Returning to college brings excitement and opportunity. Whether you're pursuing a degree for the first time, completing unfinished studies, or seeking career advancement, going back to college requires careful planning beyond just choosing classes and submitting applications.
Competing priorities create risks that can derail even the most motivated students if not properly addressed upfront. Understanding these potential issues that may arise allows you to prepare strategically and increase your chances of academic success.
1. The Financial Risk of Returning to College
Starting college can be a huge financial burden. Tuition, fees, textbooks, and technology requirements can quickly add up and many college students underestimate these costs. Planning for these expenses can help manage a budget while pursuing your education.
Some of the expenses may include:
Tuition and mandatory fees
Books and digital course materials
Technology upgrades (laptop, software, internet)
Parking permits and transportation
Childcare during study time
Lost income from reduced work hours
Consider tuition insurance as part of your financial protection strategy. This coverage can provide reimbursement for a portion of tuition and fees if you must withdraw from school due to a covered illness, injury, or other covered circumstances. While it represents an additional upfront cost, tuition insurance can prevent significant financial loss if covered unexpected events force you to leave school mid-semester.
2. Living Arrangement Risks
If you're moving to attend college and living off campus, consider factors like commuting time to campus and roommates. If you’re living on campus in a dorm, take into consideration the need for organization to keep shared spaces clutter free. Living on and off campus both come with risks, especially if you live with others. Damage can happen for many reasons, make sure you're covered!
Students living on campus should verify what coverage the university provides and what gaps exist. Personal renters insurance can be a wise investment. For students living off campus, renters insurance is typically needed when leasing apartments or houses.
3. Social Integration Challenges
Going to college can make socializing a challenge at first. A new place and new routine can make it difficult to find friends. Though it can be challenging to find a new group of friends, having a social life in college can be an important balance to academic life. A good place to start may be campus activities or study groups.
4. The Risk of Burnout and Mental Health Concerns
Balancing college coursework with existing responsibilities creates a perfect storm for burnout. Students often maintain jobs and handle various other obligations while pursuing demanding academic programs.
The pressure to excel academically while maintaining performance in other life areas can quickly become overwhelming.
Recognize the warning signs of burnout early:
Chronic exhaustion
Decreased motivation
Difficulty concentrating
Irritability
These signs indicate you need to reassess your priorities before reaching a breaking point. Develop realistic expectations about your capacity and learn to manage your responsibilities before the signs of being overwhelmed begin to show.
5. Physical Health and Maintaining Balance
The sedentary nature of college work—long hours studying, sitting in classes, working at computers. Create a sustainable routine that prioritizes physical health alongside academic success. This includes:
Scheduling regular exercise, even if it's just walking between classes or doing stretches during study breaks
Maintaining consistent sleep patterns despite varying class schedules
Planning nutritious meals instead of relying on convenience foods
Taking regular breaks from screen time to rest your eyes
Many campuses offer fitness centers, recreational activities, and wellness programs specifically designed for busy students. Take advantage of these resources to maintain physical health while managing academic demands.
Planning Your Path Forward
Going back to college can be a significant investment in your future. If you prepare for the challenges, then you can manage the potential hurdles. Each of these challenges—financial, housing, social, mental health, and physical wellness—can be managed effectively with the right strategies and support systems.
Create specific action plans for each area, whether that means purchasing appropriate insurance coverage, budgeting for unexpected expenses, or identifying campus resources for college students. With proper preparation and ongoing attention to these things, your college experience can be both rewarding and sustainable.
