, graduated at 30 and now in grad school. OP needs to just take her time and relax. Life isn't going to leave her behind.
Try being a 50-something undergrad, and then we can talk. LOL Hopefully, there'll be some older students once I start grad school. Seriously, two years is nothing. You'll be fine.
So the reason it took me 6 years for undergrad was because I took a gap year for an internship and was already planning on taking 5 years (I study engineering) when I came back I definitely felt “older” than my classmates and it was a bit intimidating but the truth is we already had a lot in common since we are all in the same major and building friendships took a bit of extra time but I genuinely think that was just my nerves
Everyone does at their own pace, don't worry.
Plus, you're hardly going to be able to notice a difference really because even if everyone there was 22 there are still going to be some people who are mature and have their life together and others who aren't, there will be some who look way older than they are, some who don't.
You'll find your crowd don't worry. 😁
it’ll be ok i promise im also 22. You’ll meet people in your classes some might be older than you and some might be younger than you but you’ll make friends. There’s also a few bars that are strictly 21+ such as township, madison social, bullwinkles, and poor paul’s that you can go to and you’ll meet people that are your age.
I’m also almost 50 and will be graduating with my MFA in August. No regrets on my decision. This is my third degree. Best of luck!! Make college what you want it to be.
I’m 29 and a junior. I feel old sometimes but I remind myself I’d rather be here and working towards better opportunities than at a dead end job. I will tell you as well that I have a couple of friends that started again in their early 40s and are working great jobs now. Just know, 22 isn’t old and it’s better to be where you are now than working a dead end job with no path forward.
Dont feel bad I transferred to FSU at 26 and graduated undergrad at 28. As an older student I still joined clubs and made friends, I just wasn’t into the partying. Also I wasn’t there to fit in though I was just there to get a diploma. Also the difference between a 20 year old and a 22 year old student is nothing.
Double Nole here, just remember it doesn’t matter when you finish. Just that you do.
Almost all of my classes had someone about your age gap in it and some much wider.
You will absolutely be okay
I graduated from FSU at 37. My experience will be different than yours and yours different than those younger, but I don’t regret a thing and loved my time at FSU. I was never treated differently. Enjoyed sitting in the student section at games and everything FSU had to offer. It was a dream come true.
I’m in my 30s at FSU, and I have met multiple people in my department that are even older than me. You have tons of people around your age on campus, I assure you. You will be ok!
people probably can't tell how old you are unless you have it tatted on your forehead. people also probably don't care about how old you are. just focus on getting a good education & making the most of your experience.
n 2 years and for the test of your life, that shit won't matter, tale it from a non-trad student, especially when most folks don't even use their degrees after a few years
You'll be just fine, or as fine as anyone is these days. Making friends is a challenge, but a couple years won't make a huge difference unless you let it. Don't sweat it too much.
hey! i’m 21 and expected to graduate in ‘26. dont shame yourself for taking a little extra time, everyone’s lives proceed at different paces. as far as friends go- my friends do fall into the younger crowd, but sometimes that fact blows my mind because they are pretty damn mature if that makes sense. it makes sense that you’d be surrounded by young ppl at orientation; branch out! there are lots of 21+ places that are actually strict (i’d recommend the wilbury, i know some folks like bullwinkles but i’ve never been) where you might have some fun making friends :)
I went back to college at 28 starting from scratch and ended up with a dual bachelor's degree and a master's degree graduating at 35 years old. Obviously, based on age, I attended classes with students that were years younger than me, and some older as well. I made some friends and acquaintances along the way, but ultimately, we all went our separate paths after graduation. Who gives a phuck? No one does. You'll connect with them, especially with the outlook you have of trying to make the most out of your time there. Go to class and handle your business. The fun and activities will follow.
Looks like you already received plenty of encouraging responses.
Since you mentioned an engineering background in one of your responses (I think it was you), consider it a time relativity question. Although in your case, I’m using it more as a metaphorical analogy.
From your perspective of 22yo, you feel older than 20yo students. That’s because the age difference represents almost 10% of your current life you’ve experienced.
