Going back to school is something that most of us wouldn’t consider in a million years. The thought of classrooms, exams, and homework brings back memories we would rather forget. But, for some of us, it is the opportunity to boost career prospects or fulfill a lifelong ambition. Being an adult learner can be both exciting and intimidating, especially if it’s been a long time since you’ve been in education. So if you’re thinking about going back to school, but nervous about taking the first step, here are some top tips to help you.
Do some research. The first thing you need to decide is what subject you would like to study and where to attend. Look at a variety of college’s prospectuses and websites such as http://biblecollegeguide.com/ to find out which subjects are available. Also, find out which college establishments are in your local area by using https://maps.google.com/. Call them directly to find out more about adult learning resources, enrollment dates and coursework. This should give you a good indication of what college life will be like and if you would enjoy the course. They may be able to offer part time courses, evening lectures and online support groups which you can utilize. This will also be useful if you want to continue working full time as you study.
Attend an open day. Many colleges will have open days where you can walk around the campuses and talk to the lecturers directly. They will talk more in depth about what the course entails and the workload involved. Even if you are only interested in a part time course, attending an open day will be highly beneficial. You can see previous students work, see how professional the staff are and get a feel for the campus. You will probably feel nervous and intimidated by your potential younger classmates. Try to strike up a conversation with one or two of them to put you at ease. It’s likely they will be feeling just as anxious as you are, even at this early stage. Make sure you go with questions prepared to ask the teaching staff while you are there. This will ensure you have all the essential information you need before you enrol. Try to attend a couple of open days to get a comparison.
Try out an online course. If you haven’t been in education for a while, you may need some time to get back into the swing of it. There are thousands of online courses available that can help you to enhance your writing and critical thinking skills. No matter what subject you intend to study, college courses always require you to write essays and analyze pieces of information. Brushing up on these skills before the term starts will get you in the right mindset and could enhance your current skills further.
You should now feel more confident and enthusiastic about heading back to school. There is no age limit to education, so don’t let your age put you off. You might regret it if you don’t.
Photo by Inbal Marilli
Mia Guerra
Latest posts by Mia Guerra (see all)
- Five Wedding Details You Shouldn’t Forget While Planning - July 17, 2023
- Essential Considerations When Planning an Extension - July 17, 2023
- Easy Ways to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint and Contribute to a Greener World - July 17, 2023
