Starting college as an adult can be an exhilarating—albeit intimidating—experience. Perhaps you are pursuing a long-held dream, or are now making a career change, and higher education is a must. Rest assured: Learning is a lifelong journey. So, banish any thoughts of being too old to go to college! Age doesn’t mean a thing when education is what you’re after. From high school graduates to experienced adults, college is made for everyone.
But we know it can be daunting for adult learners, so if imposter syndrome is still kicking you, here are 10 tips to help you navigate college and all its challenges the first time around.
1. Understand the college landscape
As an adult going to college for the first time, determining the right program is crucial for success. Begin by researching colleges—learn about their reputation, campus facilities, and support services, for starters—to find one that fits your goals. Next, consider format. You may seek a program that is skills-based, offering hands-on experience and internships. Or, perhaps an online degree is the perfect fit. Flexibility is often essential for adults with many obligations, and online schooling lets you work towards your goals while maintaining your job and home life.
Choose a major that you’re not only excited to study but that will also propel your career goals. Are you an aspiring nurse, for example, or a future non-profit manager? Find something that motivates you to attend classes and complete that degree!
Learn about the career-focused degree and certificate programs at Goodwin University, and get started toward a career you love!
2. Plan your finances
Effective financial planning is essential for managing college costs, which can be overwhelming. Luckily, there are many resources to help you reach your goals, like scholarships, grants, and loans. Additional research opportunities are also available for adult learners. In fact, some programs offer funding to support non-traditional students.
3. Time management skills
As an adult going to college for the first time, you probably already have your fair share of responsibilities pulling you in all directions. If you have kids, for example, this can be extra tricky when working between multiple schedules. Balancing the demands of college with work and personal commitments requires strong time management skills.
You’ll need a comprehensive schedule, including class times, study sessions, work hours, and personal responsibilities. Tools like digital calendars and techniques such as time blocking can help you prevent moments of immense stress.
Remember to go easy on yourself if you do become overwhelmed. Allow yourself to regularly assess your schedule and adjust as needed to address any imbalances or emerging challenges.
4. Build a support network
Don’t do this alone! Look for adult learner groups and use campus resources like academic advising, counseling services, and career fairs. Usually included within your tuition, these services are incredibly helpful when the challenges you face become overwhelming.
Academic advising, counseling services, and career fairs are all support offered by quality universities to their students. Choose a school that supports you (and, as a bonus, a school with an older or diverse student population!). Connecting with others starting college later in life will provide valuable encouragement when needed.
5. Develop effective study habits
When starting college as an adult, good study habits can be hard to figure out at first. But it isn’t as challenging as you might think. Break down large projects into small steps. Utilize study techniques such as active reading, summarization, and self-quizzing to better your learning and retention. Leverage technology tools, such as note-taking and flashcard apps. Consistent and effective study practices will help you stay on track and achieve your academic goals.
6. Balance work and study
If you’re working while attending college, finding a balance between work and study is essential. Speak with your employer about the possibility of adjusting your work schedule to better accommodate your academic commitments.
Maximize efficiency by using breaks and downtime effectively. For example, you may use lunch breaks to review notes or complete assignments. Prioritize tasks and manage your time wisely to ensure that you can handle both work and study responsibilities effectively.
7. Embrace your unique perspective
As an adult going to college for the first time, your life experiences bring a unique perspective to your work. Use your background and experiences to enrich your studies. Add to class discussions as well. Diversity makes great minds think greater, opening new ways of thinking for everyone.
8. Take care of your well-being
Maintaining your physical and mental health is vital for success in college. Prioritize self-care by committing to regular movement, a healthy diet, and enough rest. If you want to work at your best, you must do your best to care for yourself. Stress management techniques like meditation or deep breathing exercises are great ways to manage stress in tense situations.
9. Be prepared for challenges
Anticipating potential challenges will help you navigate obstacles more effectively. By reading this article, you’re preparing yourself for what lies ahead. Since balancing multiple responsibilities or adjusting to academic expectations are some of the most common challenges adult students face, you can think ahead and create ways to deal with these issues so they don’t surprise you. Staying adaptable in the face of difficulties and being proactive in seeking solutions will help you overcome challenges.
10. Celebrate your achievements
You are doing it! Celebrate yourself! Recognizing milestones and accomplishments throughout your journey is known to boost motivation to reach your goals.
Set personal milestones and reward yourself for reaching them. Whether it’s completing a challenging assignment or finishing a semester successfully, you deserve to celebrate your hard work.
On the road to college
Starting college as an adult can be intimidating, but it’s an admirable and empowering decision that begins a new chapter of your life—it’s time to take the bull by the horns!