Not everyone takes the conventional path of finishing high school, heading off to college, and graduating into the job market. Maybe you went straight into the workforce after college. Perhaps you joined the military or you were raising children. Some people start and then drop out. Or maybe you did take the conventional path, but you’re no longer satisfied in your work. You want to go into teaching or health care or become a biologist, but in order to do so, you have to go back to school. That can feel intimidating as an adult, but you actually have some advantages over your younger classmates. The tips below can help you succeed whether this is your first time through or your second time around.

Cost

The cost of school is a big hurdle, but you could take out student loans and repay after graduation. There are online lenders that offer private student loans, and finding out your eligibility is a quick process. In addition, you may be eligible for scholarships and grants. Some employers will even pay a portion toward your tuition.

Focus and Time Management

Whether you are in school full time or you’re attending part-time with online or in-person classes, this can be a big adjustment. There are a few things you can do to make it go a little more smoothly. Find out the office hours for your professors and pay them a visit to talk about the class, study strategies that might help you, and any challenges you are facing. Sit down with the syllabus at the beginning of each semester and put your deadlines into a calendar. Figure out how much time you need to spend each week on your classes and break that down across seven days. To help improve your focus and motivation, write down why you are back in school and put it up wherever you do most of your studying as a reminder.

Your Community

Support will also be important to your success. If you have a family, this can be a difficult time for everyone as they adjust to you being away from home more and busier than usual. If you have children, they may be able to take on some additional responsibilities around the house. You may also want to talk to your family about giving you the time and space that you need to study. Let them know this is a short-term discomfort while you make yourself happier and more fulfilled in your education and career prospects. On campus, look for groups set up for nontraditional students. Connecting with other students who have families or who are just older can help you feel less alone in your experience.

Network

You may not be able to take on internships as you would if you were a younger student, particularly if you need to keep your full-time job while you are in college. However, taking the opportunity to get to know other students in your major and your professors and joining any professional organizations on campus can help connect you with a much wider circle of people. You might also want to find out if your school can connect you with any alumni.