Over the last year and a half, students of all kinds have been attending school from the comfort of their homes. It has changed the way people interact with their class, and returning to school in person is another big change. Whether you’re a college student going back to class, a parent helping their kids return to school, or an adult returning to get your degree, attending a class in person can be nerve-wracking. When you’re feeling uneasy about the prospect, you are not alone. Read below for five tips to go back to school in person.
Try to Be Social
Since we have all spent less time being social over the period of the pandemic, you might feel anxious about all the people. The best thing you can do for yourself in this situation is to jump right back into it. Of course, it will take some time to get used to being social and spending time around so many people, but the longer you put it off, the longer it will take. Your return to socializing and learning in a social environment probably won’t be as graceful as you’d like it to be, but that’s okay. Don’t worry about the awkwardness. You will get past it in time.
Take Detailed Notes
Another thing you will have to get used to again is listening to a teacher instruct in person. At first, you might have a hard time paying attention, as you likely aren’t used to it. One way to help yourself stay focused and retain more information is to take detailed and clear notes. For example,Cornell notes are a great way to organize the material and narrow it down to just the important information.
If you aren’t taking notes, it can be hard to remember what the instructor emphasized. The topics covered in class are often the basis of the test. You could read all of the material and focus on the wrong thing. It’s important to pay attention in class, so do yourself a favor and take detailed notes. If you do, you will be able to read them over,convert them to PDF files you can have anywhere, and be able to study effectively for exams and papers.
Settle into a Routine
Once you get into the swing of things and have a handle on when your classes are and how your schedule functions, you shouldsettle into a routine. Read the material you need to read, do a bit of studying, finish whatever homework, and be sure to give yourself structured breaks. Depending on how busy you are, routines and planned schedules can make time for the things you need—socializing, relaxing, self-care, and much more. If you don’t make the effort to settle into a routine, you could feel like you are always behind. Instead of feeling this way, structure your life and you will be a lot better off.
Practice Time Management
With a slower pace and less to do over the lockdown periods, time management skills will need to be relearned. This is why a routine is important. It’s completely necessary to make time for everything and everyone in your life. Staying busy is good, but feeling overwhelmed is not. If you find that your time management skills are lacking, read up on how you can improve them. Use a calendar. Write down important tasks, appointments, and activities. Communicate with your loved ones. Whatever it is you need to do, time management will help you get it done.
Be Prepared
Finally, one thing that will help you return to class and feel less anxious about it is to be prepared with the necessary supplies. Before you go back to school, make sure you will have everything you need to stay productive and efficient. Bring pens, pencils, notebooks, your tablet or computer, a calculator, organized binders, and whatever else you need to do your best. You should give yourself every chance to succeed by coming to the first day of class prepared.
Going back to school isn’t easy for a lot of people, especially if it’s been a year or longer since you have been to class. However, don’t be afraid. Instead, think of this as an exciting time in your life where you can make changes and do better every day to pursue your dreams. You’ve had time to think, now it’s time to get back to it. If you give yourself every chance at success, you will be more likely to stay happy while you’re attending class, studying, and writing those term papers.