It might be that you’ve always wanted to study something else but got pushed into the field that everyone else thought was right for you, or you’re just at a point in your life where you need education, either your first one or a secondary option, for a job or in the name of personal growth… It doesn’t matter why you’re applying to a university in your 30s, but one thing is sure as heck – it’ stressful.

Once you’ve received your acceptance letter, stocked upon notebooks, and picked out that compulsory “lucky” outfit on the first day. However, the closer this day comes, the more you start questioning yourself: “am I ready to beat this monster they call a university?” “Am I too old for that? Is it worth it?” The truth is – you probably are, and it probably is.

What’s So Different About Hitting The University In Your 30s Or Older

Here are the beans, and we’re spilling them. The university is a completely different game than anything you have ever played before. Whether you were there before or if it’s your first time in the hallowed halls, the atmosphere of a university is different every time, it’s demanding and disorienting, and it’s much more restrictive than the adult life you’re used to but not like the school or any other educational courses you’ve ever taken.

But don’t fret, academic. We’ve got just the ultimate checklist for all six of the must-list things you need to face the campus life and not just survive it but absolutely thrive in it. Even if at first you’d feel out of place and uncomfortable, it is eventually your choice, and you’re doing it to gain something, feel a little happier, and feel a little better about yourself. And yes, a tiny bit of fun-even that can be enjoyed.

6 Essentials To Go Through University or College In One Piece As An Adult

Surely, a lot depends on your workload – are you still working? Are you married? Do you have any kids that need your attention? Is there a household to uphold? Those are all the questions a regular college freshman wouldn’t trouble their pretty little head over, but you have to. And that’s why we should probably help you by at least assembling this list for you – presenting the college essentials.

1. A Good Laptop (Your Academic Sidekick)

It is a solid laptop, whether you are banging out essays from 3 a.m. until the early hours of the day or catching up on some Netflix as a “well-deserved break.” It should feel light and easy to transport but still powerful enough for all those group project Zoom calls and, let’s say, browser tabs you’re going to have to have open. We see you.

Never fall short in the cloud storage or external hard drive. Losing the final essay to a tech failure is a trauma; no one deserves that. You should also consider getting a tough laptop case to save your academic lifeline from coffee spills or late-night study clumsiness.

2. A Planner Or Calendar App (Because Time Management Is Pivotal)

Those days are definitely over when your parents would cheer up and remind you of every deadline. Now, they are long gone, and keeping track of things is up to you. Therefore, having a good planner or a very friendly calendar is key for keeping track of classes, homework, other extracurricular activities, and of course, those crazy Friday night plans.

Bullet journaling is an awesome combination of creativity and organization. Moreover, it has a therapeutic aspect and is totally Instagram-worthy. On the other hand, digital natives may prefer applications such as Google Calendar or Notion for their slickly customizable features. The most important thing is to remain consistent, whatever the choice.

3. A Really Nice Space For Study And Downtime

Make a designated space in your home where you will do no other home chores but homework – a dedicated space for studying only. This is your homework base. Buy things that make it comfortable, functional, and “you.” Begin with a comfortable, solid desk with a ton of drawers and noise-canceling headphones (because, let’s be real, your house is rarely quiet).

Then come the little pretty things, like fairy lights and beautiful stationery – which are all essential for creating the right headspace. Another great tip would be to have fidget toys that you can play with to help with concentration, whether you have a huge paragraph to read or a Zoom lecture to attend.

Speaking of toys taking your mind off things – sometimes, “rubbing one out” can be the best way to unwind and help with focus. If you already own sex toys that you share with your partner – great, good for you, but get one just for your studying space. It can be a wand massager that can either bring you a fast and strong release or work out the kinks in your neck, or a Kegel exerciser you squeeze while you learn, “rewarding” yourself with pleasure for a lesson well learned – literally.

4. An Awesome Backpack (Beyond Just A Style Statement)

You’re definitely going to be lugging around textbooks, snacks, and, let’s be honest, random things you forgot to take out from last week. And your back is NOT in the top shape it was in your 20s—that’s just a fact. A sturdy backpack with plenty of compartments is the best thing you can have for hauling around your notebook along with your textbooks. Get something ergonomic to prevent your shoulders from unnecessary strain.

Get a bag that is practical enough but fun enough to complement your vibe. Who says utility can’t be chic? We don’t mean go for fancy brands – you have a personal handbag for that – but you definitely can choose something made of nice leather, for example. Also, extra bonus points if the material is waterproof; you’ll thank yourself in the event of a surprise rain shower while you are on campus.

5. Household Helpers – Happy Life Essentials

If you have a family and/or some household responsibilities (not to mention a full-time job), you’re gonna need help balancing things out. There is a good chance you’re going to miss events at your kid’s school or lose the ability to pay as much attention to the things you do around the house, and that’s okay.

Firstly, if you have a partner, they’ll hopefully support your decision to go back to the university, so they can probably undertake a bigger percentage of household chores. Secondly, pay attention to gadgets that you might not already have but which would really free up your to-do list.

Things like instant cookers, pressure cookers, or multicookers are precious for when it comes to needing a tasty and healthy dinner on the table but having no time to cook it. Those gadgets do a wonderful job of preserving dishes and cooking them either super quickly or for many, many hours, holding things together into a beautifully delicious stew. I mean, you can always go with instant noodles, too – you are in college, after all – but all that sodium is probably not the best idea for your joints.

If you still don’t have a Roomba cleaning your house, what are you doing? Even the simplest models can sweep up the floors, making it feel like a clean space. If you’re studying from home, it’s important to have a clean space, but it’s really nice when you’re not the one who has to maintain it.

Automatic coffee makers – do we need to say more? When you have an early class and a steaming cup is already waiting for you, it’s the best feeling in the world. You just have to pour it into your cup and run to the car. That is if you remembered to fill it up the night before, of course.

6. An Open Mind And A Positive Attitude Matter

Cheesy? Maybe. But an essential? For sure. College is a whole new universe of new experiences and lots of fun. So, get ready to challenge your comfort zone, meet all sorts of people, and try everything during this cool time.

Remember, it is totally fine to feel overwhelmed. Don’t scold yourself and think that because you’re an adult, you’ve got to handle it better than those 18-year-olds around you. You shouldn’t. Everyone deserves to freak out in an unfamiliar atmosphere and everybody feels that way. The thing is to learn how to embrace the highs and the lows while keeping an open-minded attitude. This is how you will not just learn from others but also create lifelong, probably most insane, memories – because you’re totally not too old for college parties.

Concluding Remarks On Starting College in Your 30s+

Starting university as an adult can be an exhilarating but also nervous experience but with the right essentials in your arsenal, you are already prepared to face anything.

Whether it’s monogrammed stationary, a lunchbox that your kid’s decorated, or a little personal study helper in the form of a sex toy – you deserve it. Don’t hesitate to make your experience personally its own. Such things can take one’s time in uni from stressful to sensational. Now, check off from this list, pack your bags, and prepare to level up the uni experience like an adult – you are one, and you can feel much more confident and relaxed because of it. Good luck, and remember – it’s never too late to learn (or unlearn) new things.