One of the most invaluable skills you can have, both professionally and in your education, is time management. It’s a buzzword, sure—but mastering how to manage time as a working adult student is crucial for those returning to school.

The bottom line: college is different. As a non-traditional student, you’re used to juggling multiple roles. College professors will support you but won’t hold your hand like high school teachers might. If you’re taking multiple classes, don’t expect the syllabi to prevent papers, projects, and tests from overlapping. Then, of course, there’s the added challenge of balancing work and family responsibilities.

Know Yourself

Self-awareness is key to effective time management. As a non-traditional student, you benefit from maturity and a deeper understanding of how you operate best. Recognize your strengths and work with them. If you’re an early riser, schedule your classes and homework during those peak productivity hours to better manage time as a working adult student.

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to managing your coursework. Everyone works differently, so determine what feels right and be flexible when necessary.

Prioritize and Focus on the Now

This sounds obvious, but it goes beyond determining the most important. You must also consider how quickly you can complete a task and whether it's better to spread it over several sessions. Due dates matter, but should you break up your work by task or time? That’s for you to decide based on your work style.

Don’t wait until you're overwhelmed to prioritize—start at the beginning of the course and adjust as needed. Remember to factor in everyday responsibilities and downtime as well.

Manage Stress

Letting stress overwhelm you will slow you down and reduce the quality of your work. Stay calm and keep your focus. This season of juggling work, school, and life responsibilities is temporary. While it might feel long and challenging, it will be over before you know it. Keep an even mindset; don’t let stress detract from the experience.

Avoid Multitasking

It's well known that multitasking often leads to poor results. So, avoid it. Keep work separate from school. Don't overlap family time with homework. Focus on one assignment at a time for one class. Constantly switching gears won't get you the results you're looking for.

Delegate When You Can

Being a non-traditional student doesn’t mean you have to do it all alone. Don’t hesitate to rely on friends, family, or coworkers for support. Delegating tasks isn’t about shirking responsibilities but building a support system that allows you to succeed by focusing on what’s most important.

Take Breaks

Pushing yourself to the brink won’t benefit you in the long run. Schedule time for yourself and take short breaks during study sessions. Even a 10-minute pause can help you refocus and recharge. Prioritizing your mental health is key to overall success.

Adjusting to college life as a non-traditional student will have its challenges, but it’s just that—an adjustment. Don’t overlook the changes in your life, and never underestimate the power of solid time management skills. You can succeed, and you will succeed.