A formal education has become mandatory in many societies, and students of all ages are expected to attend. For those who have grown up in the area, many of them are familiar with their contemporaries. They often have met before they begin their first year of schooling, and they look forward to seeing old friends every year when school begins. The mobility of society has also given students a chance to look forward to meeting new people as families move into the area, and a new student will likely find they are the center of attention when they first enroll in school.

While most adults tend to expand their educational horizons before starting a career, there are some who choose to return to school. Older students in colleges and universities have become more common over the last few decades, and their outlook on life often adds an extra layer of experience for all students in a class.