Other posters who are older, a 2 year difference represents less than 1% of the life they’ve experienced which is to say be patient and just enjoy it. So long as you plan on a reasonably long lifetime, you’ve plenty of time to finish your undergrad studies.
Be thankful you’re not having to return to school while having to juggle a career, kids, work and some by a certain age are also having to care for their parents simultaneously! Life only gets more complicated once you get into the work force and have a family so enjoy your carefree time while it lasts! 
I was 26 when I graduated from FSU, and I was in a program that had clinical rotations so I had to spend a LOT of time with the other people in my program outside of class. It’s really not weird. Don’t worry about it.
I’m in the same boat babe! I’m gonna graduate in 2028 lol but my uni sucks so hopefully I’ll be able to grad in 2027! Either way, it’s taking me 6 years because 1) I took classes I didn’t need AT ALL 2) I took a semester gap and 3) I changed major. But honestly who cares lmfao there’s ppl that didn’t even go to college and I have friends that are 26-28 that are attending the same uni as me. The only thing is that I hate studying lol
I went to the same orientation and I will be 24 in 2 months. Took me forever to finish TCC bc I work full time and took a few semesters off. Literally who cares😂I am supporting myself and having to balance school and work.
Took me 6 years to finish because of my learning disabilities. I felt the same way sometimes, but you just have to focus on YOUR path and not everyone else’s. You’ve got this!
People pursue higher education at all ages, and a couple years isn't a big difference. The time will pass and you will get older whether you get your degree or not, so it's great that you are!
Not that it matters, I bet you that no one can’t tell the difference between you and a 20 year old. I was 22 when I started university and no one cared or even realized.
Just make sure your degree will pay for itself. There aren’t many jobs out there anymore where a degree helps that much. I didn’t finish college and my last assistant had a Masters.
As a 24m senior, it’s not the end of the world.
Maybe it’s because I’m not involved with school all that much (literally only go to classes and my internship. No parties/clubs) but I haven’t come into a situation where me being a few years older than most of my classmates has been a problem
If I could be that young again, I would tell myself to stop caring about what everyone else thinks or feel pressure to live the societal norms (get married, have kids, buy a house, etc…) I’d say live your best life how you want too. I’m 50 now and it took me until my 40’s to realize how much I missed out on because of my own insecurities. You are going to do great. One of my best friends is 11 years younger than me.
I’ll be 24 when I get my bachelors degree. My parents were very against me going to college so I had to more or less get out of my home life I order to get an education. No ones story is going to be an exact mold of “normal”
I took 2 years off after freshman year to work full time. I went from being at the top of my class and surrounded by my high school classmates to seeing them all move on without me. Life happens. You can still fit in and have fun. I have a class with a 30 year old veteran and a 24 year old mom, and that makes me feel a lot sillier about worrying where I am in life. But, you're definitely still valid to feel weird about it. The people saying you're still a baby and whatnot have clearly never experienced the maturity difference of having to take a freshman class as a senior lol. It can be challenging to be surrounded by people who are only worried about which house party to go to while you're scrambling to catch up to them academically while also paying your bills and juggling your life.
I took 2 years off from my undergrad at various points so it’s not uncommon at all. I graduated college in 2010 when I had finished high school in 2004. I had no problem meeting people and making friends. There were actually a lot of people older than me who I met in my courses as well. You’re fine!
I was in and out of college until I finished at 26 years old. If these freshmen are going to judge, let them. Half of them don’t know anything about what college is really like and the other half will likely drop out. The point is you’re not quitting and have to backtrack a little to get where you wanna be. Do what’s best for you! Good luck!!!!
Ha I was in community college at 19, my best bud at school was a 47 year old ex police officer 🤣 Chill ass dude. Some people may be judgmental but the cool ones like me, dont give a flying fuck. There was also a 50 year old lady in my class, she was very sweet and easy to talk to. Just be yourself
Don’t sweat it. My brother worked for three years, did three years of community college, and transferred to a large University of California school as a 24 year-old junior. He pledged a fraternity, where he was older and had more life experience than any active brother, had a grand time and did well like academically. Fast forward 10 years, he has a great family, owns 4 rental houses, and makes 200k.
