[kitcat74]

I have just recently (last week) returned to school. I'm an adult (37 yo) student who is scared shitless! Does anyone have any advice for me? Study tips? etc

[bluematador]

Originally Posted by kitcat74

I have just recently (last week) returned to school. I'm an adult (37 yo) student who is scared shitless! Does anyone have any advice for me? Study tips? etc

I returned to school two and a half years ago. I am 44 and I am a single parent. I learned to keep a strict schedule. I work on my assignments everyday so I don't have to cram and stay up half the night. I am doing really well at the top of my class. I go to bed at a reasonable hour. I also work with the disability access services on campus. They provide note takers and allow extra time for assignments and tests. I rarely ever need the extra time but it takes the pressure off. Sleep deprivation and stress are big triggers for my mania and depression. I see my therapist regularly and I take a low dose of medication to help keep me stable. Good luck to you.

[mazing]

I agree with above - the best thing you can do is to keep a strict schedule. The way I can best explain it is to treat it like a job. Set scheduled hours where you attend classes and set times at home when you sit down and do your work. If possible, get a wall calendar and write on it your assignments and important dates and then work out when you will work on assessments leading up to those dates so you don't get too far behind.

Of course life takes over at times, but if so try to arrange to do it the next day. Eg. I can't do an hour of philosophy as scheduled today because of _______ but will put it in my diary for tomorrow afternoon 4-5pm before I cook dinner.

Just take it slow, and take regular breaks And if needed, use the services out there - disability services and student unions can be amazing supports if you do find yourself overwhelmed. They also often have contact details of other peer groups or individuals who may be in a similar situation to you who can provide more specific support and advice.

Good luck

[kitcat74]

Thanks so much for the advice...Right now I've been pretty organized I just hope I stay that way! lol

[Fresia]

Congrats on going back to school! As for study tips, something recommended to me was working into studying, such as if you can work up to or do 20-25 minute increments at a time, then be sure to break. Helps with retention, and is not so overwhelming or stressful. Also as mentioned above, looking over notes daily or every other day and reading before class, not cramming has made a difference with this return to school this time has helped as well. Wishing you much luck but know you can do it!

[Ycart]

Set lots of reminders for yourself! Sleep properly!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk fiverr.com/adnagam

[di meliora]

Good for you, kitcat74. I wish you well.

[Oxidopamine]

You can try forming or joining study groups as it helps with maintaining a strict schedule since you not only study for yourself but also for the group members. In courses where I was part of a study group, I found that older students were ideal to have since they often were viewed as a parent and group members looked forward to working with them. I also found older adults sometimes use a different studying technique or way of thinking about a particular subject, especially if they can include personal experiences. It benefits the group so in turn, group members are more willing to go the extra distance and help the older student.