At Tiffin University, our motto is “without risk, there is no gain.” These words drive our students and faculty to push themselves to be their very best every day, despite obstacles that may arise.
For many online learners, the prospect of going back to school after several years can feel like a huge challenge. Getting back into the routine of classes, assignments and studying can be tricky, and it might seem hard to imagine successfully balancing the demands of work, parenting, family and academics. Luckily, not only is it possible, but we also have a few tips to help you be successful in going back to school.
Build your studies around your schedule.
Everyone’s days are different, and that’s why it’s important to choose a school that has options for a diverse range of schedules. Tiffin University offers flexible registration dates throughout the year and the option to take as many or few classes as you wish, depending on how soon you want to complete your degree. On top of that, the option to enroll in TU’s online degree programs allows you to complete your assignments when it’s most convenient to you—whether you’re an early bird or a night owl.
Lean on your support network.
As the saying goes, “it takes a village.” Before you embark on your educational journey, start developing a network of friends, family or coworkers who you can lean on when you’re feeling stretched. It helps to know you have a team of people cheering you on and making themselves available to lend a hand when you need it.
Make it work at work.
Depending on where you’re employed, your company could be a big source of support during your studies. Be upfront with your employer about your desire and plans to go back to school and ask if your company offers any continuing education incentives like tuition reimbursement or scholarships. Many employers may be willing to work with you to accommodate a changing schedule rather than lose a valuable employee, so let your manager and coworkers know about your back-to-school plans well in advance.
Get organized and stay organized.
It’s easy to fall into the trap of making mental notes or writing to-do lists on scraps of paper, but being organized is so important to a successful school experience. If you haven’t already, get into the habit of keeping (and sticking to) an organized calendar, whether it’s digital or on paper. Laying out your entire month, or even the next two weeks, and seeing all your obligations and deadlines in one place will not only help you stay on track, but you can visualize the progress you’re making every day.
Know your limits.
Though you may feel like a superhero juggling school, work, family and more, it’s important not to overextend yourself, which can lead to burnout. This may mean stepping away from a volunteer job for a while or reducing your course load. Remember, the most important investment you’re making is in yourself, and if there are areas where you can scale back, do so and don’t feel guilty!