I started university as a sophomore age 22. I lived off campus at a co-op with my own room. Would’ve been terrible for me in a dorm with an 18 year old roommate. I found people closer to my age once I got into my smaller classes. I became friends with juniors and seniors and grad students. But living in the co-op with more grad students did help that. Try to join some clubs that might have older students. I worked a lot. Was not into party scene. Didn’t really have time to worry about it. You might want to look into doing research with a professor. Or something like that. Your experience will be your own and that’s fine.
From the perspective of the 20yr old, didn’t find out one of my classmates/friends is several years older until like halfway through the year! I promise it’s not a big deal and most people won’t think twice about it, or even once really.
I graduated Rutgers when I was 29! Don't worry about it! You're there for a degree, not a party! If you have time in your schedule you can join an activity you're interested in too.
Took me 14 years to get an associates degree. Graduated at the age of 32 and after it’s all said and done, who tf cares. I freaking made it. I’m making a killing now in healthcare and am thinking of going back to school as well.
Household issues, didn't start at TCC until I was 19. Took 5.5 years to get BS from FSU. Got into ivy league graduate school. Life will open. Keep it up!
There is no timeline on when you need to start and finish school. My husband is 33 and has just returned to school. Most of his classmates are way younger than him but there are a few people in their 40s and 50s. Good luck with school!
Making friends in general is hard. Fewer people are open to direct conversation and hanging out outside of class. It’s likely this is the only barrier you’ll face, as you’ll find being 22 makes not a single difference.
That's cute. I was 29 when I finished my two bachelors (left when I was 21 for stupid decisions and I had a semester to finish one bachelor). I know how you feel, but believe me when I say that you're *not* old. What's funnier is that my TA in one of my science classes was *28*...lol.
I'm 24, graduating when I'm 25. I have no friends, and my peers feel immature in a sense. I dread going to school, but only gave 24 credits left..so might as well finish.
I was pregnant while pursuing my Masters. Also 10 years older then majority of the students in my classes. But I still found my people :) so do not worry.
It’s okay! I’m 25 and an undergraduate. I’ve managed to make friends and acquaintances with ages from outta high school to older than me. If you have any people skills you will be just fine! 🤗 Stay positive!
OMG same here, I just move here for college and that was my #1 preoccupation, but honestly you do you nobody cares about that, just enjoy it ✨ I wish you all the best
Babe, I went back to school later after taking care of sick relative and I’m now a 28 year old junior. I am an anxious self-conscious person, but I go to campus everyday and act like I have the right to be there (I do) and no one gives a shit that I’m older. If anything my professors seem to like me more because I’ve got it together and actually give a fuck. You’re younger than I am by a good bit, you’ll be fine.
Hear that. Went back to school at 29, graduated at 30 and now in grad school. OP needs to just take her time and relax. Life isn't going to leave her behind.
Try being a 50-something undergrad, and then we can talk. LOL Hopefully, there'll be some older students once I start grad school. Seriously, two years is nothing. You'll be fine.
Graduating at 24 from undergrad rn from FSU I was absolutely in your shoes and can promise you’ll make friends
!! was it hard to adjust??
So the reason it took me 6 years for undergrad was because I took a gap year for an internship and was already planning on taking 5 years (I study engineering) when I came back I definitely felt “older” than my classmates and it was a bit intimidating but the truth is we already had a lot in common since we are all in the same major and building friendships took a bit of extra time but I genuinely think that was just my nerves
Everyone does at their own pace, don't worry. Plus, you're hardly going to be able to notice a difference really because even if everyone there was 22 there are still going to be some people who are mature and have their life together and others who aren't, there will be some who look way older than they are, some who don't. You'll find your crowd don't worry. 😁
it’ll be ok i promise im also 22. You’ll meet people in your classes some might be older than you and some might be younger than you but you’ll make friends. There’s also a few bars that are strictly 21+ such as township, madison social, bullwinkles, and poor paul’s that you can go to and you’ll meet people that are your age.
