Does age play a role in college friendships for you?
When I was 16, I took my first class on a university campus, and I’ve noticed that an increasing number of students are now starting their college journey as early as 14, 15, or 16 years old. In my community, it’s becoming common for students to graduate with associate’s or even bachelor’s degrees by the age of 18. Do you think these younger students will face challenges in making friends, or might they even lose friends when their peers realize they’re younger?
EDIT: I’m genuinely surprised by the response from those who were unaware of this younger student population. Thank you to everyone sharing their experiences, whether you are currently a younger student or were one in the past! I appreciate the thoughtful and respectful dialogue. My hope is that this post raises awareness about the growing presence of younger students—freshmen (15-16), junior transfers (17-18), and graduate students (18-20). If you search for the youngest graduate at (your university here), you might find some interesting results!
I think age can definitely play a role in friendships during college, but it’s not the only factor that matters. For younger students, like those entering college at 14 or 15, there may be some unique challenges. They might feel like they’re at different life stages compared to their older peers, which can impact their social interactions.
However, many friendships are built on common interests, shared experiences, and mutual support, which can transcend age differences. I’ve seen students of varying ages bond over classes, extracurricular activities, or late-night study sessions. In that sense, younger students could actually bring fresh perspectives and energy to their social circles.
That said, it’s also possible that some older students might hesitate to befriend someone significantly younger. Maturity levels can vary, and not all college students are open-minded about age differences. It’s important for younger students to find communities or groups where they feel comfortable and valued, whether that’s through academic clubs, sports teams, or social events.
Overall, while age might present some hurdles, it can also foster diverse friendships that enrich everyone’s college experience!