A three-step guide to returning to university after a break

Alright, so you’ve deferred and are returning to study! You may have had to take six, twelve or eighteen months off to travel, work, save, take care of family/friends, or anything! But that’s OK, because this three-step guide is going to help you get back up and running before the first week.

Build a support system

You are not on your own! It’s so important to immerse yourself in your network and seek guidance from your family, friends, colleagues and university peers. They want you to succeed just as much as you do, therefore if you’re worried about not making ends meet or lacking relationships, just be open and honest about your struggles. One lesson I learned is that some things have to be compromised or compensated, so this could mean swapping your weekly Tuesday night cheap drinks to a movie and dinner so you’re feeling ready for the next day ahead (without a hangover). It’s also extremely important to build a relationship with your tutors – they are also there to help you learn and achieve your goals!

Give yourself time to adjust

Returning to university after a break can be a major shock to the system – at least it was for me. When you finish your part-time job or usual daily activities, it can be hard to adjust to coming home and opening a textbook or writing an assignment. But if you start slow, don’t go head over heels (unless it works for you of course) and get into a routine, you’ll be back building study habits like you’ve lost no time at all! 

Just breathe and trust yourself

You know yourself better than anyone in the world. So, trust your decision to return to university. Write down all of your personal and professional ambitions and set regular objectives and goals that you want to succeed, whether it’s getting through week one, getting a distinction on your mid-term exam or seeing the whole semester through.

By Lauren Thompson