*Updated October 27, 2025
Adults returning to school are taking the first step toward career advancement and higher earnings. It’s natural to feel mixed emotions during such a significant time of transition. You might be eager to learn, anxious about the future, or worried about juggling your many roles as you pursue your education.
Strong study skills are essential for student success. Master these techniques so you can excel in school, work, and your personal or family life, and even when you’re balancing all three.
Returning to school requires a shift in your thinking. You’ll need to incorporate schoolwork into your daily life, which may shake up your routine. These strategies can help you develop positive study habits and avoid distractions that undermine your success:
Why are you going back to school? Although a college degree does boost your earning potential, this alone might not be enough to keep you motivated when you encounter the challenging realities of attending school. Jot down a list of your deepest motivations. Do you want to inspire your kids? Change the world? Buy a house? Become self-sufficient? Grow at your company? Break through a career ceiling? The more reasons you have for attending school, the better.
It may also be helpful to list the things you are trying to escape. If you want to find a better job in your field, move your family to a nicer neighborhood, or switch to a career field that you feel makes more of a lasting impact, put these on your list, too.
When you’re struggling, pull out your list, and frame your decisions in terms of your future. “If I can commit two hours today, I will be one step closer to getting my dream home/forging a new career path/showing my kids how to make a difference in the world.”
A routine is a powerful weapon against uncertainty and chaos. After all, your time is your most valuable asset.
Each semester, make a time budget for yourself. The goal should be to create a predictable rhythm each day. Some questions to ask yourself include:
Your study environment can make or break your academic success. No two students have the same study needs or habits, but no one thrives in chaos. These tactics can make studying feel less stressful:
Multitasking is a myth. You can’t check your kids’ homework while studying or make work conference calls while drafting a paper. Student success demands that you commit to diving deep into your coursework, not trying to fit it in in five-minute bursts. Set aside a dedicated study area, even if it’s just a chair in the corner of your bedroom. If your house is small, your kids need your attention, or you can’t seem to stop the interruptions, try studying elsewhere. A library, a coffee shop, or even a friend’s house can provide adequate distance from the distractions of your everyday life and responsibilities. Anywhere quiet and with minimal distractions should work.
When you’re in your study area, eliminate other distractions too. Try blocking social media for an hour and make sure you’re physically comfortable. Ergonomic desks and seating options can help keep you relaxed and focused. Ensure your water bottle, coffee cup, and anything else you need are ready to go. Otherwise, you’ll lose momentum every time you leave the room to get them.
As every parent knows, life with kids can interrupt even the best-laid plans. Even when you get some time to yourself, you may feel guilty or worry that your kids need you. Teaching kids to play independently can alleviate some of this stress and give you a few minutes of quiet time to study. You may even be able to learn alongside your kids if you implement the right study tools. Check out our list of ideas for mastering new skills and learn together.
Everyone has unique distractions. For some, it’s the pile of laundry in the corner of the room. For others, it’s a hot office or an uncomfortable chair. Reduce the chaos that surrounds you, and you will reduce the stress you feel while studying. Try to design a relatively clean study environment with a comfortable temperature and no visible reminders of your stressors. That means studying next to a pile of bills or laundry is never a good idea.
Don’t waste time and energy on an ineffective learning approach. These studying tips can help you maximize your learning:
There is no one right way to study. Some people thrive in group learning. Others learn best when they can put their knowledge to work. And others find that taking notes helps them retain information. If you don’t already know your study style, experiment with several methods, then commit to only using those that help you quickly learn information and recall it in the most detail.
Here are some options to consider:
You may find that different study methods work best for different types of information. For instance, an acronym might help you remember specific names or terms, whereas lengthy discussions can help you to understand theoretical concepts better.
No matter your study style, you should try to incorporate learning into your daily life so concepts from class become familiar. For example, a business student might look for evidence of the concepts they are learning in the news, at work, or even at their local coffee shop.
Here are some strategies that can help you engage with your coursework:
Working through complex material can feel isolating. So don’t go it alone! Talking to your classmates about school can help you dig deeper and see things from different perspectives. At SNU, you work alongside the same group of students from the first day of class, all the way up until you graduate. This structure offers you a ready-made study group, so take advantage and work together. You may find that your peers can explain things in a way the textbook can’t. Schedule a regular group study session online to get the most out of group work without wasting time commuting.
Strong organizational and time management skills can mean the difference between academic excellence and falling behind. Time management is similar to money management: When you manage your time well, it feels like there is more of it. Here are some tips for becoming an expert in time management:
Class time, whether online or in-person, gives you access to the years of hard-earned knowledge and wisdom your professors have to offer. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to learn. Make the most of class with these tips:
Whether online or in person, paying attention in class is essential for success. To get the most out of each session, be as mindful as possible. These strategies can keep you attentive and improve your mastery:
One of the key benefits of higher education is the opportunity to test new ideas. So don’t stay quiet in class. Make the most of it by doing the following:
If you’re in an online program, taking advantage of breakout sessions, your professor’s office hours, and online discussion boards are great ways to utilize the above strategies.
When you enter the working world in your chosen profession, your relationships with colleagues will play a pivotal role in your success. Practice professional networking by getting to know your classmates. Take an interest in their ideas and lives, and ask them for feedback on your thoughts. You will broaden your horizons and gain valuable insights that might have taken years to earn in a workplace.
Want to become a master of studying? Try these strategies:
SNU is deeply committed to student success. Adult students returning to school get support from the moment they complete their application to graduation and beyond. We understand that seeking a degree can feel daunting, but with our unique programs designed to fit your busy schedule, you can succeed.
Our guide to staying engaged offers tips for connecting with your cohort and building a viable professional network.
To learn what sets us apart or to find more information about our accelerated programs for busy adults like you, visit our website.