College Relationships.... at 30?

I don't want to get into the long story about why I didn't go to college after high school, let us just say that it was money, family issues, credit, semi-fine grades in high school and jobs. Anyway, after getting a good job 6 years ago I started to go to night classes at the local community college.

This fall but more likely Spring 2012 (have a few more debts to pay off). I'll be going to college full time and working only a bit part time. Now, this will all be semi-new to me and I really want to make the most of my college days since I didn't get a chance before 10 years ago.

The main problem I feel is that I just turned 29 this past May. So by the time I'll be finishing up the Community College and going to University (I'm planning on going to University of Maryland). I'll be well past 30 years old by the time I'm there since I'm planning on living in a dorm or living in an apartment near the college.

Now, I'm just worried that my age will turn some people off. I want to do everything in college that I know about. (I have been to a few college parties when I was younger, I know about them). Granted I'm going to be studying there to get my degree that I need most of the time, but I want to enjoy my time too. I've been thinking of hiding my age since I do in fact hang out with college kids already (my cousin, who is turning 22 this month, takes me to parties) and they just think I'm around my mid 20s but then are a bit turned off when I say how old I really am. Even finding a girl would be hard I feel.

I'm just a bit worried about it all even if it seems kind of stupid. Just needed to rant a bit I guess about what I'm feeling.

Hey relax nothing to be worry about. I would said skip thie community and go straight to a University. The reason why I said it cause when you transfer there might be a good chance most of your credit wouldn't even count. I would try to find out what course does the University you want to go to accept. Don't worry about age no one don't care about your age. What it all come down to is how great of a job you doing. Most of my classmate getting their degree that age. One of the art classmate she 60 or 70 year old getting her an art degree for the first time.

The dazed and confused reference here.. But i see older people in my course then you.. it's weird for me to teach a class where half the students are way younger then me and the rest are my age and older.. 29 too.

no problemo, I used to have a fuck buddy who was 29yo i was 19 back then
the only thing that stopped me from askin her to be my girl was that she was a single mother (i dont wanna take care of someone else's kids)(eventually she wanted to get serious and so i had to let her go)

also there's this 33yo guy in my class, no one talks to him cus he's srsly out of his fukin mind, but i think you'll do great
give it you're best

also don't lie about your age and if you do, don't tell anyone about it otherwise things WILL be found out; sooner or later you'll find somebody who likes you just as you are or already have(?)

if you're invited to parties try to fit in at your pace not theirs
(yeah, i'm a lot wiser than i look (^^))

When I was studying in Hamburg, I was 28 and there was this single mother at the same age. We also had no problems with younger students, maybe they were a little bit boring at times talking about games and hacks, but otherwise it was cool, great parties... much better than the BBQ-dinners I had to go with my colleagues from work. It depends on each persons (including yours) personality, rather than age. I still can not stand people at my age that have gone all serious with families, LTRs, marriege, NTR, golf, BBQ, swinging, generally politically correct hypocritical show-offs... at least kids at 18 are more honest ;)

I think you shouldn't worry so much. You said yourself that people think that from the outer looks you look like mid 20 and moreover beginning 30 isn't that old in my opinion, at least I wouldn't have a problem if I had a girlfriend beginning 30.

Just enjoy your time there, and if some people are troubled by your age then you shouldn't bother too much with them since they're not worth it.

Your age shouldn't be an issue. You can keep it to yourself, but don't completely lie to hide it...that can come back to bite you in the ass.
I've never been one to really search for someone more then 7 years older then me...but just recently, I've looked past a 16 year age difference because of my attraction to someone.

Just let everything roll, your age shouldn't affect it.
Its about who you are.

I'm in the same boat. Okay not really, but I'm 27. I didn't get to go to college for the same reasons you mentioned though. I don't think anyone looks at you funny for anything regarding age UNLESS you are trying to hit on a 17 yr. old or something.

It depends what kind of relationship you're looking for. If you're not looking for something serious then this should be very easy because most college students in their early 20s do not want to settle down. They're busy, want to party and want to enjoy the freedom they have now. Most of them (not all) would not want to get caught in a serious relationship.

If you are looking for something serious, it might be a bit harder. You'll have to join clubs to see what girls are interested in the same things you are and hopefully make some sort of connection. I know you mention your age, but it honestly doesn't matter. Some women even prefer older guys and you're not that much older than they are.

Just try to with someone at close to your maturity level or close to where you're trying to get yourself at. If you're looking for a better job after college try to find girls who are either doing the same. You can help each other out and grow closer together as you further your careers.

The girl/woman I am interested in at the moment is about 7 years older than I am. 30 is definitely not old.

Don't worry places like college/university are diverse places. People usually don't care how old you are as long as you know your shit (for lack of a better phrase). If they judge you by your age well they are a bunch of wankers/assholes/dickheads/motherfuckers.

Insecurities are all about your perception of reality.

You could think of yourself as the creepy old dude that girls avoid like the plague.

Or

You could think of your age as an advantage over other guys. You started off with a tough life, but you worked hard and took control. It makes you more mature and dependable than other guys in their early 20's (who have no idea what they want in life). You're going for what you want in life, you're on your path with a purpose and you'll do whatever it takes to get there.

Don't let insecurities control you, that's silly. Take control of them instead and turn them into your strengths.

Besides, why would you even talk about your age at a party...it never comes up. It's also kind of rude to ask someone their age when you first meet. In the case that a girl asks you in a mean spirit, ignore it and ask her how much she weighs. It will put things in perspective for her.

Yeah, I guess that is true. It's just that I fear that now my age is something that will make people go away from me. Though I don't feel like I'm 29 and I don't normally bring it up very much anymore unless we get talking about ages. Of course I've been hanging around college age kids right now and it's really not that different... I guess it's just that I feel like I'm the old creepy guy but I don't want to think that.

All what he said, I can't think of anything better than this.

Age is not an issue, in my college there were people that were older and we, the young ones, hang out with them and had a good time. it depends mostly on you.

Dude, it can totally work.

Some people loooooove older guys, so you're all set! Plus, most people are willing to look past age once they're at least 20 or so, at least in my experience.
Just make sure not to be dating the freshmen...

I see 40some year olds in my university classes all the time, it's not really a big deal anymore. People are a lot more mature about age differences or at the least, they don't really care to highlight it out of the blue. Plus lotsa girls like older guys, me included =P.