2 answers
3
Asked 116 views

How can I make real connections and friendships, as a non-traditional student who is older than most, and do you think college curriculum should be updated to better support students who didn’t follow the traditional path?

I switched majors later in my college journey and restarted academically after managing ADHD, anxiety, and other challenges. Now I’m doing well, but I still feel out of place socially sometimes. I also feel like curriculum and class structures don’t always consider people who didn’t follow the “straight from high school” path. I’d love advice on both the social side and the academic side.

fall25
Answer This
3

2 answers

0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Wong’s Answer

Hi Nicole. One way to connect is to join activities outside class that match your interests. Clubs, study groups, volunteer work, or professional organizations in your field are great places to meet people with shared goals. Because you may have different life experiences, smaller, interest-based groups can make friendships feel more natural and meaningful than trying to fit into big social gatherings.

It also helps to be open about your experiences without feeling pressure to "fit in." Talking about challenges (like ADHD, anxiety, etc.) can actually help others understand you and may lead to deeper friendships. Many students respect honesty and enjoy conversations about overcoming challenges.

On the academic side, your observation is correct: college often assumes students come straight from high school. This can make it harder for students who take different paths. Flexible course options, smaller classes, or asynchronous learning can help students who need a different pace. Academic advisors can also play a big role by giving guidance for students restarting or switching majors.

Don't hesitate to speak up about your needs, share feedback, or suggest ideas to faculty or student councils, this can help make college a better experience not just for you, but for other non-traditional students as well. All the best.
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Dino’s Answer

Thank you for your question, Nicole! It's great that you're thinking about what students like you need, especially when it comes to making connections. I understand your situation, and I've seen others with similar concerns.

These days, some schools still use traditional face-to-face teaching, while others offer a mix, with part of the class online and part in person. Some colleges and universities now provide fully online courses, using videos and tools like Zoom for scheduled sessions. Education is changing, and we're all adapting to these new ways of learning.

Here's what you can do:
1. Decide on the program you want to pursue.
2. Look for schools that offer this program.
3. Ask about their program options.
4. Find out if they offer traditional, hybrid, or fully online programs.

After gathering this information, you can choose the option that suits you best.
0