i too went to gateway (scsu undergrad now at 25)- it can feel weirdly intimidating being so close to yale while attending community college..aaand it can feel weird being older than your peers, even if it’s just a couple years older. definitely try your best to push through/ignore that insecure feeling, you are allowed to take up space in new haven!!!

have you tried out book trader cafe? it has its fair share of yale but the vibe is chill and it has a nice outdoor space when the weather warms up