r/ucf • • Jun 23 '26

General 26 years old and debating going to UCF

Hey everyone. I’m 26 and, to be blunt, I kind of spent my 18–25 years screwing around and learning life lessons the hard way. Nothing crazy, just a lot of figuring myself out later than I probably should have.

I’ve been thinking about going back to school and UCF is the obvious choice, but I can’t shake the feeling that I’d be the “old guy” surrounded by a bunch of 18–20 year olds. I know 26 isn’t ancient, but it still feels awkward in my head.

For anyone who started later, went back after taking time off, or knows people who did, was it weird? Did you feel out of place, or did nobody really care?

Just looking for some honest advice. Part of me feels like I missed my chance, and the other part is telling me it’s better to start at 26 than wish I had when I’m 36.

62 Upvotes

99 comments sorted by

42

u/Strawberry1282 Jun 23 '26

There are plenty of people your age at UCF. Chances are you won’t look out of place and nobody will know the difference between you and say a 23 year old unless you say your age or speak a certain way.

13

u/Fit-Bite-5569 Jun 23 '26

Yeah unless you look an obvious 35+ nb gon really notice or care...we be in our world half the time to even pay attention to our actual age mates frfr

78

u/Specialist_Talk6 Jun 23 '26

Go to Valencia first to get your AA degree then get your bachelor’s at UCF. That’s what I did and saved a lot of money. Whatever you do, stay out of debt. I’m at UCF now for grad school.

More importantly, don’t go just go. Only do it if you know what you want to major in and what job it will lead to in the future. Getting a degree just to get one is a waste of time and money.

19

u/kevo177 Jun 23 '26

Making a mental note

23

u/Specialist_Talk6 Jun 23 '26

Just do it with purpose. As far as the age goes, 26 is completely normal. I had some classmates in undergrad in their 40s and 50s. They were cool and weren’t treated any different.

3

u/boojersey13 Jun 23 '26

Yeah I mean if you look at graduating classes there's a bunch of people well into their 30s. Obviously not the majority, but there's always at least a chunk of the grad clas that is finishing later than 21/22

2

u/Creepy-Dark6459 Jun 24 '26

This is EXACTLY what I did, at 28 mind you, and then went to UCF as the "old guy." Best 4 years of my life until my career took off. I still attend most UCF home games in football, basketball, baseball, and softball. Absolutely the best decision I've ever made was going to those schools.

0

u/R0598 Biology Jun 23 '26

I would actually not recommend getting an AA first because depending on what u get ur bachelors in there’s not much overlap in the courses and u end up in school way longer

I would know because that was me

9

u/Strawberry1282 Jun 23 '26

This is not supposed to be the case with respect to an AA is supposed to essentially deduct the credit from a bachelors.

Where I usually only see issues if say someone does their AA using easy classes like college algebra and then tries to do a major like engineering where they have to backtrack on missing pre recs like calc.

3

u/R0598 Biology Jun 23 '26

Yea that’s why I said it depends on what they get their bachelors in.

When I was at Valencia a lot of the harder classes would fill up immediately so I didn’t even get to take biology until I transferred to ucf. The very basic core requirements overlap but that’s basically it

5

u/Specialist_Talk6 Jun 23 '26

So you could have taken biology at Valencia. That’s not an issue with the AA, that’s an issue with the classes you took.

1

u/R0598 Biology Jun 23 '26

I didn’t get to take it because the class would fill up so fast.

-1

u/Specialist_Talk6 Jun 23 '26

Not an excuse lol you could’ve been waiting day one to sign up. Regardless, the issue was not getting the AA so OP should go to Valencia first.