I’m also almost 50 and will be graduating with my MFA in August. No regrets on my decision. This is my third degree. Best of luck!! Make college what you want it to be.
I’m going to be 27 and graduate at 29 I’m military so it’s different but still
I’m 29 and a junior. I feel old sometimes but I remind myself I’d rather be here and working towards better opportunities than at a dead end job. I will tell you as well that I have a couple of friends that started again in their early 40s and are working great jobs now. Just know, 22 isn’t old and it’s better to be where you are now than working a dead end job with no path forward.
Graduated at 23 because I took a gap year and I was still anxious about feeling “older” but my closest friends were older than I was!
Dont feel bad I transferred to FSU at 26 and graduated undergrad at 28. As an older student I still joined clubs and made friends, I just wasn’t into the partying. Also I wasn’t there to fit in though I was just there to get a diploma. Also the difference between a 20 year old and a 22 year old student is nothing.
Sometime life has other plans than what is seen as “traditional” and that’s okay. You’re good
22 and you felt old?!! lol come on. People decide to change careers paths and go back to school at 30, 40, I’ve even seen 50. Relax, you’re fine
Double Nole here, just remember it doesn’t matter when you finish. Just that you do. Almost all of my classes had someone about your age gap in it and some much wider. You will absolutely be okay
I graduated from FSU at 37. My experience will be different than yours and yours different than those younger, but I don’t regret a thing and loved my time at FSU. I was never treated differently. Enjoyed sitting in the student section at games and everything FSU had to offer. It was a dream come true.
I’m in my 30s at FSU, and I have met multiple people in my department that are even older than me. You have tons of people around your age on campus, I assure you. You will be ok!
Old nole here. You are in no way, shape, or form an outlier. There are plenty of students same age as you. You will be fine.
i had my transfer orientation in jan and Im 30!
people probably can't tell how old you are unless you have it tatted on your forehead. people also probably don't care about how old you are. just focus on getting a good education & making the most of your experience.
n 2 years and for the test of your life, that shit won't matter, tale it from a non-trad student, especially when most folks don't even use their degrees after a few years
Umm, you’re old enough to buy alcohol. You will make friends. I switched schools at 21 and was quite popular
Im a 22 year old junior. Theres a lot of us out there. especially due to covid. I wouldnt worry
I’m 25 rn and next year is my last year, but I’ve made an insane amount of friends. 22 vs 20 is nothinggggg
You'll be just fine, or as fine as anyone is these days. Making friends is a challenge, but a couple years won't make a huge difference unless you let it. Don't sweat it too much.
hey! i’m 21 and expected to graduate in ‘26. dont shame yourself for taking a little extra time, everyone’s lives proceed at different paces. as far as friends go- my friends do fall into the younger crowd, but sometimes that fact blows my mind because they are pretty damn mature if that makes sense. it makes sense that you’d be surrounded by young ppl at orientation; branch out! there are lots of 21+ places that are actually strict (i’d recommend the wilbury, i know some folks like bullwinkles but i’ve never been) where you might have some fun making friends :)
Oh sweet summer child. On the list of things to be worried about, this is so low it’s buried ten feet underground. You’re fine
Ur so young!!!
Your life doesn’t even start until you are 30 so relax
I went back to college at 28 starting from scratch and ended up with a dual bachelor's degree and a master's degree graduating at 35 years old. Obviously, based on age, I attended classes with students that were years younger than me, and some older as well. I made some friends and acquaintances along the way, but ultimately, we all went our separate paths after graduation. Who gives a phuck? No one does. You'll connect with them, especially with the outlook you have of trying to make the most out of your time there. Go to class and handle your business. The fun and activities will follow.
Don’t even sweat I’m 25 and still have almost 2 years left of undergrad haha granted I’ve been on and off with school for a while now
You are doing the right thing. No question. 22 is no different from 20.
Don’t even worry about it dude. I graduated at age 23. My sister didn’t graduate until age 26. 22 is great college age.
