Scared about going off to school

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Hey, hi, what's up?

I just had a question, has anyone here ever been a "non-traditional student"? By that, I mean returning to school at a later age? I'm in my late 20's, and I've been going to community college for a while now. I'm transferring for Fall this year, and one thing has been causing me great anxiety, and that's my age relative to the majority of college students. Unfortunately, my transfer school is a long way away, and I will be forced, at least for a short while, to stay in the student dorms.

I know from experience that I can live with other people, but the only people I've had for roommates in the past have been my own age or older, and as such, have all been excellent about understanding my eccentricities.

I suppose what my question mostly has to do with is mental preparation. What's dorm living like? Can you get a room to yourself (Which would certainly be ideal)? As an older guy, will people ask me to buy them alcohol (guaranteed to send me into an anxiety attack, as I've had a drinking problem in the past)? Is there any way to really be alone to recover?

I'm probably being silly, but honestly, I've never been alone with a group of people my age or younger for an extended period of time. I got stuck living in a cabin in Montana with a psychotic, gun-toting, pot-smoking old lady for two weeks, and that was less scary than this is to me.

So does anyone have any input?

I started University at 22, it's actually better this way, I think.. professors take you more seriously and you're not peer pressured because people are just like *woah older person*
That's my experience anyway.

As for room mates, I have 4 Chinese room mates and I never even notice they're home..
I've had a few room mates over the last 2 years or so, and all the Asian ones have been the best; they're quiet, clean and won't bother you.

Well Im not a "non traditional" student in the sense that I went to college later...I went sooner as a Post Secondary Education Opportunity in orchestral performance, but I totally understand the anxiety. One of the things I learned after my first year of Dorm living in my actual freshman year was that YOU HAVE TO COMMUNICATE. I had a rather bad rooming situation both in how much credits I was taking and so forth. I cannot emphasize that enough. If you have the ability to get a special permission through disabilities service to get a single and do that if you feel you cannot handle such social circumstances just yet. Though they may cost a bit more. I have been living in the dorms as a single since my Sophomore year. I find it's just easier to do it that way. I have things about space where I am territorial after my first and last year living with a roommate.

Most universities have a dry policy ( I would look into that before hand so you know how strict they are) regarding Alcohol. If people ask you and they are younger tell them straight that you are not going to do that.
Don't be afraid to speak up with your Residence Hall Assistant (RA of your floor) if things like that may worry you. They are there for that reason among other things. I would hope that the RA on your floor would be understanding.

And it's not uncommon for people to be nervous. I remember I was nervous moving into the dorms but my parents told me that if I needed anything or to talk to call.

As of now I get my own groceries and I talk with people on my floor when I get a spare moment to.

And if you're not comfortable using a bathroom with other people before going into the dorms you'll learn how to. It just comes with time.

For me on thing that has helped me is to be open to be casual in meeting people and open-minded.

I know I can be loud in my dorm but no one really bothers me. However I occasionally knock on my wall if the girls next to me are loud gently as a reminder that I can hear them.
If it turns out you have to live with a roommate as I said Communicate and plan out when you're coming and going so that if there is time for you to be alone you can be alone or find a place where you can.

I hope this helps !
Feel free to send me a message.
I have a combination of Asperger's and Generalized Anxiety Disorder, so yeah. There will be obstacles along the way but doing your best in some situations is all you can do.