Going Back To School? 3 Helpful Habits That Will Get You Back In The Swing Of Things

Nearly a quarter of college students are over the age of 30. So, if you've recently decided to go back to school several years or a decade or more after high school graduation, you're not alone. In fact, most college students are older, and they are anything but typical. 

As you can imagine, older students face a unique set of challenges. Not only do many older students work at least part time, some also have to take care of a family. Added to all the extra work is the fact that study skills get rusty when they're not used regularly. If you haven't cracked a book in a long time, you have to get back into the swing of things as quickly as possible or risk being left behind. These tips will help. 

Get Plenty of Sleep

Want to do great on a test? If so, you need to get more sleep. According to recent studies, sleep helps the brain remember information, which makes testing easier. In addition to adopting a regular sleep schedule, avoid crash study sessions immediately before taking a test. Research has shown that people who sleep between studying and taking a test perform better. So, study the night before and go to bed at a decent time. 

Establish a Routine

Establishing a routine is difficult as an adult, but a set-in-stone routine that includes school, study, work, family and play will help you juggle everything you have to do. Before each semester, plan your daily and weekly routine. Regardless of what happens, stick to your routine. If you study and do homework during small, scheduled sessions, you will be less likely to fall behind and become overwhelmed. 

Embrace Friends and Family

When you're busy, it's easy to stop socializing. However, you need your friends and family more during busy times than you do slow times. Those who are close will also motivate you by providing much needed encouragement and support. It's also a good idea to take part in class discussions and foster relationships at school with like-minded people so you will have plenty of people to bounce ideas off of. 

There are several things you can do to make going back to school easier. While it's tempting to study around the clock when you first go back, remember to take care of yourself. If you're healthy, well-rested and alert, you will naturally perform better and retain more information. If you have questions about adult education, try contacting a company like NKU PACE for more information and help.


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