Going to college at any age is intimidating. Questions about your capabilities and competence bounce around in your head. How will you fit in? How will you manage the workload and perform to the best of your abilities? How are you going to handle everything going on in your life? There is added pressure going back to school as an adult. You’re balancing real responsibilities - paying the bills, working your 9-5, maybe making sure the kids are fed, and you’re maintaining a relationship with your spouse. But working through college is just a season in your life. You can manage it. You can accomplish your goals and dreams.

1. 1. You’re not alone.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), 33 percent of the 18 million undergraduate students in the U.S. are over the age of 25, and 22 percent are over the age of 30. Non-traditional students are becoming the new normal. UCLA’s Professor of Education Mike Rose’s research shows that almost 45 percent of postsecondary students in the U.S. did not enroll in college directly after high school. While everyone’s reasons and path is different - you are not out of the ordinary in going back to school.

1. 1. Develop a support system.

In any long, difficult journey, it’s always better to travel with a companion. As you begin your coursework, identify who in your life is going to be there to walk with you. Obvious choices include a spouse/significant other, your parents, or your professors and advisers, but also look to the people within your degree program. Don’t be afraid to reach out and lean on one another. While you’re working your way through your classes, use every tool at your disposal.

1. 1. Build camaraderie.

If all you do is show up to class, turn in your assignments, and check the box, you’re leaving a lot on the table in your college experience. Your fellow students and peers are an opportunity to connect - personally and professionally - and are a wealth of knowledge and experience you might not have. Invest in your classmates. Take the time to learn from them as much as you’re learning from your professors. Just like you, they have outside experiences and perspectives that can be invaluable to others. Use it to your advantage.

1. 1. Learn to study with distractions.

Distractions are everywhere. It’s an American reality. But they might be a little bit different for non-traditional students. Text message alerts and Facebook friend requests are available for everyone. You have looming work project deadlines and hungry mouths to feed. Use your support system, lean on them to help with your responsibilities. Carve out time that is dedicated to schoolwork and studying - even if that means late nights and early mornings. Determine what works best for you, and stick to the routine that allows you to focus on your studies.

1. 1. Control what you can.

Working, going to school, maintaining a home, keeping healthy relationships - it’s a marathon, not a sprint. Keep your focus on things you can control. It’s a line everyone has heard a million times. For someone who is seemingly balancing a tightrope while juggling a dozen flaming batons, this advice is crucial. Manage your time. Do your work. Do your best. Don’t borrow tomorrow’s worries today. Your coursework is temporary, but the results and benefits are lasting.

1. 1. Relax.

A healthy you is the best gift you can give the people you care about. Make sure you are allowing yourself mental health breaks and actually take the time to decompress. Your friends and family will recognize you’re busy working and going to school, but don’t neglect your relationships or your downtime. A life change like going back to school as a working adult seems intimidating and daunting. Don’t allow the doubts to plague you and keep you from pursuing your goals and dreams! Take one step at a time and run your race! The benefits of going back to school and enhancing your education are worth enduring and conquering the challenges before you. Amberton University is designed for the working adult. Courses are flexible and provide non-traditional students with an environment that is conducive to success. For an alumnus perspective on how Amberton worked for him, click for the vide here.

According to a recent study by the National Bureau of Economic Research, students who set shorter-term, task-oriented goals achieved better grades than those who focused solely on the end goal of getting an A in their courses. This approach is particularly beneficial in online classes, where technology can help track progress and provide immediate feedback. One effective way to leverage this strategy is by utilizing the resources available at Amberton’s Learning Resource Center (LRC).

Optimize Your Learning with Amberton’s LRC

At Amberton University, we offer a range of resources designed to help you excel in your academic pursuits. Whether you're an on-campus or distance learning student, our Learning Resource Center is here to support you.

For On-Campus Students:

Reference Help: Visit our library for assistance in finding the best print books, ebooks, and database articles. Formatting and Citation Guidelines: We provide tools and guidelines to help you create high-quality papers and projects. EBSCO Learning Express Database: This valuable resource includes tutorials on writing, research, math skills, job interviews, and more.

For Distance Learning Students:

Virtual Assistance: Schedule a Google Hangout with our librarians for personalized instruction on using our databases and finding credible information for your assignments.

Maximize Your Academic Success

Effective writing and research are crucial components of university-level work. To ensure you’re making the most of available resources, consider the following tips: Start Early: Give yourself ample time to choose a topic and gather resources. Prioritize Important Materials: Focus on essential readings and resources first. Organize Your Notes: Keep your research and notes well-organized. Follow Citation Rules: Understand and apply the specific citation style required for your assignments. Ensure Logical Flow: Structure your paper with a clear introduction and conclusion for better readability.

One of the most invaluable skills you can have, both professionally and in your education, is time management. It’s a buzzword, sure—but for working adults returning to school, mastering time management is crucial. The bottom line: college is different. As a non-traditional student, you’re used to juggling multiple roles. College professors will support you, but they 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. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to managing your coursework. Everyone works differently, so figure out what feels right for you and be flexible when needed.

Prioritize and Focus on the Now

This sounds obvious, but it goes beyond figuring out what’s most important. You also need to consider how quickly you can complete a task and whether it's better to spread it out over several sessions. Due dates matter, but should you break up your work by task or by 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 tough, it will be over before you know it. Keep an even mindset, and 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 at a time. 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; it’s about 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.