Top tips for Adults Going Back to School

How to Balance Going Back to School as an Adult

September 6, 2023

You’ve decided to go back to school. It can be just as stressful for you as it for kids returning to school.

If you are going back to school as an adult, read these tips to get you started.

What if you have kids?

Balancing your life with school is difficult enough and going back to school as a parent might seem overwhelming. But with a little planning, you can get your degree, diploma, or certificate while still being there to help your kids. Many adults who are going back to school are also parents with school-age children.

Why adults go back to school

Reasons why adults are going back to school include:

Earning a degree to move up in their career
Training in a specific area for their current job

A career change
Pursuing studies that may not have been available earlier
Learning about something they are passionate about
Going to school because they were not able to earlier in life
Preparing for a new role in their organization

Standing out from others with a similar background
Pursuing an entrepreneurial role

Back-to-school tips for adults

Going back to school as an adult requires a significant amount of preparation. Use these tips as a starting point.

Explore schools near you

Unless you plan on moving, research the schools in your area. Find out what the admission requirements are or if they are open admission.

Start the process early

Apply several months before you would like to start and find out whether testing is required and if you can use previous credits, volunteer experience, work experience or military service as credits.

Organize your finances

Education can be expensive but is a worthwhile investment. You may have to cut your hours at work while taking on the extra expense of school, so create a budget and postpone large or unnecessary purchases.

Expect an adjustment

New routines and responsibilities can be stressful, so take some time to adjust. You may feel intimidated by going back to school but your life experience can help you learn faster. Remind yourself of your goals and why you are going back to school.

Choose a manageable program

One of the most important decisions you will make is choosing a program that is manageable for you. If you need to keep working while you are in school, consider distance education, flexible course schedules, part-time, evening or weekend, or self-paced programs.

If you can take time off from your job, consider accelerated programs, but know that you will need to spend a lot of time outside of class on homework and reading.

Consider certificate programs

Non-credit education in fields like project and program management is gaining popularity and programs are shorter and more flexible. They build on your existing education and are meant as the next step in your career.

Advanced-degree programs are an option

This will be more of a challenge, but you can get started by finding out which courses you need to apply and if your undergraduate courses are enough.

Be organized

Review the course syllabus and note deadlines, exams, and due dates. Make a schedule and stick to it and avoid procrastination by having a classmate or friend hold you accountable.

Have a study space

Create a dedicated study space where you can work without interruption. You may work best in silence or with some background noise or at a certain time of day. Figure out what works best for you and build a study space around that. Go to the library or another location if you cannot have a study space at home.

Get enough sleep

Build enough time for sleep into your schedule. Almost half of Canadians sleep less to get more done when they are pressed for time. But sleep deprivation leads to chronic health problems like diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disease.

Set aside enough time

Many students underestimate the time they will need to successfully complete a post-secondary program. Ask the school for an estimate of the time you will need for each course. Part-time might be more manageable if you have kids.

Ask for help

Ask your partner, family, or friends for help with childcare while you are taking courses. Find out if the school has an organization for parents who are students and connect with other parents there. You can take turns hosting playdates so everyone has time to study.

Find schools with adult students

Find schools that have a large percentage of adult students. These schools will provide benefits to parents and full-time workers. Contact their admissions office and find out if the school would be a good fit for you. Some schools may even offer child care.

Know there will be sacrifices

You may have to spend less time with your kids or change your lifestyle. But in the end, it will be worth it because going back to school will benefit your whole family.