Survival Tips for Continuing Education Students

Considering going back to school to improve your skills and further your education?

Here's what you need to know before your first day of class.

Academic Considerations

• Assess your learning and study skills. If you need to sharpen them, attend the study skills workshops offered by the Career and Counselling Centre available on each campus.
• Pace yourself. If you feel you have taken on too great an academic load, speak with your academic advisor.
• Be patient with yourself and your program. It may take you a semester or two to meet your performance expectations and get a feeling for where your program is going and where you are going in it.
• Set realistic goals and reward yourself for achieving them.
• Know the resources available on campus such as tutors, computer and reading labs, free study skills workshops, career and personal counselling, career fairs and job search strategies.

Role Juggling

• Prioritize your personal, social, academic and employment commitments.
• Lead a balanced life. Good nutrition, proper sleep, and regular exercise are all important
• Be flexible. Recognize that you may have to let go of some of your responsibilities because of your new role as a student. Be willing to delegate.
• Set aside time for social, family and relaxation activities to get some relief from school demands.
• If you start to feel overwhelmed or discouraged, ask for help. The Career and Counselling Centre offers free, confidential counselling for personal, career and academic concerns. The earlier you seek support, the better.
• Try to focus on one task or role at a time. This will help enhance your concentration and improve your effectiveness.

Family and Social Relationships

• Keep your family members and friends informed about changes in your routine that result from new demands on your time. Enlist their support. You may also want to include them in school-sponsored events.
• Be patient with others. Recognize that it can take some time for them to adapt to your new way of life.
• Set aside times when your family and friends can count on your undivided attention.
• Ask friends or family members to proofread your essays, quiz you for exams or act as a practice audience for your presentations. It keeps them involved.

Relating to Other Students

• Seek out like-minded people who share your values and desire to learn. These qualities transcend age, cultural and experiential differences.
• Talk with other mature students. Share strategies.
• Take advantage of the opportunities provided by being a student to broaden your circle of friends and develop future professional colleagues.
• Consider becoming involved in something on campus beyond your studies.

Relating to Instructors

• Familiarize yourself with the teaching styles and expectations of your various instructors. When in doubt, consult with them.
• Pursue and welcome constructive feedback.

Budgeting and Finance

• Make sure you have the necessary finances to meet the demands of pursuing a college education.
• Investigate OSAP eligibility and other financial assistance that may be available to you
• Pursue cost-cutting strategies (e.g., purchasing used books and equipment)

Original Source: centennialcommunity.blogspot.com