Often, success is no mystery – just discipline, preparation, and hard work. That’s true when taking computer school courses too. Here are some tips you should consider. You might be surprised at how effective they can be – just because they’re simple:
1. Understand in advance how much time is needed for school and study.
In addition to class attendance, for every credit you take, you should plan to spend at least two hours a week studying. Three credits implies six hours of study per week. Make sure that you have the time needed. Students who don’t build enough study time into their schedule often fall behind…and that only adds to the stress of trying to fit school into an already busy life.
2. Make a weekly/daily schedule…and stick to it.
Once you know how much time is needed for class participation and study, develop a weekly/daily schedule, and block out the needed time. Then stick to your schedule. This will substantially reduce your potential for stress, and help you achieve your goals.
3. Ask for support from family members and friends.
Listen: No one ever said going back to school was easy. It takes time, and dedication. Along the way, well-intentioned friends and family members sometimes want access to the time you no longer have, when you’re trying to study. So let the people close to you know in advance that this is important to you, and you could use their help. In other words, make them allies in your quest to succeed.
4. Find a study group or “study buddy.”
It doesn’t matter whether you’re an online learner or a campus student. Once you go back to school, it’s easy to feel a bit separated from those close to you. One thing that can help you keep your studies on track and ease any loneliness: find a study partner. Study partners often make the task of learning more fun, because you share common challenges with others who posses similar career goals.
5. Make sure you have the resources you need.
Be sure you check with the school well in advance to see what you need:
- A laptop?
- An Internet connection? (The faster, the better! It is worth using a VPN when at school to access specific types of content.)
- Other materials?
Your school knows what you need for success, so get at least the minimum they recommend, and whenever possible, opt for a bit more. The point is, give yourself every chance to succeed.
6. Make time for fun.
No one benefits from all work and no play. Take your studies seriously, of course. (If you don’t you’re wasting your time.) But also, as a part of your planning, set aside time for fun. Otherwise, you may start to become overly stressed, or resent the effort you put into your scholastic endeavors.