Almost every child has experienced both the excitement and the anxiety that come with the start of a new school year. But what about adults who are going back to school? The process can present new and daunting challenges to overcome. They may seem hard to face, but here are five tips to help your back-to-school experience be a successful one.

1. Start Small

Many adults who go back to school have careers and families. It can be hard to make time for education in a schedule that’s already full. Jumping full-time into college might be tempting, but it isn’t always the right choice to make. To avoid overwhelming yourself and becoming frustrated, it might be best to take school a little at a time. Starting out with required general courses is a great way to reintroduce yourself to the college setting. By taking small steps forward, you will eventually reach your goal.

2. Be Patient

Going back to school is hard, and it will take a while to reestablish good studying and note-taking habits. Although it might be nice to dream of graduating overnight, the reality is that doing something properly takes hard work and plenty of time. If you have patience, you’ll find that instead of just checking off requirements on a list, you will take in and appreciate what you are learning. In this way, college will become something that changes you for the better.

3. Embrace Technology

It’s nearly impossible to take a college course without using technology. Textbooks, lectures, and even entire courses can often be found online. You don’t need to embrace every aspect of technology, but rejecting it altogether can make school much harder than it needs to be. If you find technology that can help you, use it! Don’t reject something just because you aren’t familiar with it.

4. Find Friends

Whatever you do, having a support system is essential for success. Family members and other loved ones can help immensely, but it’s also important to make friends with some of your fellow students. They can share resources, take notes for you when you are gone, and remind you of upcoming due dates. Reach out to those around you, and don’t limit yourself to people your age. Everyone in your class is having a similar experience; they all have assignments, teachers, and final exams. When you expand your circle of support, you are more likely to succeed.

5. Be Confident

You are smarter than you think you are. Don’t ever doubt your ability to succeed. Going back to school may not be easy or fast, but it’s worthwhile. Age brings wisdom and ability. Many adults find that as they go back to school, they are much more motivated and focused than they were in their younger years. Believe in yourself and the advantages that come from life experience.