Returning to School? How to Succeed as an Adult Student
For many adults, going back to school is not only a fantastic solution for gaining a competitive edge in the job market, but also, it can be the means of attaining a new career and beginning a new path in life. While this experience can be very exciting and hopeful, it can also bring with it feelings of anxiety, stress and intimidation. Going back to school is a challenge for most and downright scary for others.
Since many adult learners have been out of school for years, assuming the role of a student again can be a difficult transition to make. New, effective practices will need to be mastered while old habits will need to be broken.
The following tips for continuing education students will not only assist you in your educational journey, but they will also help you develop an effective routine to reflect your new lifestyle.
Going to school as an adult can be a challenging and stressful experience but if you prepare properly, it can be an exhilarating and rewarding journey. To recap the tips for staying ahead of stress as an adult learner, begin by acknowledging your discomfort. By being open with yourself and others about the anxiety you may be feeling, you will create honest working relationships that will benefit not only your academic life but your career to follow.
Next, stay organized by creating a study schedule that compliments your lifestyle. Stick to your study routine and stay on task. Also, keep your study place free of clutter, quiet and comfortable. It's difficult to stay focused when surrounded by a mess of papers so keep your area organized.
Finally, use the support systems around you to make your educational journey a smooth and enjoyable one. Family, friends, classmates, instructors and advisors are all great resources for guidance and support as you progress through your training.
Education can be a wonderful experience that will hopefully lead to many rewarding opportunities in life. Take the time to prepare and you will surely succeed in this exciting endeavor!
1. Own your Discomfort. In order to become effective in any of life's challenges, it's important to not only be aware of your anxieties, but also to be honest about these feelings with others. No one said school would be easy and it can feel all the more intimidating when your classmates are younger and, seemingly, more prepared. It's important to allow yourself to feel uncomfortable. You're entitled to feel discomfort and the more you understand your fears and share them with others, the more you will realize that these anxieties are normal. Beyond this, the more you recognize and share your personal stresses, the more you will see that every student struggles with their own set of academic obstacles. By owning these discomforts, you can move forward in your education with realistic expectations which will translate into school success and a powerful skill set for overcoming future obstacles.
2. Organize Yourself. Adjusting to a new study schedule takes organization, especially when you're trying to maintain a job, a family, a house and any number of other elements. Your best bet is to develop a routine that is flexible enough to accommodate life's unexpected events (like your child's soccer game or an important meeting at work, for example) while also allowing you enough time each day to complete assignments and readings. Many programs, particularly online courses, allow you to progress at your own pace so slotting in study time each day is essential for staying on track. Find the schedule that works for you and stick with it. Staying on track is perhaps the most important habit of an adult learner.
3. Organize Your Space. It's been said that a cluttered space equals a cluttered mind. In order to reduce confusion and stay focused on the task at hand, it is important to maintain a quiet, comfortable, organized study space. Whether you're studying online from your home, part-time from your office or if you attend college on campus, you'll need a proper desk, school supplies, and, most likely, a computer with internet. Try to keep the area organized and clutter-free to keep disorder to a minimum and ensure paperwork is all in one place.
4. Get Support. You've made the choice to return to school and whether this is your first college experience, an upgrade to your existing skill set, or training for a new career, it can be a challenging yet extremely rewarding experience. In order to feel connected to college life and not overwhelmed by the academic obstacles you may encounter, it is important to ensure you have a team of supporters in your corner. Count on family and friends to help you through tough times like exam periods and big assignments. Study groups, both on-line and in person, can be a great resource for tips and encouragement, too. If you're still feeling stressed, talk to your school's career counselor for some helpful advice on how to get through the bumpy times.
