Adulting 2.0: The Degree Edition
Author: UNB College of Extended Learning
Posted on Mar 20, 2024
Category: Our Stories , Online Learning , Degree Credit
Get the most out of your time
Picture this—you decide to dive back into the wild world of school. It might feel like you're wandering into the unknown, but you're equipped with life experiences, some serious resilience, and a burning desire to learn.
In this article, we've got tips, tricks, and strategies to help you navigate the twists and turns of going back to school. 🚀📚
Create a family schedule.
It's much easier to get things done when everyone in the household knows what's happening and is involved in organizing the schedule, not to mention that kids do better when they have structure.
Have a family/household meeting and build a schedule together. When everyone has a say, they're more likely to buy-in and uphold the calendar. Remember to keep things realistic and don't overfill your days.
The first step to building a schedule is figuring out when everyone is most productive and then ensuring each of you has access to those times for work or study.
Here are some suggestions for what to include in your family calendar:
- Uninterrupted time for work and study. Build this for each person that needs it.
- Write down the details of what each person needs to work or focus on.
- Include bedtimes, meals, and break times.
Instead of just including your class times and due dates, block off time for specific studying tasks such as reviewing class notes, making flashcards, meeting with a study group, etc.
Once your family calendar is written down, put it somewhere visible. Keep in mind that you can always adjust the schedule whenever you have to. This process should be a useful guide, not a source of stress.
Ask your kids to help.
- Work with your kids to set up a study space in your home.
- Regardless of age, kids tend to love creating special spaces and will likely enjoy helping you do this. Whether it's a comfy blanket fort or a quiet space in a bedroom, kids can help you find a place that works for you.
- Get your kids to quiz you on what you're studying.
- Don't worry if they have a short attention span, because that can work in your favour. Short intensive study sessions are an ideal way to retain and better understand information.
- You can also help and encourage your kids to design and make it into a game.
- If your kids are tech-savvy, ask for their advice on the best apps.
- Specify if you're looking for time management, studying tools, digital quizzes, educational games, etc. They’ll love that you respect their knowledge enough to ask for guidance.
Minimize chaos.
As well as finding the best time to study, it's important to determine the best type of learning environment for you. Consider things like lighting, background noise, and general surroundings.
Read our other blog post on how to reduce distractions for detailed tips.
Explore different study styles.
First, there is no right way to study. If you don't already know your study style, experiment with different methods and use the ones that help you quickly learn information and recall it in detail.
Here are some options to consider:
- Write down the most important information during class and when you read.
- Discuss the information you learn with others.
- Find real-world examples of the material you study in school.
- Work with a group to create a study guide.
- Use mnemonic devices like songs and acronyms.
Figuring out the best study methods often depends on the type of information you're tackling. For instance, an acronym might help you remember specific names or terms, but in-depth study group chats can help you understand theoretical concepts.
Engage with the materials.
Sitting and re-reading notes and textbooks isn't the same as actively engaging with the materials. It doesn't help you retain the information in the long term. Read more about how to go beyond reading.
Take advantage of technology.
You can use several tools to schedule your time effectively, such as; paper planners, task management software, and online calendars. The bonus of online tools is that they can send you notifications.
Writing your schedule on paper can be just as efficient—if you stay on top of it. The most important consideration is what works best for you.
Take an online credit course. Online courses can provide you with many benefits, including:
- The ability to learn at your own pace.
- The removal of geographical barriers.
- Reduced commuting costs.
- Tailored learning experiences.
- You can continue to work while you go to school.
Balance is the key.
Maintaining a healthy work-life, personal life and school balance is essential for well-being and success. It reduces stress, prevents burnout, and improves overall mental and physical health.
- Group similar tasks together.
- Identify tasks that can be tackled at the same time. For instance, chatting on the phone while doing the dishes can be a dual accomplishment. Multitasking important activities like studying may not be effective, but combining less demanding tasks can be a time-saving and advantageous approach.
- Dedicate time to updating the household calendar.
- Scheduling time to schedule your time sounds redundant, but it's a game-changer for managing your time. If your calendar is outdated, it's not doing you any favors.
- Talk to your professors.
- Remember that your professors are human too and they understand the struggle of juggling work, school, and life. They might be open to giving you a bit more time if they know you're swamped. Treat your professor as a teammate in your education journey. They're likely more understanding than you think.
- Prep meals in advance.
- Most people walk in their door right before dinnertime, which is one of the busiest times of the day. Cooking supper can cut into homework time, so be savvy and meal prep in advance.