Success Coach Blog

Here we will publish blog posts about executive functioning and academic success written by our very own Success Coaches. You can find useful tactics and tidbits straight from the experts!

Welcome Back! Returning to School after a Break 

By Dyna Arriaga

Returning to school after a long break can be overwhelming, especially if you don’t know how to begin reintroducing class and coursework back into your daily routine. Coming back to the classroom requires relearning time management skills, developing a personalized way to study, and, equally important, knowing where and how to ask for help! Everyone’s academic journey looks different and Loyola’s Student Academic Services is here to support yours. We’re here to help with the variety of outside responsibilities you may be juggling on top of school. To assist with this transition back to school, we’ve provided a list of resources that range from strategies on balancing work and school, tips on managing your courseload, to using online technology that you may be unfamiliar with. This list is intended to give you strategies to try as you begin building habits and a routine that works for your life and learning style! 

General Tips for Returning Students: 

• This article is a good place to start. These tips are about reintegrating back into college in a sustainable way that helps manage stress and prevent burn out!    

• Article Overview: 

• • Embrace a Growth Mindset: “Embrace the belief that abilities can be developed through dedication and effort, and that setbacks are an inherent part of the learning process.” 
  • Set Realistic Goals (Try Success Coaching!) 
  • Establish Effective Time Management Strategies 
  • Seek Support Networks 
  • Leverage Available Resources 

Balancing Work and School: 

• These tips cover how to balance classes and homework while working a part-time or full-time job. Remember, it’s all about prioritizing and using your time wisely!  

• Article Overview: 

• • Manage Your Time Effectively 
  • Determine When You Learn Best 
  • Make Online Learning a Habit 
  • Eliminate Distractions When Studying 
  • Incorporate Your Coursework into Your Everyday Work 
  • Communicate Openly with Your Employer
  • Prioritize Self-Care 

Time Management Tips: 

• This article discusses effective time management strategies for college students. These tips will help you keep track of deadlines and plan ahead to give yourself enough time to work on assignments. 
• Article Overview: 

• • Create a schedule 
  • Prioritize tasks 
  • Use a planner 
  • Avoid distractions 
  • Take breaks 
  • Ask for help 

• This video covers 10 effective time management tips that can help balance working, commuting, family obligations, and building in social and self-care time

Navigating Technology: 

These videos are tutorials on technology that you may be using for assignments, communication, and group projects  

• Getting Started with OneDrive: 
• Managing files in OneDrive:  
• Google Docs: 
• Google Slides: 

For one-on-one support for setting goals and improving your academic skills, the Tutoring Center also offers Success Coaching where you can sit down with a grad student and create a personalized plan and receive tips on how to build habits for achieving academic success. Schedule through Navigate for free!