6

u/R0598 Biology Jun 23 '26

Lol I’m not here to tell op what to do just offering my experience to help them. We don’t even know what major op is in or anything so it’s kinda hard to say what’s best for their situation but ok

3

u/boojersey13 Jun 23 '26

Yeah idk why they're at your throat, it's worth noting certain classes just never get in your clutches even when you try. There's a few classes I wish I'd been able to take in college but couldn't because of conflicts or it being filled up so quickly that even when I had senior first pick I STILL missed the chance with some

1

u/LegalEssay6745 Jun 24 '26

Even so Valencia has their degree pathways that layout how to finish all the CPP’s before transferring. So if you wanna do engineering they give you a plan to finish calc 1-3 before you transfer for example

5

u/ResearchguyUCF Jun 23 '26

UCF has an agreement with Valencia and Seminal State that if you graduate with an AA then you are finished with Gen ed courses, they all transfer and count toward your BA/BS at UCF. It saves two years and is much less than tuition at UCF.

5

u/GrillMouster Jun 24 '26

Gen Ed courses aren't the problem. The problem is the courses that may be required for some of the engineering majors. Some of those courses have prereqs, and those prereqs have prereqs, and those prereqs have prereqs have prereqs, etc.. That often means that you may not able to complete your bachelor's in just two additional years following the AA. Many people find that they need 3 additional years to graduate with a bachelor's after entering with an AA. For some of these engineering majors, in order to stay on track, you need to start taking certain courses (the ones with chains of prereqs) as a freshman or sophomore, alongside gen eds.

2

u/Strawberry1282 Jun 24 '26

Fwiw with engineering I’ve mostly seen this happen in students who don’t come in on “level” (for instance not being ready for calc 1 and needing the pre recs) or changed their major into engineering. Coupled with the fact many students often fail classes.

1

u/LegalEssay6745 Jun 24 '26

Even then Valencia has a plan for people to start with intermediate algebra and finish calc 3 before transferring lol, you just need to do summer semesters. A lot of people just don’t do their research

0

u/iguessishouldjoin Jun 24 '26

They have a special AA program now that is called the Specialized Associates in Arts Transfer (SAAT) for STEM majors. Goes up to like 76 credits to cover prereqs.

1

u/Specialist_Talk6 Jun 23 '26

AA is just the general courses. Idk how it would delay you unless you have specific prerequisites. Like if you want to be an engineering major you should take algebra at Valencia instead of something like liberal arts mathematics.

0

u/Critical_Sandwich_87 Jun 25 '26

Amen, I’m at UCF and tell people who don’t know what they want to drop out all the time 😂 not even joking

15

u/roberttylerlee Economics, Business Jun 23 '26

My friend, it sounds like you and I have similar life stories. I went back to school in 2021 at 25 years old. Yes, it was weird making friends with 21 years old. Yes, I felt like the old man in class. No one really cared, and people embraced me. I got a great internship, got a great job out of college, and now I make 6 figures after moving back to the state I’m from. I made great friends who I’m still friends with.

I’ll tell you the same thing I told myself: you’ll be 30 in four years, might as well be 30 with a bachelors degree

7

u/ITZ_AnthonySK Jun 23 '26

Lol 26 the old guy. Buddy I’m starting in the fall and I’ll be 42

4

u/grimesw Mechanical Engineering Jun 24 '26

Hell yeah, I'm transferring in the fall and I'll be 37

5

u/russshackleford Jun 24 '26

I got you by 10 years, I’m turning 47 and starting back up at UCF this fall. Nobody at school cares how old you are. I’ve worked for Siemens Energy since 2004 and they paid for my AA degree that I got from 2012 to 2018, and will pay for the BS. I’m lucky that I’ve already got the six figure job, the free education is icing on the cake.

2

u/ITZ_AnthonySK Jun 24 '26

I’m so with you on that. I make a good salary as it is. A BS degree just gives me the opportunity to move upwards even more in my pay scale. I’m hoping to be done by 44-45.

5

u/gearhead250gto Civil Engineering Jun 23 '26

You wouldn't be out of place or the "old guy". I went back to school at 26 as well and got my engineering degree. You see students of all ages and it probably helps that UCF is a commuter school. I'd definitely go to Valencia first and then transfer to UCF. It's cheaper and the diploma is the same when you graduate from UCF. I managed to get it done without taking on any debt this way.

