5 Tips for Going Back to School
Photo by Jeremy Bishop on Unsplash
Going back to school can bring up a wide range of emotions for people of all ages, regardless of their educational background. From the littles ones starting kindergarten, to the adults who have decided to embark on a career change, the start of a new school year brings a mix of excitement, nerves, and anticipation.
Also read: 6 Reasons Why You Should Continue to Learn in Your 60s
As many of you know, I am both a student and an educator, which means I’ve been on both sides of the world of back-to-school. I’ve felt the back to school nerves just as I’ve seen them on my students as they arrive on their first day. The reality is that the first day of school brings about a lot of uncertainty, and it can take a little time to get back into the swing of a new routine. Today I'm going to share some tips with you that have helped me stay on top of my educational pursuits.
5 Tips for Going Back to School
1. Familiarize Yourself With the Course Content, Assignment and Due Dates
I always recommend spending some time looking over your syllabus at the beginning of the year to better understand the expectations of what’s to come. Review what learning outcomes you can expect, the assignments you’ll do, and when your due dates and tests will be. This will help you stay on top of your academic responsibilities when things start to pick up.
2. Use a Calendar
Whether you use an “old school” calendar like me or an electronic one to keep you organized, be sure to enter your due dates and highlight them so you can stay organized. Often I would enter a due date in my calendar that is a couple days prior to the due date which is helpful in having that cushion of time. Things can pop up unexpectedly throughout the semester, so having a little buffer can help keep you from falling behind.
3. Ask for Help
If you need extra help, do not hesitate to involve a tutor. I hired a tutor when I was doing my stats course many years ago, and it was incredibly beneficial. Many schools and programs offer tutoring or mentorship included in your tuition, and I highly recommend taking advantage of it. Additionally, your teachers and TA’s should offer office hours where you can go to ask for clarification on the material. It’s best to ask for help early on to avoid falling behind throughout the semester, so don’t delay on getting help.
4. Stay True to Yourself
Sometimes our academic goals and employment choices change. This may directly impact how you decide to navigate your educational system. I started working in the early years sector. I have absolutely loved it and decided that my next academic goal was going to include completing Early Childhood Education. It’s okay if you decide to pivot partway through your education, follow what is speaking to you.
5. Prioritize Self-Care
In the Reiki community, we say that we cannot pour from an empty cup. Eating properly, exercising, getting enough rest, and having time with friends and family are wonderful ways to fill our cups. It is very easy to get run down when we over schedule ourselves and “burn the candle at both ends”, so try to make a conscious effort to prioritize your self-care.