If you’re an adult going to college this semester, congratulations! You’ve already taken the first steps toward your future. Now it’s time to get ready. Whether you’re returning to college after a few (or many) years out of academic life or are beginning your college journey for the first time, there are a lot of things to take into consideration when starting. Here’s how to prepare yourself!
Map Your Degree/Certificate Program
Want to stay on track? Even when you know exactly what you’re going for, unexpected things can pop up that make it hard to get all the credits you need. Make a tentative schedule now, before you start, of exactly what courses you need to take and what semester you will take them, based on how many you would like to take per semester and allowing for prerequisites and fall or spring-only classes. If you need help with this, talk to your academic advisor!
Make a List of What You Need to Buy
No matter what your major is, you will need a few things you probably haven’t bought or budgeted for in a while: notebooks or notepaper, pens, pencils, your textbooks (find out which ones you need from your syllabus or by going to SUNY Ulster’s bookstore), a pack to carry everything in, and, if possible, a personal computer or laptop. You may also want to get some hand sanitizer, food for lunches or dinners, and other personal items to take with you. Depending on your classes, you may also need things like specific calculators, special software, tools, or other major-specific supplies. Refer to your syllabus and professor for the specifics of each class!
Prepare a Study Space and Time
As an adult student, you often have responsibilities at work and with your family beyond what a college student straight out of high school would, like a full-time job, children, or aging parents. This makes it all the more important that you set aside a time and place now where you will have as few distractions as possible for studying and writing. While this isn’t foolproof, having a typical schedule and room/cafe/library where you can go get work done will help you stay on track in classes. You can get creative as well, like sitting around the table with your children and doing your homework while they do theirs (provided they aren’t prone to getting distracted).
Plan Finances and Make a Budget
College costs a lot; in addition to your tuition and the items mentioned above, you’ll need to have housing, food, and transportation. If you have children, you may need to pay for childcare. On top of all the additional expenses, you may have less money coming in if you aren’t working as much. Set aside emergency money for things like car and house repairs, and plan out your monthly budget. To help with costs, don’t hesitate to reach out to the Ulster Community College Foundation. They can help you find scholarships that will help!
Get in the Mindset to Learn and Have Fun!
You can do any number of things to physically set up your new college life, but if you have a negative attitude going in, you’ll have a much harder time. Get excited about learning new things, meeting new people, and starting your path to a new career! College has a lot to offer, through intellectual pursuits and new friends to make (yes, you will find plenty of other adult students to connect with and support). It may take a bit to get back into the swing of things at college, but that’s okay. You’ve got this!