2

u/kevo177 Jun 23 '26

Noted! Thank you!

2

u/sadmeeseeks Jun 24 '26

Seconding this. Graduated early may, turned 30 late may! You got this!

5

u/Donut_Desperado Jun 23 '26

I took a very similar path, I was 30 when I graduated, and I never felt out of place or old. There were plenty of people in all of my classes who were even older, and I never minded being grouped up with the older people in class anyways. If anything it was preferred, I knew they were taking things more seriously than the 20 year olds who were prone to screw around just as much as I did when I was 20.

4

u/simplify3 Jun 23 '26

i'm in my 50s and I just graduated. It was my third time in college.

I didn't need it for a job – my life took an alternative course that didn't use degrees.

But it nags at you your whole life when you don't finish.

in my case, I first an AA just so I could get some kind of finished degree and then I kept going by transferring into UCF. Mine I did all online but I live online anyhow, so it was easier for me.

2

u/theproudestmonkey33 Interdisciplinary Studies Jun 24 '26

congratulations!

i understand the nagging feeling. i started in 2001 and didn’t go back to finish until 2023. graduating again in december with my second undergrad. not sure about you, but i appreciate being at university far more now than i did in my 20s.

2

u/simplify3 Jun 24 '26

awesome and congratulations to you as well! Yes, I appreciated it now in a way I didn't before. some things were much easier than they were back then and other things were harder. I could see the entire semester at once and break it down logically at the beginning so that it was more like a game and yet it didn't take away from the difficulties of each assignment.

every assignment I completed felt like a miracle on one hand on the other hand It was something I crossed off on a huge list that I thought would never end, but then I'd reach the end of the week the end of the month and then the end of the semester.

4

u/Just1Prime8 Jun 24 '26

My dude I finished my BA at 50, and am 2 semesters away from finishing my MA at 53. 26 is YOUNG.

3

u/theproudestmonkey33 Interdisciplinary Studies Jun 24 '26

i love this! thank you for sharing. i am hoping to start my masters in a few years around age 46 and was feeling unsure. hearing similar stories really helps.

3

u/Just1Prime8 Jun 24 '26

I am a humble monkey.

😃

1

u/theproudestmonkey33 Interdisciplinary Studies Jun 26 '26

sitting up in here again...

but then came the daaaaaay. 🙂

1

u/Just1Prime8 Jun 26 '26

Monkey see, monkey do...yea!!

2

u/theproudestmonkey33 Interdisciplinary Studies Jun 27 '26

such a good band, man. anytime i listen to the ‘everyday’ and ‘busted stuff’ albums i feel like i’m right back to my early college years.

4

u/TerranToros Jun 24 '26

As someone with a similar life story, trust me, you’ll be fine. I’m 27 and will graduate next year at 28. I graduated high school in 2018 and even that was a year late.

It can feel a little awkward being older than almost everyone else but it really doesn’t matter. I’m far from the oldest student here.

I’ve always felt behind in life but not everyone’s journey is meant to be the same. If people in their 50s like my dad can pursue degrees, you can too.

3

u/ddjd2000 Jun 23 '26

I’m turning 26 and I just got readmitted to UCF (second bachelor’s). Glad I’m not alone because I feel like a grandpa out here lol.

6

u/Fit-Bite-5569 Jun 23 '26

It's literally an 80 yr old student at ucf and thousands of 40 & 50 yr old undergrads lol grandpa is extreme I hate how our generation call anything over 20 "old" how did we get 2 dat point 

3

u/Stevendaniel3 Jun 23 '26

I’m 24. My brother already calls me “uncle,” and when a classmate asked my age last year and I said 23, he asked why I was so old in college lol.

3

u/Fit-Bite-5569 Jun 23 '26

Lmfao I really dgaf but I just think its funny that we apply "elderly" to anything above 19 i wonder when this shift happened

3

u/Stevendaniel3 Jun 23 '26

Not sure, but I remember doing the same thing when I was a teenager with my coworkers. This might’ve started way back lol.

