Tips for going back to school in Swarthmore, PA

In Swarthmore College’s case, the campus returned to normal in July, but students have been preparing for the return of classes since then. On the first day of classes in late August, a few professors gave advice on how to deal with returning students, including how to avoid burnout. For example, Dr. Erin McCarthy, who teaches in the English department, suggested that students should find a community of peers they are close with outside of class to help them through the transition.

For the first time in many years, I’m going back to school! This week, I start my second year of my master’s degree in public health at Swarthmore College. My first year, I studied to become an occupational therapist, and I’m now pursuing a second master’s degree in the same field, while working as a part-time occupational therapist. I love the idea of having two degrees under my belt at once, but this is the first time I’ve been in school in almost 10 years, so I’m looking forward to the experience!

Here are a few tips to keep in mind as you prepare to go back to school this fall:

1. Make sure you have everything you need.

As you get ready to head back to school, make sure you have the right supplies and materials. Don’t forget your textbooks, pens, and pencils, along with any necessary equipment. If you’re a student, you should be able to find a list of what you need here.

2. Register for classes.

You can do so through your school or through a website like Coursera. You’ll need to register in advance of the semester so that your classes are available to you when you arrive on campus.

3. Get your schedule.

You can do so online through your university’s website. You’ll want to know what classes you need to take and when you need to take them. It may be helpful to find out which courses are prerequisites for others in order to avoid having to repeat classes.

4. Make sure you have enough money for books and living expenses.

There are often costs associated with books and living expenses that you won’t think about until you’re in the thick of things. You should plan to spend about $300 for books per semester, plus anywhere from $50 to $100 more in living expenses.

5. Make plans for childcare.

As you know, being in school during the day means that you’re probably going to need someone to watch your child or children. There are plenty of options for childcare in the area, including the YMCA, babysitting services, and more.

6. Make sure you have a car.

This may seem obvious, but as you’re planning out your schedule, it’s important to think about how you’re going to get to and from your classes. For example, if you need to leave the house at 7:30 in the morning and you don’t have a car, you may need to look into alternatives like bus passes or rides.

7. Have a plan.

Lastly, don’t forget that you need to have a plan for yourself and your family. Think about how you’ll handle things like making sure you have enough time to eat healthy meals and exercise, as well as how you’ll handle the inevitable changes to your routine.