1. Getting into the swingHave you been out of school for a few years or longer? Don't be afraid to ask other students for help. The student services department, writing centre and learning success centre at your university or college will offer a variety of programs and services that will help you succeed. Plan to attend the free workshops that all institutions offer. Taking a campus tour and library tour before classes start is also a good idea. Seek out a mentor (an upper-year student in your program). Many universities offer mentoring programs such Ryerson's successful Tri-Mentoring Program.
2. Plan, plan, plan! School is now your full time job so plan your day/ week/ semester in advance. Use your course outline to book your time for study, sleep, work, family obligations and stick to it. This will help you to lead a more balanced lifestyle -and help reduce stress.
3. Get involved Become a member of your Mature Student Association. Most institutions have a campus club day where you can pick and choose from a variety of cultural and interest-specific groups. You will meet people who are facing the same challenges. You'll also create a network of people who can encourage, support and enhance your enjoyment of student life.
4. Participate in class Embrace the generation gap. Your life experience can add value to a discussion. You will find that any age-related anxiety you experience will dissipate and that class interactions will become more open and relaxed as the semester progresses.
5. Don't be shy!When in doubt, ask. Use your professors' and TAs' office hours to get clarification and ask questions about assignments. Look at the assignment criteria and don't go too far above and beyond what your assignment asks for. Remember that you have other studies, work and home obligations.
6. Prepare for disappointment It is not always going to be easy and despite your best efforts, there may be times when you might not do as well as you expected on an assignment or an exam. Be realistic about your academic performance; it may take some time to build your academic skills. Don't get discouraged, instead regroup and never lose sight of your goal: graduation.
7. Take care of yourself Balancing school, work and the demands of family requires not only good time management but also stress management. Make sure you do things that help you relax. ( i.e. going to the gym, visiting friends, meditation). Don't be shy to ask your family to help out with other duties when you need time to finish an assignment or study for a test/exam.
For more back-to-school tips, please vist www.ryerson.ca/news/media/spotlight/bts2011/index.html
Ryerson University is Canada's leader in innovative, career-oriented education and a university clearly on the move. With a mission to serve societal need, and a long-standing commitment to engaging its community, Ryerson offers more than 100 undergraduate and graduate programs. Distinctly urban, culturally diverse and inclusive, the university is home to 28,000 students, including 2,000 master's and PhD students, nearly 2,700 faculty and staff, and more than 140,000 alumni worldwide. Research at Ryerson is on a trajectory of success and growth: externally funded research has doubled in the past four years. The G. Raymond Chang School of Continuing Education is Canada's leading provider of university-based adult education. For more information, visit www.ryerson.ca
If you require this in another format, please contact Ryerson University Public Affairs at 416-979-5000 x 7134.
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