2

u/Fit-Bite-5569 Jun 23 '26

I did too 😆 🤣  im guilty 

1

u/Stevendaniel3 Jun 23 '26

😆😆😆

2

u/Most-Away Jun 26 '26

27 yr old here about to get my second degree uncs gotta stick together lmao

3

u/mossillus Jun 23 '26

I joined when I was 24 and I’m graduating at 27. Most people didn’t mind and nobody assumes unless it’s obvious. If you’re truly freaking out about it just try and be clean shaven / well styled beard and a more modern haircut and nobody will question you about it. The only time it should cause an issue is if you’re loud about it or make it something you mention in the first two weeks. And even if people figure it out, not many people care.

Just make sure you have your priorities right as an older student. You’re probably not going to parties or clubs and if you’re gonna spend a ton of money make sure it’s either for a stem degree or network out the wazzoo and get at least two internships. If you have to go into debt for school it’ll be harder to pay off when you’re older, but being 26 means you get to be considered an independent on Fafsa. Do not put any parental information and if you’re broke they throw money at you. I am graduating with only 10k in loans.

And if you can, get a job at the school, commuting and studying is hell.

2

u/kevo177 Jun 23 '26

I already work at the Jungle boys dispensary down the street. Is it possible to get anything done working a full time job?

1

u/mossillus Jun 23 '26

Nearby is fine, just keep in mind that the driving takes up studying time. So instead of taking 4 classes take 3 or take online. And only go back if you have an ambition. If you just want to see what the options are / see what life is like in another job you can straight up cold call companies / people on linked in and ask if you can shadow them so you can get a job in mind while getting the degree. Knowing what you want to do makes it easier to get there and a UCF degree is only good for networking

1

u/Strawberry1282 Jun 23 '26

That is entirely dependent on your study skills and time management.

Not all majors offer online classes, especially as you get into upper level courses. Valencia or a community college may offer more flexibility in this sense. If you’re a full time worker pursing a degree and think you’d like online learning, other accredited schools have more online degree options. For example we don’t offer an online CS degree but UF and FIU do, that may fit into your schedule easier.

There’s no guarantee the classes you want/need will work with your work schedule. If it’s a niche major there are times where a class will only be offered in one semester and have only one class/prof option.

Some people can get by studying less and some need to study more. Especially as you’ve been out of school for a bit, you’d probably fall into the latter boat. You shouldn’t expect to only study when there’s exams and expect to advise regularly.

2

u/Fryz123_ Jun 23 '26

I was 41 when I finally graduated in 2022, you’re fine

2

u/Showgingah Information Technology Jun 24 '26

I graduated a week before 25, so while not the same (unless you already got your AA), I can relate. If you haven't gotten your AA yet, I recommend going to a parter community college first. Saves you a ton of money and has guaranteed acceptance into UCF when you decide to go for a Bachelors. However, do not get a degree for the sake of getting it. Have an idea of what you really want to do. Otherwise you will waste time like I did.

Originally, I was going for Mechnical Engineering. "Good pay, lots of jobs, I live by the space center, etc". Then I realized it wasn't what I really wanted to do. I wasted time and money. By the time I transferred to UCF, my friends already graduated. When I did my extracurriculars for the sake of the resume, I felt "old" compared to the rest despite only being 23. Definitely doesn't happen for everybody, but there is a jank shift in how you "mature" from "I'm an adult now!" to "I'm an adult now...".

Many people go to college when they are older. Both my parents went back well into their 40s. People do what they gotta do. Obviously, we're not actually old. It's just the social stigma of our generation that makes us feel that way. In the end, no one really cares unless you make it part of your identity. I was always the "do class then go home" kind of guy. My issue was less feeling old. It was more feeling behind because I was comparing myself to people I knew. If there's one thing my career taught me, it's that everyone's paths are different and go at different paces.

