'I Went Back To School In My 30s': Adults Share Honest Advice About Returning To Education

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25-07-2025

The decision to go back to school at 30 hits differently than it did at 18. You're not just worried about picking a major or making friends — you're wondering if you can still absorb information like you used to, how you'll balance coursework with real-world responsibilities, and whether you'll stick out like a sore thumb among classmates who are nearly half your age. It's a mix of excitement and terror that only adult learners truly understand. So when one Redditor asked, "I'm 30 and going back to school. Any tips?" the responses came flooding in from people who'd been exactly where they are now. From practical study hacks to managing the mental game of being a non-traditional student, here's the (super supportive!) advice that could make all the difference:
"I'm in the same boat! I turn 31 this November and am going back for respiratory therapy. Slow and steady wins the race. Do not compare yourself to your classmates who have fallen into a comfortable study routine that they have been using for the past four-plus years. You took a break, so you need to give your mind some TLC before you can expect it to learn as quickly as it used to. Just focus on having a solid daily study routine. When I was working retail, I would use flashcards while waiting for customers to walk in. Do not let yourself make excuses, but do not burn yourself out. Be firm but kind to yourself. Good luck!"
"A tip I learned from my time doing engineering: Use every resource your school has — professor office hours, TAs, department-specific study halls, literally all of it. It is meant for you. My school had a mentoring program for math, science, and even sessions on how to study, and it helped me a ton. It might be a slow start, but once you get a routine in place, you will do great. I would also reach out to other mature students so you can build a network."
"My dad told me a few weeks ago, 'Going back is not hard. It is just time-consuming and requires doing things when you do not want to do them.' I just started college again at 34. It is honestly not as daunting as you think it is! Your brain picks up learning and studying again very quickly — you will surprise yourself! Just make sure you have or develop decent time management skills and the ability to say no to things to do homework or study. Best advice: Email your teachers. Take advantage of office hours, tutoring, etc. Whatever resources are available on campus, use them! College professors are generally understanding if you stay in contact and ask for help."
"My advice: Stay organized with a planner, use study resources like Quizlet, and do not hesitate to ask for help. Balance is key — prioritize self-care alongside your studies."
"Khan Academy."
"You will feel out of place, but do not hesitate to speak to the younger folks. I have some classmates who are 17, some in their 30s, and one lady who is 67. Always plan ahead, and start your assignments as soon as you get them. Not all professors will teach the same way, and you will be on your own to figure out most things. (I have had bad luck with profs— I got PTSD from it.) Have a study buddy, or better, create a group chat for the whole class. Even if they are online, just ask in the chat. If I did not ask, then no one would have said anything, so I always take the initiative to ask first — and they all agree. Do not beat yourself up over something you do not know. You will figure it out slowly, and you are not alone. Good luck!"
"Continuing your education is one of the greatest investments you can make in yourself. I am 32 and recently went back to school after a 12-year break. At first, it felt a bit strange being back in a classroom setting, but because I genuinely love the subject I am studying — business — it has been a surprisingly smooth transition. When you are passionate about what you are learning, it is easier to stay engaged and motivated. I find myself absorbing the material like a sponge, but it is also because I put in the work by reading and doing the homework consistently. One thing I have learned is that college is not about cramming. It is about understanding and applying the concepts, which is why it is so important to choose a subject you are genuinely interested in. When you enjoy what you are studying, it will not feel like a chore — it will feel like you are expanding your knowledge and skills in a meaningful way."
"I'm 43, in my third semester of my undergrad, and I have already decided I am staying for my Master's. What I have learned after going back is this: Use the resources the university offers. The more you participate in class, the more you retain. Read the course material. Take good notes."
"Study in short sessions to stay fresh. A friend of mine would talk out loud about what she was writing and reading — she got a Year 12 grade of 99. That method enforces the memory. I had a classroom test where we read a sheet that had errors in quick time. Reading and talking simultaneously produced a much greater recognition of errors. Learn the quick and easy stuff first."
"Test yourself, number one. It's the only tip you need, but if you want me to break it down, there are two ways to do this: Pay for a solid resource and do practice questions, or — and the one I like more because it is faster — do a ton of flashcards. (Do not make your own. Borrow Anki or Quizlet pre-made decks. Save yourself time!)"
"Start the core and recommended reading as soon as you can. The more you can keep up with the readings and learning, the easier it will be. Check out some study skills and note-taking advice too — there are some great resources out there on different styles of note-taking, referencing, and writing that will help."
"Study smarter, not harder! Get apps like MindGrasp to summarize your articles and readings. Ask questions. Become an expert in one key area. Every term, I add five key authors to my research. I read everything by them and include them in all my coursework (my courses are all interrelated). Tips: I listen to books and papers on Speechify. I write papers using voice-to-text, then use AI to organize my thoughts. I use Grammarly to edit. Get books free from the library, Anna's Archive, or just Google it with '.pdf' attached. Create a master schedule of due dates. Use time-boxing. Take advantage of student discounts. Exercise. Get a reusable bottle for water, coffee, or tea."
"I'm doing a master's now at 33. In my experience, be patient. School has a lot of nonsense, which you might not be used to anymore. I have worked as a physician and entrepreneur on my own terms for six years, and I am all about efficiency. School can be the opposite of that. Expect it, and be patient. It is part of the process — part of something you chose to do."
"I am 30 and this is my third semester. I would encourage you to take breaks when you need them and ask for help studying as well. My significant other has been tremendously helpful in my process."
"I am 30 and studying for the MCAT. Use Anki! Make your workspace a place that is both fun and productive. I play video games on the same desk I study on. When I was working from home, that same desk only screamed stress and burnout — I did not give my brain a chance to feel safe there. Make studying interactive and follow your energy."
"Take advantage of professors' office hours. Get the easy assignments out of the way first so leftover time goes to papers — by the due date, of course. Try and socialize with others. It helps a lot with studying for exams. Also, make it fun. It will fly by!"
"I am 38 now and went back to school when I was 28 (2013) for a second undergraduate degree, after earning my first in 2008. What worked for me: When there were assigned readings, I started immediately and finished them before the first TA session. I wrote down any questions to bring to class. I sat in the front, took notes, and recorded the lectures. I used my notes to create outlines. I applied the Feynman technique by answering questions on the class message board. When it came time for quizzes and tests, I reviewed my outlines, notes, and skimmed the reading again. That got me A's and B's in all my classes. During my first degree, I struggled because I was distracted by all the 'fun' college had to offer."
And finally, "Get comfortable with Google Docs and shared documents for group projects! That is a must."
What advice would you add to this list? Drop your insights in the comments or through this anonymous form — your tip could help someone navigate their return to school with more confidence!