Choosing to return to school at 30 presents distinct challenges compared to the experience at 18. Adults often grapple with concerns about learning capacity, balancing responsibilities, and social dynamics with younger peers. Safe spaces for support on platforms like Reddit offer recommendations from fellow adult learners. Effective strategies include establishing a daily study routine, utilizing school resources such as office hours and mentoring programs, and fostering connections with other mature students to cultivate a supportive network throughout the journey.
Slow and steady wins the race. Do not compare yourself to your classmates who have fallen into a comfortable study routine that they have been using for the past four-plus years. You took a break, so you need to give your mind some TLC before you can expect it to learn as quickly as it used to. Just focus on having a solid daily study routine. When I was working retail, I would use flashcards while waiting for customers to walk in.
Use every resource your school has - professor office hours, TAs, department-specific study halls, literally all of it. It is meant for you. My school had a mentoring program for math, science, and even sessions on how to study, and it helped me a ton. It might be a slow start, but once you get a routine in place, you will do great.
You are not alone in feeling anxious about returning to school as an adult. The mix of excitement and fear is a reality every non-traditional student faces. Forming connections with others in similar situations can provide reassurance and make the journey more manageable.
Going back to school requires acknowledging the unique challenges faced by adult learners. Balancing responsibilities, adapting study methods, and seeking supportive networks are essential for success.
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