When you’re starting school again after a break, there’s a lot to juggle. You may have less time and more responsibility than the traditional college student. Support systems can look different for everyone whatever form they take, they can help ease your transition back to school. That’s why having mentors, peers, and family members in your corner makes all the difference.

A reliable support network can keep you accountable, help you track your goals, and be there to listen when things get tough. Along with finding your favorite place to study, building a network of academic and social support will go a long way toward helping you succeed!

For many adult students, finding a support network can be overwhelming and a little intimidating. But even if you feel like you’re going it alone right now, there are so many ways to build a support network to help you throughout your academic journey.

Identify where you could use support

A good place to start is to consider your particular circumstances and where you could use some support. Write down your biggest fears or hesitations about heading back to school.

Write down what’s on your mind; then, spend a few minutes brainstorming possible resources available to you at home, work, or school.

Example: I need reliable childcare while I'm in class.

You might research your school and see if your campus offers childcare or if there are classes online during your child's school hours or in the evening while they are asleep.

You also may look outside your school for support and see if you can ask a family member to babysit, find room in your budget for a paid babysitter, or research state stipends and grants that can cover these costs.

Example: I'm going back to school after a long break and am worried about technology changes.

You may research your school's resources to see if online or in person libraries are available to you and see if there is phone or chat IT support available to students.

You can also look for getting started resources from your school, helpful tips from others online or on youtube, or a friend who's already in online school that might be able to point you in the right direction.

Example: I want to focus on classes (and a degree) that will help me get a job after graduation.

First, it can be helpful to access school resources built just for this purpose like your academic advisor and the career department in your school. Look for events, resources, and individuals you can meet with to speak about this concern.

Next, look for resources in your personal life. Do you have a manager you could ask for advice? Do you know anyone in the career you desire that you could interview?

Example: I'm worried about the coursework being too difficult or falling behind.

Your school will often have low or no cost tutoring and mentorship available. Professors in your individual classes will often offer office hours or a way to reach out for support outside of class times.

At your workplace, there may be someone in this field currently who could help you with related coursework. Your workplace may also support you in your school journey by allowing you to be flexible in your schedule around midterms and big project due dates.

But remember...

Tackle just one concern at a time so you don’t feel overwhelmed. Remember, you’re just brainstorming! You don’t have to have all the answers. 

Identifying fears you’re holding onto about going back to school, allows you to better understand where to turn next.

Finding support

Once you’ve got your list, talk it over with someone in your support system – a friend, family member, or your ReUp Success Coach. When in doubt, tell people you’re going back to school! You might be surprised to discover support from unexpected places once you start talking more openly about your journey back to school.

Support at school

In addition to your ReUp Success Coach, your school likely has several free resources for adult learners so it’s a great place to start building your support network. Your academic advisor can help you sort through your schedule and academic goals, and it’s their job to support you throughout your education, so don’t hesitate to ask for help!

Many campuses also offer student services, peer mentorship programs, tutoring programs, and technical support specifically for adult learners. Your school website is the best place to start researching what your school has to offer for both on-campus and online learners.

Tip

Your Success Coach is someone you can reach out to when you need help finding these resources. All you have to do is ask!

Your instructors and peers also provide excellent opportunities to network on campus. Many instructors love to connect with adult students and will appreciate your life experience and maturity. And given that 40% of today’s students are over 25, you may be surprised to find that many of your peers are also navigating their way back to school!

There are several ways to get involved, so try choosing just one approach that feels comfortable for you and that works with your busy schedule.

Here are some suggestions:

• Make a goal to attend one office hour with an instructor each quarter
• Reach out to 2-3 classmates to form a study group
• Join a club or attend an event on campus to find friends and mentors in your area of study
• Ask a classmate to meet up for a 15-minute chat on Zoom just to get to know them better
• Schedule 30 minutes each week to participate in online discussion threads, asking questions and deepening conversations

Don't be afraid to drop by an office, send an email, ask questions, and take advantage of these free services. They are there to support you!

Support at home or work

Remind the people in your life why going back to school is important to you. Chances are, they’ll want to help you succeed.

Sometimes just naming your concerns about juggling work and life with school can allow others to offer support – like managing chores and housework, or babysitting once your schedule changes and becomes more demanding.

At work, talk to a manager or HR about possible tuition reimbursement. These programs can help offset the costs of school and provide an opportunity to present the new skills you’re learning at work.

If you’re still feeling stuck, reach out to a ReUp Success Coach. They’re there to support you whenever you need them.