When you're returning to school as an adult learner, you know you'll learn from the courses themselves. What you might not realize is that you also likely have access to an abundance of resources designed to help you succeed.

Between your full-time job, family responsibilities, and now coursework, it's a lot to juggle. And when you hit a roadblock—whether it's struggling with a challenging assignment, feeling unsure about which classes to take, or just feeling stressed—these resources can make all the difference.

The key is knowing what's out there and actually using them. Most of these resources are completely free, and they exist specifically to support students like you.

1. EdAssist’s expert coaches

If your employer partners with EdAssist® by Bright Horizons®, you may have access to expert coaches who can help you navigate your education journey. Depending on your employer's policy, this might include:

• Academic coaches, who help you choose the right programs and schools for your goals
• Policy experts, who can clarify your tuition assistance benefits and help you get the most out of them
• Financial coaches, who can help you understand funding options and create a repayment plan
• Student loan coaches, who specialize in helping you manage student loan debt

These coaches are all experts in their field, with decades of combined experience assisting learners as they navigate continued education.

EdAssist also offers plenty of other resources designed to help adult learners thrive, including blogs, webinars, short podcasts, and guides and ebooks. Access them all through our LevelUp Studio.

2. Writing centers

If it's been a while since you've written an academic paper, you're not alone. Many adult learners feel rusty when they first return to school.

The good news? Most colleges offer writing centers where you can get help with essays, research papers, and other reading or writing assignments. These centers are staffed by experienced tutors who can help you:

• Brainstorm ideas and structure your arguments
• Improve your writing style and clarity
• Properly cite sources
• Proofread and polish your final drafts

The key tip here: Don't wait until the night before a paper is due to reach out. You can visit the writing center at any stage of the writing process, whether you're just getting started or putting the finishing touches on a draft.

3. Professor office hours

Office hours are one of the most underutilized resources in higher education, especially by adult learners who may feel intimidated about reaching out.

However, professors hold office hours specifically so students can get extra help with coursework. They're expecting you to come. Whether you're confused about a concept from a lecture, want clarification on an assignment, or just want to discuss the material more deeply, office hours are the place to do it.

As a bonus, building a relationship with your professors can also be valuable if you ever need a reference or recommendation down the line.

4. Departmental academic advisors

Your departments’ academic advisors aren’t just there to help you register for classes. Instead, they're an invaluable resource for planning your entire academic path, and they’re available to you throughout your educational journey.

A good advisor can help you:

• Determine which classes you need to take and in what order
• Highlight which programs may be most interesting or relevant to your career goals
• Identify which classes you're likely to thrive in based on your background
• Provide insight into which courses students typically find most challenging

That last point is particularly important for adult learners. If a class has a reputation for being difficult or time-intensive, you might want to take it during a semester that doesn't overlap with your busy season at work. Your advisor can help you plan strategically so you're setting yourself up for success.

5. Career centers

Many colleges offer career centers that provide a range of services to help you land your next role or advance in your current field. This might include:

• Career advising to help you clarify your goals and plan your next steps
• Interview practice so you can feel confident going into job interviews
• Resume and cover letter assistance to ensure your application materials are polished and professional

These services aren't just for recent college grads. Adult learners can and should take advantage of them too. Whether you're working toward a promotion in your current field or making a complete career change, a career center can help you get there.

6. Mental health counseling 

Let's be real: going back to school while working full-time and managing other life responsibilities can be stressful. And even in the best of times, life is already stressful and you may notice you’re experiencing some anxiety or depression.

Many four-year colleges offer mental health resources or counseling services for students, which may be low-cost or free. Additionally, some employers offer confidential mental health benefits as part of their employee wellness programs.

These resources can be invaluable. Whether you're dealing with general stress, struggling with time management, or just need someone to talk to, don't hesitate to reach out. Taking care of your mental health is just as important as completing your coursework.

7. Taking advantage of the resources available to you

Having access to all these resources is great, but only if you actually use them. Here are a few tips to make sure you're taking full advantage of what's available:

• Don't wait. As soon as you have a question or want information, get help. The earlier you reach out, the better equipped you'll be to succeed.
• Don't be afraid to ask. If you need support, ask someone—whether that's a professor, advisor, or coach. There may be additional services or supports available that they can refer you to.
• Take full advantage. These services are here to help you, and most are completely free. Use them as often as you'd like and are allowed to. There's no prize for doing everything on your own.

Going back to school as an adult learner is challenging, but you don't have to do it alone. The resources are out there, and you just have to reach for them.

Ready to get started?

If your employer offers EdAssist's coaching benefit, you can schedule a free one-on-one call with a coach to help you navigate your education journey. They can help you choose the right program, maximize your tuition assistance benefits, understand your financial options, and set yourself up for success.

Learn more about EdAssist's coaching, or log in to your EdAssist portal to sign up for a free coaching session today.