Before I returned to college as a non-traditional student after a 2-year break, I was really excited.
Coming back to school with a different mindset than I had at 18 has allowed me to make better decisions.
This post is a personal snapshot of my experience, and while your journey may look different, I’ve included some tips that helped me adjust and stay on track, that I believe may help you as well.
Initial Nerves & Adjusting
The first week back was more challenging than I expected. I logged into my online university’s Blackboard, read the syllabus, and my goal was to stay ahead of each weekly deadline.
I quickly realized that I had underestimated how much adjustment would be required.
Instead of being 2 weeks ahead, I ended up falling back to completing my assignments the week they were due. To be fair though, I’m still submitting them 2-3 days before the deadline.
Balancing school with work by the end of that second week was overwhelming.
I was tired, had trouble concentrating at work, and even procrastinated due to lack of clarity.
However, small wins, like completing my first assignment after not writing an academic paper for two years, helped to boost my confidence.
Researching structuring a cohesive academic paper was incredibly draining at first. But by the second paper, my process got a lot smoother.
When I received my first grade, it was a B.
This was surprisingly better than I expected. The feedback from my professor from that assignment was incredibly helpful and guided me in other classes as well.
If you’re returning to school after a break, know that the first assignment will probably be difficult (when it comes to understanding what to do). Once you get back into the groove, it will come back to you.
Surprising Differences from when I first went to college
Here are some things that are different compared to my first college experience:
I don’t have to log in every single day for online classes in order to make progress.
I’m currently taking classes in 9 week semesters. Because of the structure determined by the university, I only have 1 assignment a week per class, but each assignment weighs more for my course grade. Back when I took in-person classes at my local college, I would often have multiple assignments due plus I would have to study for exams. I don’t have to do this now.
I prefer online classes to in-person ones: I don’t have to take notes in class or worry about attending at set times. Plus I can watch lectures late at night if needed. In other words, my fully online college allows for greater flexibility.
The reading and writing workload is manageable but takes time to adjust to. As mentioned, I currently have one assignment per class each week, which could be a journal, discussion post, or academic paper.
Quick tip: Give yourself grace and adjust your expectations, especially if you’re working, managing family responsibilities, or balancing other mental loads.
Positive Surprises & Benefits
After four weeks, I’ve settled into a routine that works for me. I don’t rely on formal to-do lists, I just start on tasks when I feel like it’s needed.
Taking a break and returning to college as a more mature student has helped me make more intentional choices about my degree path.
I switched from a pre-med track to an HR degree to a business administration bachelor’s program, which aligns better with my current work experience.
It’s also rewarding to see my professional experience intersect with coursework. For example, in my Business Communications class, I draw on real-world examples from my recruiting experience, which helps me connect my work to actual concepts.
I have also found that returning to school later than the traditional path also brings additional discipline, and a clearer sense of goals.
Additional Tips for Non-Traditional Students
1. Create a routine early – work when it fits your natural energy levels, whether that’s late at night or early mornings. You’ll also find what days work best for you to work on different assignments based on your schedule. For me, that’s between Thursday and Sunday. Although I want to get to the point where Sunday is my rest day.
2. Find a support system – friends, family, or study partners can keep you accountable. I often study with my husband or put on “study with me” videos. If you go to a fully online college like I do, you may find that it’s harder to make friends and socialize. Check if you can contact your classmates through email if possible, if you want to study with them.
3. Focus in blocks rather than breaking it up – even 1–2 hours on an assignment can make a huge difference. This will help you get in the flow and do more in less time.
4. Adjust expectations – you’re juggling more responsibilities than a traditional student; it’s okay if everything isn’t perfect. If you’re struggling to get perfect grades, or be the top performer at work, stop trying. Instead, reduce your effort by 20-40% to make sure you can stay afloat in both work and school.
Conclusion
Overall, I’m enjoying the online college experience. Going back to school after a break as a non-traditional student is challenging but rewarding.
Here’s another tip I’ve learned: Try not to compare yourself to peers who have already graduated…you’re following your own path.
Adjusting takes time, but it’s worth it for your future.