6 answers
Jennifer
Student
Sun City, Arizona
1
Question
Updated
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What are some tips for balancing study time for a college freshman, entering into college late in life?
Found time now to go to college. #Spring25
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6 answers
Rachel Coughlin
Manager, Career Services
2
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Rachel’s Answer
Congratulations on taking the exciting step to begin your education journey! Starting this path later in life shows your strength and determination, especially as you juggle more responsibilities. It's important to set aside regular study time each week, just like you would for an in-person class. Try to pick times when you feel most alert and focused, whether that's in the morning, afternoon, or evening. Consistency can be your friend, but it's also okay to adjust your schedule when needed. Remember, you're doing something amazing for yourself. Best of luck on your journey!
Mariem Limam
Solution Management Center Representative
12
Answers
Tunis, Tunisia
Updated
Mariem’s Answer
Hi Jennifer, :)
Starting college later in life is an amazing decision, and I truly admire your courage. Balancing study time might seem tough at first, but here are some tips that have helped others like you:
• Set up a weekly study schedule with specific hours. Treat it like an important appointment you can't miss.
• Notice when you’re most alert—whether it’s early morning or late at night—and plan your toughest study tasks for those times.
• Instead of just reading your notes, try explaining concepts out loud or record yourself explaining them to listen to later.
• Set small, achievable goals for each study session.
• Remember to take breaks and enjoy activities you love. Avoiding burnout is important, so make time for relaxation, too.
Starting college later in life is an amazing decision, and I truly admire your courage. Balancing study time might seem tough at first, but here are some tips that have helped others like you:
• Set up a weekly study schedule with specific hours. Treat it like an important appointment you can't miss.
• Notice when you’re most alert—whether it’s early morning or late at night—and plan your toughest study tasks for those times.
• Instead of just reading your notes, try explaining concepts out loud or record yourself explaining them to listen to later.
• Set small, achievable goals for each study session.
• Remember to take breaks and enjoy activities you love. Avoiding burnout is important, so make time for relaxation, too.
Lance Soon
Business Planning and Program Management
9
Answers
Singapore
Updated
Lance’s Answer
Build a personalized schedule that fits your energy levels. For example, if you’re more alert in the morning, plan demanding study tasks then, and save lighter or more enjoyable activities for when your energy dips.
Define both academic and personal goals to help prioritize your workload. Break large assignments into smaller, manageable tasks with their own mini-deadlines. Set reminders and alarms for deadlines and important study milestones to stay on track.
Find a distraction-free, comfortable place to study. A consistent study spot can improve focus and productivity.
Set boundaries for study time versus personal time to avoid burnout and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Build flexibility into your schedule and adjust as needed, while holding yourself accountable to your goals.
Define both academic and personal goals to help prioritize your workload. Break large assignments into smaller, manageable tasks with their own mini-deadlines. Set reminders and alarms for deadlines and important study milestones to stay on track.
Find a distraction-free, comfortable place to study. A consistent study spot can improve focus and productivity.
Set boundaries for study time versus personal time to avoid burnout and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Build flexibility into your schedule and adjust as needed, while holding yourself accountable to your goals.
Avanish Kumar Shukla
Service Management
3
Answers
India
Updated
Avanish Kumar’s Answer
Balancing study time as a late-entering college freshman requires prioritizing tasks, establishing a routine, and utilizing effective time management techniques. Focus on creating a structured study schedule, designating a dedicated study space, and minimizing distractions.
1. Prioritize and Plan:
Goal Setting: Define your academic and personal goals. A clear understanding of what you want to achieve will help you prioritize tasks and allocate your time accordingly.
Time Allocation: Estimate the time required for each course and assignment. Consider the workload and create a weekly or daily schedule that accommodates all your commitments.
Utilize Time Management Tools: Explore apps or calendars to help you schedule and track your assignments and deadlines.
2. Establish a Study Routine: Designated Study Space: Choose a quiet and distraction-free area where you can focus. This could be a library, a room in your residence, or even a specific corner in your home.
Consistent Study Time: Set aside regular study times, even if it's just for a few hours each day. Consistency can help build a study habit.
Minimize Distractions: Turn off your phone, close unnecessary tabs on your computer, and let others know you need uninterrupted time to focus.
3. Effective Study Techniques: Pomodoro Technique: Break your study time into focused 25-minute intervals with short breaks in between. This can help improve concentration and productivity.
4. Consider Your Unique Circumstances:
Life Experience: Recognize that your experience might differ from that of your younger classmates. Be confident in your abilities and don't hesitate to seek help if you need it.
Networking: Connect with other students and professors to build a support network. Don't hesitate to ask for advice or guidance.
5. Seek Support:
Counseling Services: If you're struggling to balance your workload, seek help from your college's counseling center or other support services.
Tutoring: If you're having difficulty with a specific subject, consider seeking tutoring help.
Mentorship: Connect with a mentor who can offer guidance and support as you navigate college life.
1. Prioritize and Plan:
Goal Setting: Define your academic and personal goals. A clear understanding of what you want to achieve will help you prioritize tasks and allocate your time accordingly.
Time Allocation: Estimate the time required for each course and assignment. Consider the workload and create a weekly or daily schedule that accommodates all your commitments.
Utilize Time Management Tools: Explore apps or calendars to help you schedule and track your assignments and deadlines.
2. Establish a Study Routine: Designated Study Space: Choose a quiet and distraction-free area where you can focus. This could be a library, a room in your residence, or even a specific corner in your home.
Consistent Study Time: Set aside regular study times, even if it's just for a few hours each day. Consistency can help build a study habit.
Minimize Distractions: Turn off your phone, close unnecessary tabs on your computer, and let others know you need uninterrupted time to focus.
3. Effective Study Techniques: Pomodoro Technique: Break your study time into focused 25-minute intervals with short breaks in between. This can help improve concentration and productivity.
4. Consider Your Unique Circumstances:
Life Experience: Recognize that your experience might differ from that of your younger classmates. Be confident in your abilities and don't hesitate to seek help if you need it.
Networking: Connect with other students and professors to build a support network. Don't hesitate to ask for advice or guidance.
5. Seek Support:
Counseling Services: If you're struggling to balance your workload, seek help from your college's counseling center or other support services.
Tutoring: If you're having difficulty with a specific subject, consider seeking tutoring help.
Mentorship: Connect with a mentor who can offer guidance and support as you navigate college life.
Leah S
Marketing Manager
6
Answers
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Updated
Leah’s Answer
Choose a physical or digital planner to keep track of your important academic and personal events. Having everything in one spot will help you stay organized and show you where to focus more on your studies and when you might have extra time for personal activities. Plus, many digital planners can send you reminders to keep you on track and motivated!
Layne Buckley
Human Resources
52
Answers
Salinas, California
Updated
Layne’s Answer
Great question, Jennifer! I can relate to this, as I did two degrees while working full time, and later in life. The absolute most important advice is to make sure you can set aside a fixed amount of time every day, where you can focus without distraction. It is tempting to push things off, or try to do everything in the weekend. Setting aside at least one to two focus hours every day will pay dividends. Your brain needs the time to process things over time, and will function much better with daily building versus single day cramming. Also, feel comfortable letting family and friends know that you may need to change your schedule or lifestyle to accommodate the time every day. I find that family and friends will understand and will also be supportive sponsors to make sure you dedicate the time you need.
Set aside a fixed amount of time every day
Be consistent, don't push off to the deadline
Be open with family and friends about your new schedule and lifestyle
Enlist support from family and friends
Layne recommends the following next steps: