Regardless of the circumstances, most students returning to school find the experience to be both challenging and rewarding. With the excitement of achieving your goals and pursuing your dreams can also come the concern about adjusting to the college experience. You are not alone. A common concern nontraditional students share is the adequacy of their study skills and habits after a period of absence from academia. Others have concerns regarding time and money management. Many report feeling isolated on campus and initially intimidated by the college environment. In addition, the challenge of balancing career, family, and school responsibilities can be stressful. Despite these concerns, studies have shown that students returning to school can and do adjust well to college life. Nontraditional students have been found to have an advantage over traditional students of being more motivated, using study time more efficiently, knowing more clearly what they want from college, and having a greater experiential base to draw from (Bodensteiner, 1989). Research also has found that nontraditional students experience increased self-confidence and personal satisfaction as a result of going back to school.

• Take a light load the first term. You may need time to adjust to your new routine and the demands of coursework.
• Enroll in an extra class to check your options before you finalize your study list. Because classes fill up quickly at UCLA, it is wise to enroll in an extra class so that you have the option of dropping the class that is least appealing.
• Try to balance your academic load in order to avoid taking too many demanding courses in any one quarter. Consult your departmental advisor if you have questions about the requirements for your major or a particular class.
• Take a class pass/no pass if the subject is unfamiliar and not required for your major. Refer to the General Catalog for restrictions on this option.
• Take advantage of the Teaching Assistant. The Teaching Assistant (TA) is the main link between the professor and the student. In a discussion section, material that was not covered during the regular lecture may be introduced, or points that were generally introduced in the lecture will be explained in more detail. In addition, your TA can provide you with individual guidance on material that you find difficult.
• Study with others if it might help you to better understand the class material. At the beginning of the term, get the phone numbers of one or two classmates. You can help each other with difficult concepts. Also, if you miss a class you will want to know what was covered and what assignments were made.
• Lecture notes for many classes are available in Ackerman Student Union. They are convenient for supplementing your notes or providing important information if you miss a class. Lecture Notes can be checked out for two hours at Powell Library's circulation desk, but they cannot be photocopied. If you want your own set of notes, you must purchase them. For more information, call 206-0882.
• Study past exams on file. Some professors may submit past exams they have given to the Powell Library circulation desk. You can check out these tests and study them for two hours at a time. Students often use these exams as practice tests. In addition, they can be helpful in providing an idea of the professor's testing style as well as the material regarded as relevant to the class.
• Try not to fall behind in your coursework. Most university departments use the 10-week quarter system, which moves very quickly. Midterms begin as early as the third week of classes.
• Seek help when you need it. If classes are not going well, meet with your professor or teaching assistant during their office hours.
• Visit your professors during their office hours to get acquainted and to get further assistance with the course material. Professors set aside time for students for clarification or questions, and will usually make appointments if their office hours are inconvenient for some individuals.
• Take some of your required courses at a community college during the summer if it is convenient for you. Fees are very low at community colleges and class size is often small. Double check with your advisor that the courses you plan to take in summer school at a community college will be transferable to UCLA.
• Become familiar with the library system. Knowing how to use the library can save time and reduce anxiety. Library tours are offered at the beginning of each quarter. For more information call 825-1323 (Young Research Library - General Information).
• Establish good study habits. Establish a set time and place for studying. Various tutoring services on campus are available to help students improve writing and test-taking skills as well as improve general study skills.

• Discuss your options with a financial aid counselor. If you are not satisfied with your financial aid status or have questions regarding your situation as a nontraditional student, make an appointment with a financial aid counselor to discuss your options. There is an appeals process available for students who want to have their applications reconsidered based on extenuating circumstances or new information regarding their financial situation such as a change in income or child care expenses.
• Check in with the Financial Aid Office periodically for any changes in rules/regulations. Federal financial aid rules and regulations as well as availability for funding often changes. Check in with the Financial Aid Office each quarter to pick up an updated bulletin with information on financial aid changes. In addition, new information is often announced in the Daily Bruin.
• Begin filing as early as possible. The earlier you file, the sooner your application will be processed. If you have questions regarding the application, financial aid counselors are available on a walk-in basis. Also, the Financial Aid Office offers workshops on completing various financial aid forms prior to deadlines.
• Keep a file related to financial aid. Photocopy and date all documents submitted as well as any receipts or records that may be useful during an appeal process.
• Seek other sources for financial aid. Scholarships and grants are available on both a need and merit basis. Check with the Financial Aid Office and the reference sections of the library. Also, visit the Scholarship Resource Center (233 Covel Commons 310-206-2875) which serves as an information base and support service for students seeking scholarships.

