Any tips for going back to school as an adult learner?

7 Comments

1. VeronicaFebruary 27,2026 at 3:19PM UTC

   Hi Cassandra. I just went back after being away since 1998. Hopefully you're enrolled in a good school that will provide you with the same welcome information that they do for incoming freshmen. My school did. Everything from advisors' availability to meal availability. I'd look into that and ask your advisor where best to find all of this information at your new school. Look on their website too. I'm sure you can find links to getting started, mental health, transfer, and job assistance. Best of luck to you! How exciting! - V

2. Gloria HornerFebruary 27,2026 at 3:32PM UTC

   Ask about Career Services--might have another title. But, that is good for getting any professional documents ready, whe the time comes. Might even need to write a letter on interest/intent or good old cover letter just to be accepted into the program.

   Also, ask about any tutoring in place, for the whole school or just your area. Are there other learning support depatments available. Peer tutors for the department/program.

   Ask if the professors are "good with" providing any guidance, mentoring, coaching if necessary.

   Ask who would be the best person(s) to contact if you had any need to speak to someone in the program.

   A good Career Center can provide lots of assistance. Well, my former university did, I was part of that department. We went above and beyond the basics. We imitated specific programs--Employer Liaison who came on campus and did 1 on 1 with students regarding preparing for post graduation or even internships. Also finding an alumni mentor for your program of field.

   Ask about any events like a job fair and go, long before you'd need to go. Speak the any employers LONG before you need to to get feed back and ideas of how to be the best candidate when the time comes. What would they suggest you include in the academic and personal development.

   Great thinking ahead.

3. Lisa McCartneyFebruary 27,2026 at 4:43PM UTC

   As far as studying, check to see if your local libraries have the textbooks needed (save $) or there are websites that have digitized the books and let you use them for the semester for free.

   Remember what worked best studying for your BA, that likely hasn't changed, but if it's chaotic maybe check to see if the library has study rooms that you can use if you need quiet. I study with music, so I just shut my bedroom and blast it.

   See if your new campus has a department that will help non-traditional students as well. I have been out of that space a while and I am not looking to get my PhD. (unless someone else pays for it ~ it's not necessary).

4. Elizabeth Stiles WestFebruary 27,2026 at 5:49PM UTC

   Your campus library and your career services departments are two very valuable "best kept secrets" of most college campuses. Librarians are knowledgeable about research and can help you with any papers you may write for your classes. If you need a "right now" job while you are in college, career services can help, and obviously they are important for when you are about to graduate. However, the most important things you can do during college include the following: 1, read your syllabi and make sure you understand course policies 2. If you need help, use your professor's office hours for one on one assistance, (pro tip: if your professor helped you with your paper, it's very difficult for them to give you a low grade on it) and 3. Most importantly of all, maintain good communication with all your professors/instructors. Check school email daily, and if anything is preventing you from attending class and/or turning in work on time, LET YOUR PROFESSORS/INSTRUCTORS KNOW AS SOON AS YOU KNOW. We can usually help you if we know what is going on. Check email during the last week of classes and the week after; if we are missing work from you or there is a problem such as a file that won't open, this is how we will contact you. I have been teaching college classes since the 1990s, and the ONLY students who have failed my classes are the ones who have ghosted me. Congratulations on pursuing your RN and best of luck!

5. Christi LopezMarch 2,2026 at 12:29PM UTC

   I graduated last year with my BFA at the age of 51. In addition to the great advice from others, I found the various AI study tools extremely helpful, especially when there was a ton of reading. Turbo.AI was one that was tested out by the professor in one of my classes. Acrobat has a fantastic AI assistant (but there's a fee). And in almost every class, the students set up groups in apps like GroupMe or Snapchat to ask questions, set up study times, etc.

   I absolutely loved learning from my younger classmates. It was fantastic to be exposed to the different viewpoints and ways of thinking. One of the best things I've done for myself. Congrats and enjoy your experience!

6. DemetriaMarch 3,2026 at 3:00PM UTC

   I am currently in school for an LPC Mental Health Bridge program. Several of the folks are in my classes are working on their counseling certification.....I have been a counselor for over 15 years, long before some of these folks were even in middle school. My advice is just find your pace and rock with it.

7. Mitch LeesonMay 22,2026 at 10:51AM UTC

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