Getting back into studying after a break (even a long one)

Studying after a break, long or short, may seem like a big task to undertake however, it doesn’t have to be difficult with a few tips and good support.

There are many reasons why a period of time may have passed since you last studied. Maybe your post-high school gap year turned into a few years. Perhaps you’ve been busy starting a family and caring for children. It could be that you have been working in a career for a while and now want to upskill or start a fresh, new career. Whatever the reason, getting back into studying after a break can seem overwhelming. Thankfully, returning to studying really isn’t too challenging at all, and with the right support and a good plan you’ll be able to revert to student life with ease.

Top tips for studying after a break

If you’re feeling a little nervous about getting your brain back into study mode, that’s normal. It may take a bit of getting used to when you first start your course, but these tips will help you get back into the swing of it in no time:

Create a plan

Life can be busy. Between work, leisure, family commitments and taking care of yourself, it’s not surprising that the idea of fitting in study seems a bit much. A solid plan, schedule or routine will help you to manage everything effectively and reduce any potential stress in the process. Write it down or print it out and stick it on the wall or keep a photo of it on your phone, so that you can stay on top of everything in a manageable way.

Be realistic and try to allow a little leeway for when things don’t go exactly to plan. Don’t forget to leave time for yourself and plenty of rest.

Be organised

Knowing things like when assessments are coming up, what you need to do for them, and ensuring you have the right materials ready to go are all part of being organised for heading back into studying after a break.

Check through your course information and put your important dates and deadlines in the calendar and keep track of everything that needs to be done, always planning ahead. A little organisation goes a long way when it comes to creating a balanced study life.

Set up a study space

Engaging with your course materials and focusing on your studies is often easier when you are in the right environment. For most people, it’s important to minimise distractions. Seek out an area with good natural light and make sure you have everything you need within reach: a notebook, pen, chargers and accessible power points. A comfortable chair is a must too!

Your study space may change from time to time; perhaps a café sometime, a library or even on the train, and that’s perfectly fine! It’s all about finding a space that works for you and maximises your ability to focus and learn effectively.

Find a supportive, quality course

The last thing you want is to enrol, receive your course materials and be left to it on your own. This is especially true if you are just getting back into studying after a break. A high-quality course should always provide you with adequate support from experienced, knowledgeable trainers who will guide you through every step of your training journey.

Focus on your goal

Eyes on the prize! If you have taken it upon yourself to get back into studying, it’s likely that this qualification is going to help you get where you want to go. And if you start to feel overwhelmed or stressed during the training process, that’s when you should be able to reach out to your trainer who will help you to make a plan to tackle your studies in a way that is manageable for your circumstances. You will get there!

Returning to study and achieving your goals

With those goals in mind, it’s worth taking the time to find the right course for you. A high-quality course with equally high-quality trainers (even for online courses) is key to study success, whether you’re going back into studying after a break or just getting started.

The dedicated trainer support provided to every learner at Selmar is invaluable. With their wealth of experience in the sector within which they train, they have the insights required to guide learners on every step of their study journey. They make it personal too — every person is different and our trainers take the time to work with you to tailor their approach so that you get the most from your studies. Our entire learner success team at Selmar is ready and equipped to help every learner achieve their individual goals.

Online courses provide flexibility that can help you get the most out of your time, while practical placement is incorporated into our courses so that you can finish your learning journey feeling confident and ready to shine in the workforce. We also take a human-centred approach to education, supporting learners in developing soft skills that will add to their ability to thrive in the work environment and get more from their studies and career.

If you think you might be ready to study child care, this checklist can help you make the decision to get stuck into an early childhood education course!

Our team can chat to you about the best way forward to reach your career goals – get in touch.