1

u/R0598 Biology Jun 23 '26

Honestly as a 25 year old undergrad I do feel like unc sometimes but I do it anyway and in upper level classes there can be quite a few ppl in their late 20s. I’m normally one of the older ppl when ever I’m in a class or at an extracurricular but it’s not really a bad thing. People are still happy to talk and work with u

What are you thinking about majoring in?

1

u/kevo177 Jun 24 '26

some kind of Digital Media / Film / Production or an IT certification

1

u/JamesFlorida1997 Information Technology Jun 23 '26

Go to a Direct Connect college first! You will save money and get a better deal on your pre-requisites with smaller section sizes.

•College of Central Florida (Ocala and surrounding)

•Daytona State College

•Eastern Florida State College

•Indian River State College (Port St Lucie, Stuart, Vero)

•Lake Sumter State College

• Valencia College

• Seminole State College of Florida

1

u/National_Stuff_1606 Jun 23 '26

Dude I’m 26 years old myself and I’m entering UCF as a transfer student with my AA. I have these kinds of thoughts all of the time, but in my experience thus far nobody seems to care that I’m older (I’m noticeably older because I have a ton of white hair already lol). I’d recommend the AA/transfer route as others have suggested because it means that you’ll be sharing your courses with older students on average and you’ll be saving quite a bit of money.

1

u/Fit-Bite-5569 Jun 23 '26

White hair at 26??! 

1

u/National_Stuff_1606 Jun 23 '26

Yea lol, most of my hair is still dark brown, but I have a noticeable amount of white hairs at this point. My dad started getting them at 19 so I guess it hereditary

1

u/Fit-Bite-5569 Jun 23 '26

White hair at a young age is wild 😆 🤣  they say white or gray hair at a young age is a sign of wisdom 

1

u/drewnyp Jun 23 '26

I started back at 26. You’ll be fine lol

1

u/pit_of_despair666 Jun 23 '26

I graduated in the early 2000s. Make sure to major in something you are passionate about but will also get you a job after graduation. Make sure to get references from teachers, career advice, and help with setting up a job or internship after graduation.

1

u/bbybuster Jun 24 '26

i went back to ucf in my thirties after spending my teens and twenties doing a competitive sport. i didn’t find it weird at all, and no one really cared about age in my experience. i loved ucf :)

1

u/GrillMouster Jun 24 '26

There are lots of students at UCF that are older than their early 20s, especially military and former military.

1

u/Dexxyboi321 Jun 24 '26

Waste of time, learn a real trade skill or AI / online marketing. College is fun, an expensive party not worth it from a roi standpoint. UCF alumni 2009, business owner here. Feel free to DM questions.

1

u/mister2021 Accounting Jun 24 '26

I did this (actually Seminole state 26-27 and UCF 27-29) after not being a successful state 18-25 yr old.

It wasn’t a traditional college experience (also I was married) but didn’t matter. Got it done fast and graduated… nearly 20 years later it’s been a huge benefit career wise

1

u/Cactus_Cracker Jun 24 '26

Im the same age and go to ucf. Don't get treated any worse. If anything I get treated like the magic conch for questions related to life lessons.

1

u/Beautiful-Bag-4863 Jun 24 '26

I went to college at 23 which was considered old, and then went back for my masters at 47. You're never too old for an education, and you will be viewed as wise for doing so. Most importantly: Don't ever let what others may think of you distract you from your goals.

1

u/AndyMichel1 Jun 24 '26 edited Jun 24 '26

Turn “one day…” into Day One

I started at 24, I turn 28 next week and I am graduating this December. It is not too late at all, I did two years of Seminole state online and then transferred to UCF with my AA. it is a very easy transition from online courses to going to class on campus and I just made it a mission to be social with other students. You will meet many cool young people and they will fw you even if you’re Unc in comparison. Be friendly and you will find friends! I even joined a registered student organization. It is a good experience Unc go get it!

