For First Time College Students and Returning College Students

I am a returning college student. It was a major life decision for me to return to college. I had been away from school a long time and I felt overwhelmed. There have been some challenges along the way, but honestly, it was the best decision I could have made!  

Whether you are starting school for the first time or you're a returning college student, here are some tips on getting started:

• Decide whether you want to attend school locally or further away. 

• Make sure the school and/or program you are interested in is accredited. 

• Interview the colleges. Take a tour and get a feel for the campus. Tour the dorms. Ask to sit in on a class. Talk to the advisors and the students. Visit other campuses to compare. 

• Be tuition smart. Since community colleges charge less tuition, consider taking all your undergraduate classes at a community college and then transfer. Just make sure you work with an advisor to verify that all the credits will transfer and correspond with your major. 

• Determine if a classroom style or online classes would be better for you. 

• Online classes are certainly more convenient. They are also great for motivated students, self-starters, and independent workers. You do need to know a moderate amount of computer skills. Some classes are entirely online (quizzes and final exams too). Others have you come to a testing center for quizzes/exams. 

• Students attending a physical classroom may experience more consistent interaction with their teachers and classmates. If you'll be taking a class that is difficult for you (like math) you may want to take it in a traditional classroom where you can ask questions and get immediate help. You can also meet other students and form study groups.   

• Pay attention to deadlines. There are deadlines to apply to college, to apply for financial aid, for housing, registration, etc.  

• When you apply to a school, you may have to include an essay or pay an application fee. Once you are accepted, you may have to confirm your acceptance or pay a deposit. 

• In addition, you may be required to take a placement exam for reading, writing, or math. 

• If you have high school or college credits that need to be transferred, contact your old school and request a transcript be sent to your current college. This can usually be done online. There is typically a fee for getting a transcript ($5-$10). Have it sent directly to the school. If you have it mailed to you, make sure you do not open the envelope. Transcripts are not accepted if they have been opened. 

• Your school will likely communicate with you through an online school account or email address. They may post a "To Do" list that you must accomplish before you can register or proceed. This may include requests for immunization dates, financial aid verification, master loan promissory note, etc.

• If you're offered financial aid (ie: scholarships, grants, loans), you'll need to accept it -- or you won't get it! For loans, you can accept the full amount or choose to accept less. If you accept the full amount and change your mind later, you can request to change the amount before it is dispersed or before the next term/semester.   

• Get your Student ID card and meal card. 

• Register for classes and buy or rent your textbooks.

• Begin by taking a few classes at a time, rather than a full load. If you've been away from school awhile, try starting with just one class. As you ease your way into school, your confidence will grow. Starting college entails a lot of changes, so don't overwhelm yourself by taking on too much.

• Establish a support system at school. This may include: family, friends, classmates, roommates, school clubs, or religious organizations. Many colleges offer personal counseling and mental health support, too. 

• If you have a disability (learning, physical, mental, or otherwise) -- contact disability services on campus and register with them. They will be your ally if you need special arrangements with teachers or other assistance.

• If you are moving out of town to go to school, make sure to find a new doctor and pharmacy and transfer any prescription medications ahead of time. Many colleges have a student health center on campus where you can be seen by medical doctors or nurse practitioners for exams, illnesses, injuries, lab tests, immunizations, etc. Services may be low cost or no cost to students. Some colleges require their students to have health insurance or to enroll in the college's health plan if they take classes full time.    

• Take study breaks. Go for a walk or a bike ride. Eat lunch outside. Talk with your friends (face to face). Also, allow yourself one or two days of “downtime” each week where you don't have to think about schoolwork.  

Now, it's your turn! Do you have a smart tip that has helped you? Send it to me in the comments below!