Durham College mature students met over coffee, snacks and activities at an Oshawa campus gathering designed to help people returning to school build connections.
The Mature Student Coffee Chat on September 17 brought together students from different programs, ages and backgrounds. Participants introduced themselves and talked about adjusting to college life alongside classmates who may be decades younger.
Janis Li, a student life co-ordinator at Durham College, told the Durham College Chronicle that the event was intended to create a connected community and an inclusive space where students could find their voice and meet familiar faces.
Returning students share common challenges
The conversation included practical issues that can come with returning to education after time away. The Chronicle reported that students may need help using DC Connect, registering through MyDC or connecting to campus Wi-Fi.
The college has resources available for those systems, while the coffee chat focused on the social side of the transition. Roughly 20 people attended the September event.
Developmental Services Worker student Kevin Millington said being with people in a similar age group made the experience comfortable and that he looked forward to the next gathering.
Games and conversation create common ground
Students took part in a “Keep It or Leave It” game, voting on activities they would like to see. Drive-in movies and board games received unanimous support from the participants, according to the Chronicle.
The informal format gave students time to compare experiences and meet others who understood the transition back to education. Organizers said those connections can make the college environment feel less unfamiliar.
The report did not provide a date for the next coffee chat. Durham College mature students interested in future gatherings should check the college’s student-life information for current opportunities.