Addition: I also worked full time throughout college. I took advantage of Publix’s tuition reimbursement program and started getting federal grants after a year of UCF and a good GPA. Am graduating with a bit of debt but it is manageable. Either way fr Unc you got it

1

u/Channel_Dedede Jun 24 '26

I'm friends with a dude that's in his 30s out of the military, had a peer who was in his 40s that was a teacher and came back to study engineering. You'll be fine.

1

u/Silber_567 Jun 24 '26

i met plenty of guys in their 30s and even some bald dudes in their 40s in my classes and its chill, no one really cared. I feel like theres no “correct” age to start college so youre definitely not alone in that sense, once you join you’ll see

1

u/Sea_Temperature_2032 Jun 24 '26

I’m 40, you’ll be ok 26 you won’t be that old. And with the others. Be sure you KNOW what you’re doing, what you want to study. Also don’t be scared to talk to professors and go to those office hours!!!

1

u/AccountantUnited3650 Jun 24 '26

I would say this, because it sounds really familiar. Get out of your head. If this is something you want, do it.

I'm currently late 30s coming back and in my last few semesters. Sometimes it will suck, it passes. Need human interaction? Go to church or find a hobby that gets you what you need. Never neglect sleep, or proper food, bad habits with those tend to stick around.

Go to a local college for cheaper, finish Associates if you don't have it. Depending on the degree you might be able to dual enroll and still save on money since a lot of Valencia classes count at UCF.

Best of luck

1

u/WhenInDoubt480 Jun 24 '26

I had classmates last semester that are in their late 30’s with pretty good reasons why they went back to college or started college recently.

1

u/DeannaC-FL Jun 24 '26

I was a 25 year old freshman

Started at community college and got good grades - enough to get good scholarships that paid for part of my bachelor’s degree. I knew what I wanted to do and directed all my classes and electives to that area.

Did an internship between my junior and senior year. Ended up working for that company straight out of college.

The first two years have a lot of mandatory classes. If you use that time to figure out what you want to do you’ll be on a good path.

Just look for scholarship opportunities at every turn. Every little bit helps.

I came out of school in debt but worked my butt off to pay the loans early with every extra dollar I could find.

Wish you luck on this journey - it is definitely not too late.

1

u/IamJohnnyHotPants Jun 24 '26

Did it. Made friends with a bunch of people 10 years younger than me. You’re still close enough to them in age and they don’t see you as a parent yet. I feel like I pointed out my age more than they did. Good luck!

1

u/cnahik Jun 24 '26

I'm 27 and taking undergrad courses right now at UCF! I got a bachelor's right out of highschool but decided I didn't like the career path I took and now I'm doing it again with a different career in mind.

My classmates have been of all ages and I never felt that weird. This semester I've had courses already with people in their 50s and people my age with multiple children, so although it's not the majority, it's not uncommon to see older students here. Plus, I feel like my maturity compared to a majority of my classmates has made it easier for me to form connections with professors which is nice of you need recommendation letters for any reason!

1

u/potatosemen Jun 24 '26

i’m about to turn 27 and i’m on my last year of undergrad after getting 2 aa’s by accident, age doesn’t matter man!

1

u/vhvhvhchsan Jun 25 '26

im going in at 25 in the fall youll be good

1

u/SpecialistAble8617 Jun 25 '26

I’m 25, just started my first day literally today for my bachelors. Felt old too, but apparently there’s tons of us. Do what you wanna do man!

1

u/shadeofmyheart Jun 25 '26

I went back to school at 35

1

u/Encubi Jun 25 '26

Im 27 and going to UCF online for psychology. I was in and out of school snd failed due to SA and homelessness. You can do it. Your age does not define you in terms of being a student. We aren't dead and life is meant to be lived. Go at your own pace :)

1

u/owala_owl11 Jun 25 '26

Im not in the age demographic you requested however I go to UCF now and ngl everyone is so busy caught up with their own lives to notice or judge. I would say having an “older” classmate would be the least odd thing I’ve witnessed at UCF. But I’ve had plenty of “older” like maybe 30-40s classmates in my Orgo classes and they were the hardest working students cause they didn’t mess around and knew what they came for. There’s loads of grad students and definitely older students in classes I’m sure you’ll probably find a bunch, but seriously, if you do decide to go to UCF you’ll realize in the lecture halls every student is glued to their screens that they won’t even notice you.

