Going Back to School as an Adult? Here's How to Settle in More Easily

The true cost of motherhood can be difficult to quantify. That's especially true when it comes to the sacrifices some mothers make regarding their educational or professional timeline when they become a parent. If you are going back to school after dropping out, you aren't alone.

Approximately 40 percent of students enrolled in higher education in the United States are adults over the age of 25, according to a 2021 report.

What college resources should adults returning to school utilize?

Plenty of college student resources are available to help anyone transition into the academic world as a working adult.

Writing center

If you last attended school a while ago, you may need to brush up on the basics of writing academic papers. Check to see if your college or university offers a virtual or in-person writing center.

Writing centers help students get up to speed on all of their writing assignments.

"Suppose you are still getting familiar with the citation style guide of your institution. In that case, a writing course can be helpful in showing you the basics and general essay writing tips," said Fred Standil, student services advisor at Herzing College Winnipeg in Manitoba, Canada.

Career services

Many adults return to school to help further their career goals. Universities typically have career centers to help students prepare for their future after completing their degree program.

"Your first day on campus is the beginning of both your academic career and professional development. Visit the career center to see what information and resources are offered," said Ro W. Lee, the associate director of career and professional development at Claremont Graduate University in Claremont, California.

College professors

Your college professors can be excellent resources beyond the classroom. Stay after class to ask questions. Take advantage of their office hours. If a professor has knowledge about your career path, it's worth getting to know them personally.

"If the area of expertise of the professor aligns with your career goals as it would in your major courses, it's always helpful to ask life questions or 'how-to' questions," said Catherine Quinlan, Ed.D., an associate professor of science education at Howard University in Washington, D.C. "We love to open doors to intellectual conversations that share our expertise."

College library

The library on your campus can be one of the best study resources for college students. You can head to your college library for a quiet place to study. Join study groups that gather at the library for a social outlet.

Poke around the library to learn all of the resources at your disposal. You'll have access to magazines, newspapers and journals from around the world. Hefty reference materials and research databases can help you write your next paper with ease.

Health services

Learn what your campus student health center has to offer. Colleges and universities typically provide free or discounted health services for enrolled students—and that extends to adult learners.

Your campus might even host a sex week, an increasingly popular event that gives students access to free condoms and lube.

Returning to college can be stressful. Balancing your academic responsibilities and a job may take a toll on your mental health. Your school likely has services you can use.

"Utilize free mental health resources such as the school counseling center, or look into Open Path Collective for discounted or pro bono services," said Kaylin Boswell, L.P.C., a therapist and the CEO of Kaylin Ford Therapeutic Services in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania.

It can be difficult to recognize when you need help, particularly when you are struggling with the effects of chronic stress.

A few telltale signs indicate it may be time to reach out to the available mental health resources, according to Casey Tallent, Ph.D., the director of collegiate and telebehavioral health initiatives at Eating Recovery Center and Pathlight Mood and Anxiety Center in Denver. These signs, according to Tallent, include the following:

• You are no longer experiencing joy with things that used to bring you joy.
• A task that used to take you 30 minutes to complete is now taking hours to complete.
• You are experiencing feelings of wanting to escape or give up.
• You feel like you want to be alone most of the time.

"If you're experiencing any of those symptoms or just feeling off, I recommend you seek support from the counseling center on your campus or from supportive others," Tallent said.

Recreation center and gym

Your tuition may include membership to your campus rec center or gym. With easy access to a gym, make working out a part of your routine. The benefits of exercise include physical and mental health, which are important as you balance your responsibilities.

"Being in the habit of taking care of yourself and engaging in healthy activities to unwind is essential," said Daniel Katz, Psy.D., a psychologist and founder of Houston Therapy in Houston.

On-campus childcare

Access to childcare can be a major hurdle for adults who want to return to college. On-campus childcare can be a vital resource for college students with young children. Roughly 5 million undergraduates are parents of dependent children, according to a 2017 report.

Check to see if your campus has an onsite daycare program or an affiliation with a nearby daycare. You may qualify for a reduced rate.

Student groups

Whether you are going back to school for nursing or any other major, your college probably offers groups specifically for your academic focus. Joining an on-campus or virtual group with peers can help you study and build relationships while you accrue college credits.

"What I observe at Howard, and probably my best advice yet, is that students find peers like themselves," Quinlan said.

As a student, you have the opportunity to join groups that go beyond the academic setting. Lee mentioned examples of affinity groups at Claremont Graduate University "…that allow for students to connect with others on levels that are different from academics, such as culture, religion, gender identity and community involvement."

College apps

Apps are among some of the most accessible free resources for college students. Your college probably has an app or apps to help you manage many aspects of your life as a student. These apps may help you send and receive campus email, check your grades and view your meal plan.

You can also explore the plentiful apps designed to make life easier for students. Standil recommended MyStudyLife, a time-management planner app that allows students to better manage their classes, projects and exams.

Veterans' programs

A majority of student veterans are 24 to 40 years old, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Many college campuses have programs or offices to provide veterans with a support system.

These offices typically help veteran students navigate their state and federal education benefits. You may be able to access other resources like counseling and career advice.

The bottom line

Juggling work, school and family can be difficult, but proactively seeking resources can help you successfully earn your college degree.

"Resources like affinity groups, career centers and wellness programs are part of the student life," Lee said. "Returning students may be very focused on just their degree requirements and miss out on these other experiences."

Don't let that happen to you. Speak with your academic adviser to learn more about the resources available at your school.