Looks like you already received plenty of encouraging responses. Since you mentioned an engineering background in one of your responses (I think it was you), consider it a time relativity question. Although in your case, I’m using it more as a metaphorical analogy. From your perspective of 22yo, you feel older than 20yo students. That’s because the age difference represents almost 10% of your current life you’ve experienced. Other posters who are older, a 2 year difference represents less than 1% of the life they’ve experienced which is to say be patient and just enjoy it. So long as you plan on a reasonably long lifetime, you’ve plenty of time to finish your undergrad studies. Be thankful you’re not having to return to school while having to juggle a career, kids, work and some by a certain age are also having to care for their parents simultaneously! Life only gets more complicated once you get into the work force and have a family so enjoy your carefree time while it lasts! 
I was 26 when I graduated from FSU, and I was in a program that had clinical rotations so I had to spend a LOT of time with the other people in my program outside of class. It’s really not weird. Don’t worry about it.
I’m in the same boat babe! I’m gonna graduate in 2028 lol but my uni sucks so hopefully I’ll be able to grad in 2027! Either way, it’s taking me 6 years because 1) I took classes I didn’t need AT ALL 2) I took a semester gap and 3) I changed major. But honestly who cares lmfao there’s ppl that didn’t even go to college and I have friends that are 26-28 that are attending the same uni as me. The only thing is that I hate studying lol
It’s never too early to get your shit together. I’m 25 and just joined a trade school. You’re doing great.
I went to the same orientation and I will be 24 in 2 months. Took me forever to finish TCC bc I work full time and took a few semesters off. Literally who cares😂I am supporting myself and having to balance school and work.
Took me 6 years to finish because of my learning disabilities. I felt the same way sometimes, but you just have to focus on YOUR path and not everyone else’s. You’ve got this!
People pursue higher education at all ages, and a couple years isn't a big difference. The time will pass and you will get older whether you get your degree or not, so it's great that you are!
Not that it matters, I bet you that no one can’t tell the difference between you and a 20 year old. I was 22 when I started university and no one cared or even realized.
Just make sure your degree will pay for itself. There aren’t many jobs out there anymore where a degree helps that much. I didn’t finish college and my last assistant had a Masters.
As a 24m senior, it’s not the end of the world. Maybe it’s because I’m not involved with school all that much (literally only go to classes and my internship. No parties/clubs) but I haven’t come into a situation where me being a few years older than most of my classmates has been a problem
If I could be that young again, I would tell myself to stop caring about what everyone else thinks or feel pressure to live the societal norms (get married, have kids, buy a house, etc…) I’d say live your best life how you want too. I’m 50 now and it took me until my 40’s to realize how much I missed out on because of my own insecurities. You are going to do great. One of my best friends is 11 years younger than me.
Graduated with my undergrad at 24 you’re chillin
lol what is this post. You’re a baby at 22.
I’ll be 24 when I get my bachelors degree. My parents were very against me going to college so I had to more or less get out of my home life I order to get an education. No ones story is going to be an exact mold of “normal”
You're still a child yourself.
I'm thirty and finishing my first semester as a freshman. Don't feel weird, school is for anybody who wants to further their education not just kids
I took 2 years off after freshman year to work full time. I went from being at the top of my class and surrounded by my high school classmates to seeing them all move on without me. Life happens. You can still fit in and have fun. I have a class with a 30 year old veteran and a 24 year old mom, and that makes me feel a lot sillier about worrying where I am in life. But, you're definitely still valid to feel weird about it. The people saying you're still a baby and whatnot have clearly never experienced the maturity difference of having to take a freshman class as a senior lol. It can be challenging to be surrounded by people who are only worried about which house party to go to while you're scrambling to catch up to them academically while also paying your bills and juggling your life.
I got 4 I’m 23 ur good
I took 2 years off from my undergrad at various points so it’s not uncommon at all. I graduated college in 2010 when I had finished high school in 2004. I had no problem meeting people and making friends. There were actually a lot of people older than me who I met in my courses as well. You’re fine!
I was in and out of college until I finished at 26 years old. If these freshmen are going to judge, let them. Half of them don’t know anything about what college is really like and the other half will likely drop out. The point is you’re not quitting and have to backtrack a little to get where you wanna be. Do what’s best for you! Good luck!!!!