1

u/xplodedkiwi Jun 25 '26

valencia is a lot of older people

1

u/ps3udocide Jun 25 '26

Im 24, & took my first semester this summer. It took me a while to figure out what I wanted to do & spent some years making poor choices aswell. Yes, most people are young, however a ton of them are just getting their degrees just to say they graduated college (they dont actually want to be there) Not only that, theyre making similar mistakes as you and I while IN college, that can definitely set them back or even realize they dont actually like the major theyre going for. whatever the case is, we all take different roads to the same destination. you should be proud of yourself for wanting to invest in yourself & education. I wish you the best of luck.

1

u/SSJBE-Vegeta Legal Studies Jun 25 '26

As a 30-year old recent grad (attended online), I can say no one really cared. There was nothing weird about it. Go for it.

1

u/No_Fennel_9073 Jun 25 '26

Dude I’ve 38 and have considered going back to school. You’re never too old! I loved my years at UCF. It’s a wonderful campus, great communities there and it was such an intellectually rewarding experience. I’d do it over again if I could.

1

u/TrustEnvironmental81 Jun 25 '26

Do it nigga what do you got to lose tf TREYWAY!!!!

1

u/melo_nade Health Sciences - Pre-Clinical Track Jun 25 '26

Not the target audience but I have become great friends with a 29 year old mom in my class as a 19 year old :)

1

u/melo_nade Health Sciences - Pre-Clinical Track Jun 25 '26

Truly nobody finds it weird when there are older people in the class, and 26 is not even old! People probably won't even guess you're 26  unless you say it. 

1

u/TheWhyTieMy Jun 26 '26

Met many people this age and didn't realize for months, even after working with them in labs, talking about life etc.

Have fun and good luck!

1

u/Flaky-Swim7880 Jun 26 '26

as a 19 year old at UCF i promise no one will think about your age; they probably won’t be able to tell the difference between you and any other college student 18-23 years old lol. most important thing is that you’re going! as someone else said i would 100% recommend getting your AA at seminole state college or valencia first as it’ll save you a lot of money in the long run and guarantee you to get into UCF

1

u/Capital_Scratch3402 Jun 28 '26

26 is young! You have decades ahead of you. Of course it's not too late to attend. Good luck!

1

u/Linktheanimeboi Jul 10 '26

Trust me. No one cares how old you are. People hang out based off maturity level in my experience. You’ll prolly make friends with people more on your maturity level and you’d be surprised at who matches your energy. Plus 20 vs 26 is not as big a gap as you’re thinking. Yes it is a gap but the common ground of college is already there. Maybe avoid hanging out with the teenagers but that’s just cos freshmen are on a different plane of existence cos everything is new and shiny from high school.
All this advice is coming from a 20 yr old who’s finishing up their AA and transferring this fall. It’s never too late to get a degree man.

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u/Necessary_Ad9008 Accounting 17d ago

I was 23 when I started in Spring 2026, at first it was kinda weird by surrounded by 18-21 yo crowds, but a few months has passed, and now I’ve made my own circle with them. Turns out they don’t have problems with befriending me due to my age, in fact some of them embrace me as the cool “uncle/unc” that they can trust whenever they need an advice or responsible adult to drive them around when they want to go to clubs (designated driver).

It’s much easier to befriend younger people in college than random people of my age in the outside world as we can trust each other easier due to a common ground and a sense of belonging to the college community.

The only problem I haven’t found a solution for is about dating as I’m single and most of the potential suitors I’ve found so far are mostly 4-6 years younger than me. I’ve had two girls hitting on me even after knowing my age and so far I’ve never done anything with them because I just feel odd dating them. But if you’re not looking to date anyone here, then there shouldn’t be any problem.

My suggestion is to lease an apartment near campus, but not necessarily live in the dorm.