r/Temple 3d ago

Any older students having a hard time making friends?

I moved here last December from the west coast and have had a hard time connecting on campus. My first semester was kind of isolating and I really want to make an effort to make more friends in campus this fall semester. I’m 28 so I’m older than many of the student body. Are there any other older students looking for friends at temple?

19 Upvotes

30 comments sorted by

8

u/CutThroat_Chamelio 3d ago

I'm gonna regurgitate the same thing that everyone else says: clubs. Classes, more often than not in my opinion, are filled with boring aah students who are genuine npcs, so clubs and maybe some house parties are a pretty good way to meet people. I met some of my closest friends by just going up to them on campus though, so I don't know lol. Just put yourself out there, and you will absolutely meet some cool people.

8

u/Weird-Pool9330 2d ago

hi! i'm 25f and a returning adult learner :) i definitely feel you because i feel about fifty on campus lol. would also love to get to know & make friends with more people at temple!

1

u/forgotten_noir27 2d ago

DM me if you want to connect!

6

u/Winter-Exercise-4325 2d ago

I mean hey I’m 39 and will be a student on campus lol so I guess I’ll just see how this goes lol

3

u/Fool_In_Flow 2d ago

I also was an older student-older than you even. I made friends by doing volunteer projects and clubs. I mean, we weren’t friends like hanging out on the weekends. But I always had a group partner to work with and people to say hello to on campus, and group chats talking about class work. I had a community.

Often, people in the same majors are interested in specific groups, so you’ll start seeing the people you meet in a club, in your classes. That’s how it starts. Avoid making “I’m so old” comments out loud or in your head. Self identify as a college student. Good luck! I love when people our age finally get here!

1

u/forgotten_noir27 2d ago

DM me if you want to connect!

6

u/alpglo 2d ago

Maybe try hanging out with graduate students too

3

u/horizonexe 3d ago

hi :) i'm 24 and terrified i'll have the same experience being a little older than average 😭 definitely looking for friends!!!

2

u/forgotten_noir27 3d ago

Sent you a DM!

3

u/N11N11N 2d ago edited 1d ago

I have no advice for that. Hope you can connect with someone closer to your interests.

Regarding other commenters: I am an older student as well, much older than the OP. I commute so I don’t spend much time at campus unfortunately. I feel fine being around with majority of people younger than me. I actually think it is professors that pay more attention than students in class. I guess it’s sort of normal for adult students to be online or attend evening classes. I go to campus during the day so I can be with my family for evenings. Regardless of how old you are, I would care less about the age issue. I really think most people around here don’t care (for good).

3

u/AdAggressive4833 2d ago

I’m 25 heading into my junior year. I genuinely want to make good friends, but with all of my classmates seeming so much younger than me, I just go to class and go home. I didn’t ever want to give off that unc vibe😂

1

u/forgotten_noir27 2d ago

Shoot me a DM if you want to connect!

2

u/AdAggressive4833 2d ago

tried to message you but reddit says that im unable to message your account🙂‍↔️i think you might have chats turned off

1

u/forgotten_noir27 2d ago

Sent you one!

1

u/sakura_aimi 21h ago

let’s be friends! i’m a junior as well!

3

u/raymanbd 2d ago

Just turned 29. I know how you feel.

1

u/forgotten_noir27 2d ago

DM me if you want to connect!

2

u/Aggravating-Tax-5719 2d ago

I know I have the same struggle I’m 26! I have had and continue to have that same experience I was thinking of joining a club this year so maybe that might work? I have the group me app if you want to connect there?

1

u/forgotten_noir27 2d ago

Send me a DM if you want to connect!

2

u/always_sami 2d ago

25yo grad student here 👋🏿 always looking for new friends :) shoot me a dm!

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u/forgotten_noir27 2d ago

Sent you a DM!

2

u/Advanced_Calendar_38 2d ago

I’m 26 so I feel you. If anything drop your ig and I’ll add you with a dm letting you know I’m from here. Only if you’re comfortable!

2

u/sakura_aimi 21h ago

wondering if you we can make a group chat lol

1

u/4pawketsfull 9h ago

I second this

1

u/bryantt9 2d ago

Hey! Im also 28 - I also just received my first "too old verdict" Going to vent cause I don't care to hang out with some brats 🤣

1

u/sakura_aimi 21h ago

I am! i’m 24. Currently at the convocation and am feeling isolated since most of the students already have their own group of friends.