• Evaluate your needs and adjust your priorities. Take the time to decide which commitments are important to you and which ones you may have to put on hold. Examining your expectations of yourself and redefining what is realistic may help you to reduce stress and avoid feelings of being overwhelmed. Often, women who return to school fall into the "superwoman" trap by taking on additional responsibilities without adjusting other aspects of their life or cutting back in areas that may no longer be a priority. Many returning students find it helpful to reassess their time management patterns and strategies to fit with an academic schedule. Resources and workshops are offered by many campus services including Student Psychological Services and the Center for Women and Men, to help students sharpen their time management skills and adapt their daily schedules to an academic environment.
• Maintain existing relationships. Relationships with family and friends may require a period of readjustment. Major life changes, such as returning to school, can be disruptive to you and those close to you. One way to make the adjustment period go smoother is to set aside the time to talk about your changing needs, your new schedule, and concrete ways that those close to you can be supportive.
• Enhance your support system. Find academic and emotional support through friends, classmates or a support group. Research and experience has found that social support can protect individuals from stress-related illness. Also, friends and colleagues may be able to provide help with childcare, transportation, running errands, etc. The Center for Women and Men and Student Psychological Services both offer groups that are geared toward the concerns of nontraditional students (see Developing a Social Network and Support System).
• Allow time for transition from role to role. Arrange time for some type of break when switching from one role to another. For example, quit studying ten minutes early and spend the extra time doing something quiet or enjoyable, such as reading a magazine or practicing relaxation techniques. This can help you to be less distracted and more receptive when you switch roles.
• Find support if you begin to experience feelings that are uncomfortable and/or difficult to manage. Many nontraditional students report feeling guilty about some part of their role as students, such as not being able to spend enough time with their family and friends. If you experience these feelings, it can be helpful to have a support system to rely on or seek professional guidance. Student Psychological Services offers individual and couples counseling for students.

• Involve your family in your school experience. There are some creative ways in which children can be included in your academic routine. For instance, young children can read a book or color quietly while you go over your notes or children can accompany you while you are taking care of errands such as buying or selling back books. There are many activities that may be of interest to your family on campus. UCLA offers a variety of fun and interesting activities that you and your family can enjoy.
• Reserve some time each day for just you and your partner/children. Allow time for when you and your partner can share each other's days and regroup; and if you have children, a time they can have your undivided attention.
• Make child care arrangements that best suit your needs. Finding quality childcare can be a challenge for working or student parents. The Center for Women and Men offers monthly childcare workshops that include an overview of available childcare and how to find a quality provider.
• Establish quality housing arrangements. Many parents have established creative, quality housing arrangements that have helped to meet their needs as well as their children's needs. Some parents have found university housing to be an arrangement that is less expensive and provides a community of people who share similar lifestyles. In addition, parents may have access to student co-ops for food, books, and childcare.
• Develop a system in case of emergency. Arrange a weekly schedule of your classes and related activities and provide a copy for your child's school, friends, and relatives, etc. Have a backup plan for dealing with emergencies; for instance, if your child becomes ill.

Going back to school can be especially challenging for a single parent student. While research has shown that single parent students tend to be highly motivated and do well in school, the pressures of academic, job, and family responsibilities can create a great deal of stress. The success of many single parent students can be directly related to the quality of their social support network. The people in their life - family, friends, and employers - are important sources of support and can be available for childcare and academic and emotional support.

Student Organizations
There are hundreds of student groups enrolled with the Center for Student Programming. Groups range from the very specific to those that attempt to build broad coalitions. They cover a wide range of interests including academic, professional, ethnic, political, and/or recreational. These groups provide the opportunity for students to be involved in stimulating activities and to meet people with similar interests. For more information call 825-7041.

Student Government
Getting involved in student government can be very rewarding for students. A student government representative can impact campus services and policies by serving on committees, developing education and awareness programs, organizing major campus events, providing student advocacy, and managing a very large student budget. A student leadership position offers experience in areas such as communication, public speaking, finance, networking, and management. These skills can prove to be valuable to all aspects of a student's life, during and after their college years. For more information call, 825-7068 if you are an undergraduate student or 206-8512 if you are a graduate student.

Support Groups
Talking to other students with common interests and experiences can provide invaluable support and resources as you pursue your educational goals. The Center for Women and Men and Student Psychological Services offer ongoing discussion groups and workshops focusing on issues such as returning to school, assertiveness, race and ethnicity, eating management, dissertation writing, rape prevention, sexual orientation, relationships, academics, procrastination and many, many more. New groups can be created in response to requests from students.
And in your spare time...Remember to have fun! Come into the Center for more information on workshops, activities, and special events, which may be of interest to you.