Top Ten Tips for… Adult Returners to Education

Returning to education as an adult can be both exciting and daunting. As adults we understand ourselves better and we can use this to our advantage in our learning. We better understand that learning is a privilege and a route to achieving our goals.

However, if you’ve been out of education a long time, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.

Whether you're looking to advance your career, change fields, or simply pursue a passion, adult education can open doors. Here are 10 suggestions to help you navigate this journey successfully.

Find your ‘why?’

First things first – take time to evaluate your personal and professional goals. Establish why you want return to education and what you hope to achieve. This clarity will guide your decisions and keep you motivated. Balancing work and study can be tough. When you’re under pressure, reminding yourself what your end goal is can help you push through.

Do your research

The more you know about your options, the better. Explore different institutions, courses and methods of assessment. Is flexibility important? Would you thrive in a classroom or an online class? Do you perform best under exam conditions or through coursework? Make an informed decision based on what works for you.

Plan your finances

Find out what financial support is available for adult learners. The Office for Students provides resources and advice on funding options that can help ease the financial pressure of studying.

When budgeting, make sure you account for tuition, books, and any other expenses. Consider how your current financial situation will accommodate these costs and where you might need to make adjustments.

Grow your support system

Build a network of family, friends and colleagues who can provide emotional and practical support when you need it. Joining student groups or online forums for adult learners can also be helpful. Not everyone will understand the pressure of balancing work and study, so it’s good to connect with people in the same situation who may be able to offer advice and moral support.

Hone your time management skills

Balancing education with other responsibilities requires very careful time management. Make use of planners or digital tools to organise your schedule, set priorities, and allocate time for studying, work and personal life. It’s a balancing act and will take some getting used to – try different things and find out what works for you.

Use tools and resources available to you

Take advantage of academic resources offered by your institution, such as workshops, libraries and tutoring. Institutions aren’t always great at promoting their facilities and initiatives, so you may need to do a little digging. Think of these things as included in the cost of your programme – it’s wise to make as much use of them as possible.

Keep up to date with digital

Make sure you don’t overlook digital resources and platforms. Technological advancements and different ways of learning necessitated by the pandemic have transformed the modern learning experience. Online resources, learning management systems and virtual classrooms are standard, and mastering them early on will make your experience much smoother.

Maintain a healthy work-life-study balance

Studying alongside work can feel like you’re being pulled in all directions. Make sure you check in with yourself regularly and prioritise your wellbeing.

Regular breaks, physical activity, and relaxation are essential. If you feel you don’t have the time to spare, remember you won’t perform your best if you’re stretched too thin. Take care of yourself.

Communicate with your tutors

Try to build good relationships with your tutors and keep an open channel of communication. Don't be afraid to ask questions, seek feedback, and discuss any challenges you’re facing. They’re there to help and want you to succeed, and they can’t support you if you don’t ask for help.

Celebrate little wins

Returning to education can be challenging, but staying positive and motivated are key. Celebrate your achievements along the way and remind yourself of your ‘why?’ when you need to. Remember – you’re doing this for your future self.

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cHRysos HR Solutions are a UK wide HR training and consultancy company offering CIPD accredited qualifications, Apprenticeships, Training and HR Services to SMEs. For more information about how cHRysos HR can help you or your teams successfully achieve further qualifications, contact us on info@chrysos.org.uk or call 03300 562443.