I'm an older student in college and want to have friends but feel out of place. Should I?
104341
When I was in college I hung out with a guy I worked with in the library. He was about ten years older than me, and had children of his own already, but he was fun. Just get involved in campus activities, join clubs, get a campus job, chat with people in your classes. Be your charming self.
58305
Hi - I'm sorry that you feel that way. It sounds like you may need to talk with someone professional. There are so many things to be done that can help you to feel more social, or to alleviate that "empty" feeling. I hope you mention these feelings to someone near you who is kind and very caring.
936148
Making friends cannot be rushed, but be confident and introduce yourself to folks. As time goes on you will get to know which ones are friend material, but you have to put yourself out. \nDo not  make hasty conclusions about the people you meet in your new school, just consider how you are feeling, maybe they are feeling worse and acting up. \nBe as nice as you would want your friends to be to you. Keep on a good genuine smile, nobody likes a grouch. Above all dress decent, and clean, people are drawn to nice people.\nSee if you can meet some of your classmates on line, you can get acquainted on line and then it will be easier when you meet in person.\nAlso learn to like your own company, find things that fulfill you as an individual, friends will like your company better, when they realize you are cool even by yourself.\nBest wishes to you.
310192
I think your friend is just looking out for you.  How are you going to feel when they are heading off to college while your still behind in highschool, because you skipped so much.
839858
I graduated HS at 16, started college at 17 and do not regret it one bit. By the age of 21 I had my Masters Degree and was ready for the world. I will tell you though when I started college as a "young" 17 yr old not many of my peers wanted to hang around with me due to my age. Why I will never understand as if a yr really made a huge difference. I also had a very good friend graduate early with me and she didn't go onto college for 2 years after wards because she was not as ready as she thought she would be to get out into the real world. If you think you are ready to face the world I say do it but do not feel bad if you feel left out by your friends who stay in school and graduate when they are supposed to.
339905
you might be too young unless you are in college
48098
Try not to party too much.\nYes, it is possible. I know because I don't remember much of my Freshman year of College...
983365
why don't you try joining a group like the college paper or a team? something that helps you and others meet new people. just make sure it's something you like, if it isn't then you wouldn't make friends that you would want to hang out with.
393177
Open the door and walk outside. It's as simple as that. There's an odd mix of people all around you and everywhere you go. It seems like you got locked into a comfort zone, regarding your social group. Interact with people you normally wouldn't at the places you normally go (i.e. school, shopping, work, gym, club, and yes- even at the bar). Good luck.
1138731
Hey, that sounds almost exactly like me.  But i've learned to live with myself and be happy.  I'm always the one sitting alone at luch, but you know what? I've actually come to like it. Maybe i'm weird, i don't know.  But i would rather have one or two really close friends. You always know where you stand with them, unlike having masses of people who call themselves your friends because your popular, then bail when you need someone the most. You never know if you can trust any of them.  To me, being a loser is cooler then being popular.  I'd hang out with you before i would the popular kids.
296529
Dont get distracted with all those silly things concentrate on your studies, thats what you are supposed to do at that age. you will find lot of such people, if you start reacting to each and every one your life gets confused.
671070
While you are in school it will seem like it draaaags on and on...pretty much until the last month of your senior year. At that point, you'll be thinking, "Where the hell did it all go? And when??" And of couse after you have graduated and have been in college, or are working (hopefully you will go to college!!!) you will be wishing for the good old days of leisure (even though it didn't seem like it then.)
550247
Yes...a thousand yes's.  It is a lot of fun! (hard work too) I am 52 this year, and I asked the same question that you did, a few hours ago.\n\nCollege adds "flavor" to your life, no matter what age you are.  Once you get in, you will be there with students that are also there trying to do the same thing that you are...getting a degree.\n\nAt first I was very self-conscious about giving presentations, standing in front of the class...because of my age, but I realized...we are all trying to pass the class, and I concentrated on the message, and less of myself.  I have since made friends at my University, and it feels so good just to walk around...going to the libraries to study...ect.\n\nYes....1,000 of them to the 10th degree!
340155
the most important thing i'll tell you right now is that by one year after graduating you'll be lucky if you talk to half of your friends still. by two, you'll maybe have a handful. and by three to four years after school of you've kept one friend from school, you'll be lucky. most of us change and grow apart and go in all sorts of directions. this gives you the opportunities to make friends with similar interests, and connect with people that grow with you. and then families take up lot's of time and spouses. you see people you know and say hi, catch up, talk some gossip, and move on. and that's the way it should be. don't let irresponsible or immature friends hold you down.
939007
. Maybe it is time to consider finding a new friend Friends accept us for what we are the best of and the worst. If you feel strange there problem is something going on. Are sure they are friends and can you really be yourself around them. If so how can you be thinking you can mess things up? Life is to short to be up happy either ask them straight out or accept the way thing are.
433935
Hi! Though there are plenty of people to socialize in school, you have to remember that you go there for a purpose...and that is to learn! You don't want to be a dumb-dumb when you get older right? Not to be mean or anything, but life right now may seem easy to you (that's why you're concentrating your energy on getting a boyfriend--it's normal I know, but there are better things in life to worry about...trust me!) When you get older you realize that life is hard...you need to really take advantage of the opportunities you have, while you have them...As you get older you learn the burden of being on your own, of having to compete with others who want to step all over you! Man, I can't stress this enough! Learn to love school, get acquainted with your books...fall in love with each and every subject that you study because that knowledge is going to make the difference when you need it!!!
955241
If you are a good person and areal friend dont worry about anything you cant be friends with everyone. The saying is true the older you get the less friends you have because you cant have time for everyone also you can not have things in common with everyone. I am 32 now and I remember your age it was so hard you feel depresessed alot. Think about the good things about your self the things you like and focus on those things and be confident. Good Luck