Whether you are planning to attend college for the first time as a recent high school graduate or are returning to further your education as an adult, back-to-school season is an exciting time filled with promise and inspiration.
College is an investment in yourself and your future, and deciding to enroll in a degree program requires you to prepare yourself mentally, physically, and emotionally.
East Ohio College (EOC) has put together a guide with important information students should know about going back-to-school. Keep reading this blog to learn back-to-school tips, college essentials, strategies for staying healthy in college, and more.
How To Know If It’s Time To Go Back-To-School
Many factors go into deciding if college is right for you. Here are a few signs that you might be ready to take the leap into furthering your education and go back-to-school.
- You want a change
Many people reach a point in their lives where their career no longer feels fulfilling. If you find yourself in this position, furthering your education can help you start on a new path, grow within your current job, or find better financial stability. No matter your “why,” earning a college degree can open new doors for you.
- You enjoy learning
If you are curious, motivated, and eager to learn new things, then college may be a great place for you to satisfy your hunger for knowledge while expanding your career possibilities. Choosing a training program that you are passionate about can help you find satisfaction both personally and professionally.
- You’re ready to invest in yourself
College is more than a financial investment; it is an investment in your future. Earning a degree requires hard work, dedication, and perseverance. If you feel ready to commit time and effort to improving your future, then college is a great way to reach your goals.
4 Back-to-School Tips For College Students
Success in college and life beyond begins before school even starts. By developing and strengthening good habits that work for your learning style and life, you can make the most of your educational experience and set yourself up for success after graduation.
- Get organized
During college, students will be expected to balance several assignments, deadlines, and important events along with their personal obligations. Getting organized is the first thing a student should do to avoid missing due dates, work shifts, exams, in-person clinicals, kids’ schedules, and more. Utilizing a calendar, personal planner, or digital task manager is crucial to reducing stress and managing time. EOC recommends using Google Calendar, as you can access it both at home and on the go.
- Create a strong routine
Along with organizing your tasks and managing your time comes developing a routine. When you plan ahead and know what is expected of you each day, it becomes easier to feel prepared. With East Ohio College’s online classes, students can learn from the comfort of their homes at any time. Despite this added flexibility, it is important to set aside designated time each day to do schoolwork as if you were in a traditional classroom setting.
- Connect with peers and mentors
Building connections with your classmates and instructors can not only be a help academically, but it also makes your educational experience more worthwhile. Many students develop strong friendships throughout the course of their program, making it all the more special come graduation day. Your classmates are individuals who are also going through a life-changing experience, so connecting with them can provide exceptional support.
- Take advantage of student resources
East Ohio College offers personal, academic, and professional support to students during their education and after graduation. With career services such as resume writing, interview preparation, job placement assistance, and tutoring, and personal advising services such as time management, personal budgeting, transportation, and childcare, EOC has resources to help make students’ educational experience positive.
5 Tips For Staying Healthy During School
Overall health can play a significant role in academic success. Caring for yourself sets you up for mental clarity, proper energy, and focus. Below are five tips for staying healthy while in school.
- Prioritize sleep
Movies and TV shows commonly depict college students frequently pulling all-nighters or studying until the early hours of the morning. While long study sessions may seem productive, it can actually be detrimental if you are not getting proper sleep. Aiming for seven to nine hours of sleep can help improve concentration, mental clarity, memory, and overall mood.
- Nourish your body
Providing your body with the proper nutrients and hydration it needs to function properly is also an important aspect of staying healthy. Eating balanced, nutritious meals and drinking plenty of water are both important to keeping energy levels and concentration high.
- Make time for exercise
Daily movement should be incorporated into every student’s routine, whether it is spending time in the gym, going for a walk, doing yoga, or simply stretching. Exercise releases endorphins in the brain, which increases the chemicals that make you feel satisfied and lowers stress hormones.
- Practice personal hygiene
A simple yet effective way to prevent illness when in school, especially for individuals completing clinicals and labs in the healthcare field, is to practice proper handwashing and sanitizing. Handwashing is the easiest way to prevent the spread of germs, but it is also important to disinfect frequently used items like cell phones, laptops, water bottles, etc.
- Reduce stress levels
College can feel overwhelming at times, which makes managing stress one of the most important things a student can do. Practicing stress management techniques such as exercising, journaling, spending quality time with loved ones, or some other form of relaxation can help lower stress levels. East Ohio College is here to support every student throughout their journey, so don’t be afraid to utilize our support system.
College Back-To-School Essentials List
Starting college with the right supplies can help you be prepared and organized from day one. Although many classes are held online, EOC students should have a designated area of their home for school-related items. Here are the essential and helpful things we recommend for online students going back-to-school:
- Laptop or tablet for completing schoolwork
- Notebooks, notecards, or whiteboard for note-taking and studying
- Pens, pencils, and highlighter
- Wall calendar or personal planner
- Reusable water bottle for lab and clinical days
- Sturdy backpack for lab and clinical days
- Noise-canceling headphones for uninterrupted study
- USB flash drive for extra file storage
- Comfortable shoes for lab and clinical days
- Required textbooks for each class
- Printer for creating physical copies of lectures and study guides
While students can be successful without some of these non-essential supplies, it can be helpful to have access to all of the tools to succeed before you need them.
Start Your Back-To-School Journey at EOC!
Going back-to-school is an important decision, and we hope this guide provides some helpful back-to-school tips and tricks. At East Ohio College, We’re committed to helping every student succeed through career-focused training, support, and hands-on learning.
Your back-to-school journey to a better future starts with one single decision: make the choice to invest in yourself by requesting information today!