The choice to return to academia as an adult can be an extremely rewarding one. No matter if you’re finishing a Bachelor’s you started years ago, earning a Master’s to advance your career, or wanting to start on a whole new career path, resuming your academic journey is a step towards a brighter future. 

But going back to school as an adult can be a little intimidating and nerve-wracking, especially considering all the outside factors that could come into play. To help ease your mind, here are some helpful tips to help you succeed in this new chapter. You can use these guidelines as a checklist of sorts to prepare for your next steps, as well as helpful reminders throughout the years. 

Strike a Balance Between Work, Life, and School

Juggling all the aspects of your life can feel like a three ring circus at times, but it doesn’t have to. Find a program that can fit into your schedule and communicate with your loved ones, boss, and others about your educational journey. Finding the right balance between a job, family, and classes can feel daunting, but it can all work hand in hand with a little planning. 

When working on crafting your schedule, don’t forget to take breaks and leave room for family and friends. As much as school and work can easily take full priority, having time for the people and things you enjoy will make things feel much more manageable. 

Learn What Works Best for You

Set yourself up for success as early as possible. Creating a dedicated study space in your home and utilizing a planner to stay on top of due dates are two common methods for staying organized and focused. Nevertheless, you should work to figure out strategies and methods that will work best for you.

You also may need to re-learn how to study. Everyone learns differently, and figuring out what techniques work best for you is a major key to unlocking success. It may take some trial and error, but once you do know where your strengths lie, you’ll be able to reach your maximum potential as a student. 

Utilize All of Your Resources

There are plenty of resources available to you, regardless if you’re in person or fully online. Many universities offer options for tutoring, mental health services, career counseling, and more, all part of your tuition and course fees. Everyone at your university wants to see you succeed and reach your goals, so don’t be shy to ask for help along the way.

The same thing goes for your professors, teacher assistants, and fellow classmates. Ask any and all questions you have as soon as you have them. You also can connect with other students to help each other and get a deeper understanding of the material through study groups. Relationships and networking matter a lot, especially in an online learning environment. 

Give Yourself Grace

It’s normal to come across challenges or face setbacks in life, especially when stating something new. You’re balancing a lot more than most other college students, so remember that perfection is neither expected nor necessary. Let yourself make mistakes, especially in the beginning, and face any and all roadblocks with a positive attitude.

You may feel some imposter syndrome, a persistent feeling of self-doubt, inadequacy, and a fear of being exposed as a fraud, specifically if you’ve been out of school for a longer period of time. It’s easy to feel out of place in this situation, and all of your feelings are valid. Always keep in mind that your unique journey is valid, and you really do belong there. 

Find a Program that Fits You

There are plenty of fantastic programs out there for online continuing education. Take time to find somewhere that will best align with your priorities, whether that’s flexibility, accessibility, a degree or certificate that will best help you to achieve your goals, or a combination of these variables. 

SDSU Global Campus offers a diverse range of extremely flexible programs. You can get the same high-quality education from the amazing SDSU faculty that on-campus students receive, all from the comfort of your own home. Apply today to any of our online Bachelor’s, Master’s, or certificate programs and start on the path to your next step!