The thought of returning to education so many years after leaving high school or college can be unsettling for many. However, it need not be a tremendous upheaval. View it as an opportunity to better yourself or help you to succeed in making a midlife career change rather than as a chore. Whatever your reason for this choice, embrace it and be sure to read on for our top five tips.
1. Choose the right course
Once you have plucked up the courage to return to education, you need to do your research thoroughly to ensure that you choose the right course. Embarking on the wrong one could lead to disappointment, complacency and a feeling that you have wasted your time. First of all, you need to decide whether you are keen to do a course in person or perhaps online via an institution such as Maryville University. Next, search for a course that interests you and see if there is a suitable place through which to study. Finally, complete your application form – what are you waiting for?
2. Set a schedule
When you are a little older, it is normal to have a range of extra commitments. Children, for example, need a lot of your time and energy. Therefore, it is vital to balance your existing life with your new education. Be sure to set a schedule to ensure that you have things in place, such as childcare, people to collect your children from school, someone who can do the cooking on certain days or cook in bulk. Find out which days you will need to attend, whether in person or online, your classes and work the rest of your week around it. You may even still be in work in order to afford this new lifestyle, so be sure to find a way to complete everything.
3. Get ahead
It is usual to be set assignments to complete at the start of modules. Students are viewed by many as the greatest procrastinators. While that might work for some people, if you are trying to find equilibrium between education and the rest of your life, you would be best getting ahead. Do this by beginning assignments in advance and not leaving things too close to the deadline.
4. Sort your finances
If you are going from having a full-time job to studying full-time, the impact on your finances will be considerable. Ensure that you have a satisfactory form of income to keep your head above water. The last thing you want during this stressful time is another thing to concern yourself about. A student loan is always a possibility.
5. Seek help if you need it
Education is not easy, and if it is, you need to consider what you are gaining from it. For some, writing assignments can be challenging. For others, trying to retain the information during lectures can be overwhelming. Educational institutions often have advisers who can support you with your academia. If you are finding any aspect of returning to school a challenge, seeking help is sure to ease your mind somewhat.
Leave a Reply