Does age play a role in college friendships for you?
When I was 16, I took my first class on a university campus. It seems more and more students are beginning their college journeys at ages 14, 15, and 16, living in dorms and attending classes in person. I’ve even noticed a trend locally where students are graduating with associate’s and bachelor’s degrees by 18. Do you think these younger students might face challenges in forming friendships, or could they lose friends when others realize their age?
EDIT: I’ve been pleasantly surprised by the responses from people unaware of this growing demographic of younger students. Thank you to everyone—especially those who were younger students—for sharing your experiences! I appreciate the civil and thoughtful discussions this post has sparked. I hope it raises awareness about the increasing number of younger freshmen (ages 15-16), junior transfers (ages 17-18), and graduate students (ages 18-20). Try searching for the youngest graduate at (your university here); you might be surprised!
Age can definitely play a role in friendships during college, especially when there’s a notable age difference like between a 16-year-old and an 18 or 19-year-old. However, college is often seen as a place where people come together to learn and grow, which can bridge those age gaps. Younger students might face unique challenges, such as feeling out of sync with older peers socially or missing shared life experiences. On the flip side, many older students appreciate the fresh perspectives younger students bring to discussions.
It’s also important to remember that friendships are ultimately built on more than just age; shared interests, goals, and experiences matter a lot too. Younger students might find their niche in clubs or groups aligned with their passions, helping them connect with others who share their interests and values.
As you mentioned, raising awareness about the increasing number of younger students entering college can help foster inclusivity. Hopefully, as more people recognize and accommodate this demographic shift, it will ease any potential struggles younger students might encounter while forming friendships. It’s great to see so many perspectives on this topic!