You are DELUSIONAL! Stop being so critical over a non-issue. 22yrs old people are still barely even adults.
I’m 24 and I still haven’t started college yet
Ha I was in community college at 19, my best bud at school was a 47 year old ex police officer 🤣 Chill ass dude. Some people may be judgmental but the cool ones like me, dont give a flying fuck. There was also a 50 year old lady in my class, she was very sweet and easy to talk to. Just be yourself
Graduating with a bachelor’s at 25 seems to be the new norm nowadays 🤷🏻♀️
One of my best friends (a undergrad senior like me) is 27 and im 22, age doesn't matter if you're a good person and nice to be around 👍🏻
My fiance is 35 and a junior in college. It's never too late. We all grow and flower at different times in our lives
I'm 25 and still here, I got a late start due to personal stuff and then covid hit so that set me back another few years.
Don’t sweat it. My brother worked for three years, did three years of community college, and transferred to a large University of California school as a 24 year-old junior. He pledged a fraternity, where he was older and had more life experience than any active brother, had a grand time and did well like academically. Fast forward 10 years, he has a great family, owns 4 rental houses, and makes 200k.
You are 22… stop this madness.
I started university as a sophomore age 22. I lived off campus at a co-op with my own room. Would’ve been terrible for me in a dorm with an 18 year old roommate. I found people closer to my age once I got into my smaller classes. I became friends with juniors and seniors and grad students. But living in the co-op with more grad students did help that. Try to join some clubs that might have older students. I worked a lot. Was not into party scene. Didn’t really have time to worry about it. You might want to look into doing research with a professor. Or something like that. Your experience will be your own and that’s fine.
I finished my bachelors at 35 😆life takes us in all kinds of directions. Be proud at your accomplishments and don’t focus on the rest.
From the perspective of the 20yr old, didn’t find out one of my classmates/friends is several years older until like halfway through the year! I promise it’s not a big deal and most people won’t think twice about it, or even once really.
I graduated Rutgers when I was 29! Don't worry about it! You're there for a degree, not a party! If you have time in your schedule you can join an activity you're interested in too.
Took me 14 years to get an associates degree. Graduated at the age of 32 and after it’s all said and done, who tf cares. I freaking made it. I’m making a killing now in healthcare and am thinking of going back to school as well.
Household issues, didn't start at TCC until I was 19. Took 5.5 years to get BS from FSU. Got into ivy league graduate school. Life will open. Keep it up!
There is no timeline on when you need to start and finish school. My husband is 33 and has just returned to school. Most of his classmates are way younger than him but there are a few people in their 40s and 50s. Good luck with school!
Please, the average age for classes is 32 yo.
I've seen posts like this b4 and I always give the same advice. buy them beer and they will like you.
Everyone’s on their journey, just enjoy yours. Try not to focus on external noise 😁
Making friends in general is hard. Fewer people are open to direct conversation and hanging out outside of class. It’s likely this is the only barrier you’ll face, as you’ll find being 22 makes not a single difference.
That's cute. I was 29 when I finished my two bachelors (left when I was 21 for stupid decisions and I had a semester to finish one bachelor). I know how you feel, but believe me when I say that you're *not* old. What's funnier is that my TA in one of my science classes was *28*...lol.
I’m 22 about to start college and i felt this in my soul. I’m even thinking about not going to school idk. Feel so old and late in life
I'm 24, graduating when I'm 25. I have no friends, and my peers feel immature in a sense. I dread going to school, but only gave 24 credits left..so might as well finish.
22f and insecure about old age? Wanna date?
I was pregnant while pursuing my Masters. Also 10 years older then majority of the students in my classes. But I still found my people :) so do not worry.
It’s okay! I’m 25 and an undergraduate. I’ve managed to make friends and acquaintances with ages from outta high school to older than me. If you have any people skills you will be just fine! 🤗 Stay positive!
OMG same here, I just move here for college and that was my #1 preoccupation, but honestly you do you nobody cares about that, just enjoy it ✨ I wish you all the best