We get it, going back to school can be overwhelming! For some of our students, they transition straight from high school into a program at Willis College, but for others, they may have had a long break before returning to school. In fact, most of our students are mature students who are looking to upgrade their skills, gain some new ones, and enter into a new and challenging field.

So what can you do to make sure that you’re set up for success when you’re returning to the world of learning? Sure there are the obvious things you can do, like making sure you get enough sleep and not letting the dog eat your homework, but there are a ton of little things that you can try as well to ensure that studying is a lot easier. We chatted with our instructors and compiled five quick and easy things that you can integrate into your life to set yourself up for success in your education ( and in everything that you do)!

Student success tip #1: get organized.

This can be a big one. Do you ever wake up and instantly get overwhelmed by the 3,000 things that you have to do in the day? You’re not alone. Taking five minutes to make a list and a plan of attack will help you to maximize your day and get it all done. For example, if you’re a parent, save that hour of studying you have until nap time instead of struggling to hit the books while you’re watching Frozen for the 60th time with your son. Check off items as you complete them for a rush of happy endorphins and just keep slogging through it. You’ll get it all done!

Student success tip #2: don’t multitask.

Okay, SOMETIMES multitasking is great. Listening to a recorded lecture for the second time when you’re driving may be a great life hack, but multitasking can sometimes mean that while you’re doing all the things, none of them are being done well. Slow down, grab that list of tasks that you made, and start checking them off one at a time. The time you set aside to concentrate on each one individually will be worth it!

Student success tip #3: schedule your time based on your needs.

Are you a morning person? If so, wake up at 6 am and get your studying in before everyone else is up! Or if you’re a night owl, wait until they’re all asleep. Maybe you have a ridiculous ability to sit at a desk and go hard for four hours, maybe you need to work in 20-minute blocks to keep your head in the game – either is fine! Just don’t force yourself to work in ways that are difficult. Everyone is different and understanding and knowing what your mind and body need to be successful is KEY to success.

Student success tip #4: get moving!

In the book “Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain” Dr. John J. Ratey, an associate clinical professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, provides strong evidence that aerobic exercise physically remodels the brain for peak performance on all fronts. Specifically, Dr. Ratey writes that exercise improves learning on three levels: “First, it optimizes your mindset to improve alertness, attention, and motivation; second, it prepares and encourages nerve cells to bind to one another, which is the cellular basis for logging in new information; and third, it spurs the development of new nerve cells from stem cells in the hippocampus.” In short, not only does exercise help the brain get ready to learn but it actually makes retaining information easier! So, put down the books for 30 minutes a day and get moving. You don’t have to start training for a marathon, even a short, brisk walk will do!

Student success tip #5: find a study group!

Sitting down with a group of people who are learning the same things as you is a great way to go over confusing class material or prepare for a big test. You can quiz each other, reteach material, and make sure that everyone is on the same page. Plus, it’s a great way to make new friends! Having people around who understand the struggles you’re having firsthand always feels good. You’re not in this alone!

It’s time to change your life with Willis College Online!

 Willis College Online is the fastest and easiest way to get started towards your new career. Financial aid may be available to those who qualify. Take the next step and speak to one of our Admissions Advisors today. Visit williscollege.com for more information!