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Non-Traditional Students
Transitions - Adults Returning to School
When we add “college student” to our already
long list of roles, which often include employee, partner,
and parent, the transition can be surprisingly trying.
The expectations placed on a student are different than
the expectations we experience in our other walks of life.
This means that at the same time we are learning our coursework,
we have to learn to adjust to life as a student again.
Why are transitions so difficult?
The excitement of returning to school may carry us through
the first few days or weeks of classes. Sooner or later,
we can start to feel some of the burdens of wearing multiple
hats. Learning how to switch roles is essential for success
as a student. Here are some signs that you are struggling
with transitioning to your new role as a student:
- Difficulty finding time to study
- Trouble balancing all of your responsibilities
- Feeling like the “oldest person on campus”
- Not finding the services you need
- Getting thoroughly frustrated with little things (like
finding a parking space)
- Experiencing the feeling that you will never complete
your degree
- Feeling like “throwing in the towel”
Ease the transition
Often knowing that we are supported in our decision to
return to school can make all the difference in our adjustment
to being a student. Some ways that we can create a support
system include:
Enlist your community
- Exchange childcare with a friend or neighbor to create
some interruption-free study time.
- Work out a schedule to alternate meal preparation
with another busy family or family member.
- Speak with members of your church, community groups,
clubs or even your neighbors about ways they can help.
Some groups may offer scholarships, while others may
be able to help out in other ways, like raking your
yard during midterms. It can be surprising how much
others are willing to help.
- Utilize the resources at your local library.
- Find another UWRF student to commute with. Even if
you can only do it once in a while, this is a great
opportunity to get to know someone who understands what
you are experiencing and give yourself a break from
driving.
Get your “significant other” involved
in your education
- If possible, arrange to bring your partner to campus
for a day. When your partner is familiar with where
you are and who you are with, they are able to be even
more supportive of your decisions.
- Bring them to a social event on campus.
- Ask your partner to go on a “study date”
with you. This can be a fun way for your partner to
experience what you’re learning and for you to
get some studying done.
- Bring the kids to campus for ice cream. Keeping your
children involved makes it easier for them to understand
when you have to study.
- Set a time each week with a family member or friend,
in which you can talk uninterrupted about your school
life.
- Remember to thank your family/friends for their support,
your recognition of their support will encourage them
to be even more supportive! It’s a great cycle
to get into.
Stay healthy. When you are juggling
our coursework, jobs, and families it is easy to let your
healthy habits slide. We all know that exercise reduces
stress and increase productivity. What isn’t so
obvious is the toll that missing classes due to illness
can have on grades.
Learn to say “No”. You don’t
have to be a superhero who takes on every task offered.
Turn down some things now and then and you will be able
to better complete the tasks you accept.
Making the transition to college student means adjusting
socially, academically, and maybe even financially. This
can be a difficult stage but that’s what it is,
a stage. If you find that you are struggling or if you
feel you would like to talk to someone about this challenging
time, please contact Counseling Services.
Special Thanks UW-Oshkosh's Counseling Center for
the content
These Links may also be helpful:
Mayo
Clinic: Adjustment Disorders
Souther
Wesleyan University: College adjustment Issues
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