It's incredibly easy to get used to a life without homework deadlines or final exams. And, as a result of this, you may feel overwhelmed when thinking of returning to the classroom. Tests, homework, and presentations have been a distant memory, but the moment you set foot back on your campus, or start at a new one, hopefully you'll quickly fall back into a routine. Here are some tips to make the transition a little easier.
Age is only a Number
If you are older than most students in college, you may have an uncomfortable feeling and may start to worry about “teaching an old dog new tricks.” But don't worry! It can be done! Just reconsider your age as a benefit; you have probably experienced more in life than the average 18-year-old freshman and may even be able to use those time management skills to your advantage.
Don't Take on Too Much
You've heard this before: There are only so many hours in a day. If you have other obligations, such as a full-time job or a family to take care of, don't completely clear your schedule for classes. Try to find a schedule that will allow you to fulfill all of your “musts” while still setting aside time to study. Start slow so you don't get flustered and just try one thing at a time.
Get Involved
Returning to school after a few years or even a decade or more, you feel out of place with so many students younger than you who are involved in fraternities and sororities, living in dorms, or going to football games. Don't let this get you down! It may be a little difficult at first, but if you share a common interest with someone, things usually have a way of working themselves out and you'll be pleasantly surprised at how accepting people will be—regardless of your age or scholastic history.
Perfectionism and Procrastination
Having a goal to get an A in every class in extremely commendable. But if you are balancing a job and motherhood or fatherhood, getting a B or two is alright—especially if it maintains your sanity. Don't worry about being the best at everything; focus on what you are learning instead. Also, because of your hectic schedule, it can be easy to put assignments or studying off—but don't fall into that trap! Try to work on a project or homework a little bit each day instead of waiting until the last moment. This will prevent additional stress on your part.
In the end, just take a balanced approach to returning to school and make adjustments along the way. While returning to school is definitely a change of pace from your routine, it's not impossible to get back into the swing of things. You can handle it!
