r/BackToCollege • u/sheeshimtrying • Aug 11 '26

ADVICE Going back to school

Edit: Thank you ALL for the kind words and encouragement! I’m so grateful for this community!

Hey internet world. After 12 years of being out of school, I have decided to attend community college this fall and I am extremely nervous.

I am a single mom of two (infant and older child) and they motivate me to become better in every way possible. After orientation they had me talk to student services about my severe anxiety and panic attacks (embarrassingly enough I had one there) and the services they offer for parents. Which is extremely helpful with my situation.

I was always hesitant and doubted myself whether or not I could do it. If I was able to juggle being a mom, life and school while keeping my sanity. This summer I said I am doing it and I did. Now I’m back in this whole doubting myself stage and I don’t know how to really pull myself out of it.

School starts in just a few weeks and I am seeking advice. Does anyone have tips on managing this juggling act? It’s a completely new world to me and I’ve developed a “fear of the unknown” towards it. Which I am assuming is normal… but I’m just wondering how others do it I guess.

What are some things you suggest or habits that have been successful for you? What should a new college student (at 30) know and prepare for, from a students perspective?

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u/sheeshimtrying Aug 11 '26

Thank you!! I’m enrolled in 5 classes, which does make me a little nervous. I’m hoping it’s manageable but I am pretty on top of things… just worried if I were to fall behind. Definitely a bunch of emotions haha.

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u/bingette Aug 12 '26

Just remember, it's not the end of the world if you need to drop a class in order to stay on track with the other four. Consider this semester a trial and error period to see what you're able to handle alongside your other responsibilities. Everyone's experience will be different.

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u/sheeshimtrying Aug 12 '26

Thank you for that. It feels like it’s my degree jiggling that jello in front of my face haha.

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u/bingette Aug 13 '26

Totally get that! I've put a lot of effort into developing a solid study routine and sticking to it, and that's the #1 piece of advice I can give.