When you’re starting school again after a break, there’s a lot to juggle. After all, you’ve got less time and more responsibility than the traditional college student. Support systems can look different for everyone, but they can help ease your transition back to school. That’s why having mentors, peers, and family members in your corner to help ease the transition back to school makes all the difference.
A reliable support network can keep you accountable, help you track your goals, and be there to listen when things get tough. Along with finding your favorite place to study, building a network of academic and social support will go a long way toward helping you succeed!
For many adult students, finding a support network can be overwhelming and a little intimidating. But even if you feel like you’re going it alone right now, there are so many ways to build a support network to help you throughout your academic journey.
A good place to start is to consider your particular circumstances and where you could use some support. Write down your biggest fears or hesitations about heading back to school.
Write down what’s on your mind; then, spend a few minutes brainstorming possible resources available to you at home, work, or school.
Here are some examples:
If it helps, tackle just one concern at a time so you don’t feel overwhelmed. Remember, you’re just brainstorming! You don’t have to have all the answers.
Identifying fears you’re holding onto about going back to school, allows you to better understand where to turn next.
Once you’ve got your list, talk it over with someone in your support system – a friend, family member, or your ReUp Success Coach. When in doubt, tell people you’re going back to school! You might be surprised to discover support from unexpected places once you start talking more openly about your journey back to school.
In addition to your ReUp Success Coach, your school likely has several free resources for adult learners so it’s a great place to start building your support network. Your academic advisor can help you sort through your schedule and academic goals, and it’s their job to support you throughout your education, so don’t hesitate to ask for help!
Many campuses also offer student services, peer mentorship programs, tutoring programs, and technical support specifically for adult learners. Your school website is the best place to start researching what your school has to offer for both on-campus and online learners.
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Your Success Coach is someone you can reach out to to help you find these resources. All you have to do is ask!
Your instructors and peers also provide excellent opportunities to network on campus. Many instructors love to connect with adult students and will appreciate your life experience and maturity. And given that 40% of today’s students are over 25, you may be surprised to find that many of your peers are also navigating their way back to school!
There are several ways to get involved, so try choosing just one approach that feels comfortable for you and that works with your busy schedule.
Here are some suggestions:
Remind the people in your life why going back to school is important to you. Chances are, they’ll want to help you succeed.
Sometimes just naming your concerns about juggling work and life with school can allow others to offer support – like managing chores and housework, or babysitting once your schedule changes and becomes more demanding.
At work, talk to a manager or HR about possible tuition reimbursement. These programs can help offset the costs of school and provide an opportunity to present the new skills you’re learning at work.
If you’re still feeling stuck, reach out to a ReUp Success Coach. They’re there to support you whenever you need them.