Page 17 - Education Guide

Things to know about returning

to school as an adult student

pon taking inventory of ■ College students are no
their lives at the start longer just young men and EDUCATION
Uof a new year, some women who begin pursuing
people entertain thoughts of degrees right out of high
returning to school. school. In fact, the number of
Adults who decide to return adults returning to the class-
to school after a long layoff are room has increased consider-
following a popular path. Ac- ably, often making younger GUIDE
cording to the education re- students the exception rather
source Education Corner, a than the rule, says the college
growing number of career col- financial planner Straighter
leges and vocational training Line. According to the U.S.
schools now offer bachelor’s Department of Education, col-
and graduate degree programs lege students 25+ comprise 40
geared toward working adults. percent of all students enrolled.
People return to school for ■ Adults are urged to fill out
various reasons, including the the free applications for student
chance to learn new skills or aid to see if they qualify. Grants
further develop their existing and scholarships may be avail-
skills. Some return to school able, and some workers find
because they are changing that employers may match
careers, while others may have funds or offer some assistance VIEW
lost a job or desire a promotion to finance job training courses.
and feel that attaining a higher ■ Many schools now offer SPECIAL
level of education or new skills online courses that make it THIS
can make reaching that goal easier for working adults to
more likely. pursue their degrees.
Adults who hope to return to Many working adults are
school might be surprised to returning to school to pursue EDUCATION ADVERTISING
learn that the educational land- new or advanced degrees, as
scape has changed considerably more colleges and universities
since they were last in a class- are facilitating such pursuits.
room. Metro Creative Connection Metro Creative Connection GUIDE SECTION

Freshman survival guide: Get ready for class for less ONLINE OF

THE
Moving away from home stop, you can get everything class schedules and late-night AT
for the first time can be scary Check with your you need to outfit your dorm study sessions require serious MORNING
— for both students and par- room. Basics include a bed-in- sustenance, typically in the
ents. But life in the dorm college for a list of a-bag, sheets, towels, pillow, form of easy and cheap foods.
shouldn’t cause freshmen fear. trash can and storage bins. Fill your dorm room pantry CALL
Get started now preparing for recommended items. You’ll also need laundry deter- with inexpensive necessities
your college career, and you’ll gent and a laundry basket or like ramen noodles, peanut
be ready for class in no time. bag, fabric softener and stain butter, microwave popcorn, SUNDAY,
■ Plan ahead. Start thinking remover, an iron, a hair dryer, pretzels and bottled water.
about what you’ll need to hand sanitizer and tissue. You’ll probably also want a
thrive in dorm life. Make a list learning to live within a set Think of the items you typi- few basic cooking supplies THEMORNINGCALL.COM/SPECIALSECTIONS
of items to purchase for your budget. These cards can be cally use throughout the day, such as a can opener, a set of
dorm and for class. Check with used like any debit or credit and stock up. small bowls and a coffee maker FEBRUARY 18,
your college for a list of rec- card but are loaded with money ■ Bathroom Basics. Most ■ Get ready for class. Now
ommended items, as well as upfront and don’t require a dorms don’t provide the luxury that your dorm room is in or-
items that are not allowed in bank account. They’re cheap, of private restrooms, so be der, you’ll need to get ready for
the dormitory. and many offer e-mail or text prepared for the community class. Classroom basics include 2018
■ Create a budget. Deter- updates on balances. nFinanSe restroom. Items you’ll need a book bag, notebooks, high-
mine how much income you’ll sells reloadable prepaid cards include a shower caddy filled lighters, and pens and pencils.
have while in school, and cre- at Dollar General for only $3. with essentials such as sham- If you have a computer and
ate a budget. Explore all your ■ Dorm room essentials. poo, razor and soap, wash printer, don’t forget copy pa-
options for sticking to your Stocking a dorm room on a cloths, flip flops and a bath per, extra discs or an external
new budget. Reloadable pre- budget has been made easier robe. hard drive.
paid cards are a great tool for by discount retailers. In one ■ Stock the fridge. Busy NewsUSA 17