6 Tips for Returning to In-Person Classes

The pandemic has impacted nearly everybody’s experience in education, from students to teachers and everybody in between. However, now that the world is beginning to return to a state of normalcy, that means that in-person classes are starting up again for many institutions.

For those who have been out of the classroom for well over a year now, this might be a bit of a shock to the system. Going back to in-person learning might have its challenges, especially for those who may have started college or began life at a new school completely remote. Regardless of where you sit on the spectrum, there are a few ways that you can adjust to in-person classes once again. Here are just a few tips that you might need to know when returning to classroom learning.

1. Leave Room for Your Commute

Spending time in online classes and conversing over zoom has been great for some people — namely, those with tight schedules. Having one class right after another is hardly a problem for those who are still getting their education online. However, when you take your classes in person, it’s important to leave room for your commute between classes and to get there and back. This can be a very natural oversight, especially if you’ve been taking online classes for the past year and want to get from one to another quickly. Just make sure that you leave enough time in your schedule to move around as needed.

2. Don’t Overstuff Your Schedule

Similar to the point above, it’s important to keep your schedule breathable. Even if you’re somebody who likes to be busy, going back to in-person learning can sometimes take a bit more energy than online learning, and it’s important that you don’t bite off more than you can chew. After all, it’s better to pick your activities carefully and truly devote yourself to the ones that you care about than running around trying to fit everything in when it just isn’t working.

3. Engage In Your Campus Community

One of the best things about returning to on campus learning is the opportunity to re-engage with the community of your school that you may have been isolated from during the pandemic. Even if it might be hard to decide where are you want to put your energy, it can be extremely beneficial to engage in extracurricular activities like clubs and societies on your campus, especially if you are entering your campus for the very first time. Try to meet new people and experience new activities you couldn’t do during the pandemic. Connecting with your peers is an important part of being in school in the first place.

4. Allow Your Schedule to Change

While the drop ad deadline might be different from school to school, it’s important to pay attention to the guidelines on your campus to make sure that you can allow for the changes you need in your schedule. Everybody has their own scheduling needs and comfort levels when it comes to their workload, and returning to in-person classes can naturally bring about shifts in energy levels. Remember that your schedule is subject to change based on your needs, and that’s perfectly okay. Pay attention to your own boundaries and make sure that you honor them consistently.

5. Build In Designated Study Time

Even though building in time for studying is something that you have to do whether you are taking classes online or in person, it can be a bit harder to schedule your study sessions when you have to account for all of the back-and-forth that comes along with actually going to class in person. Try to build in designated study time around your classes, preferably when you are already on campus or at school. This can help you stay focused and keep your schedule in line so that you don’t fall behind in the new, likely busier, schedule of in-person learning.

6. Actually Go to Class

This can be a tough one even during consistent times of in-person learning. Especially when you’re on a college campus where attendance isn’t factored into your final grade, it can be tempting to skip class in favor of studying on your own, chipping away at assignments or — let’s be honest — sleeping in. But it’s important to remember that the whole reason you’re coming back to class is to go in person. Try to make the most of it!

Returning to In-Person Classes

After being out of the classroom for so long, it can be a bit difficult and even intimidating to go back to in-person learning. But as long as you pace yourself, pay attention and adjust for your own boundaries, you’ll be just fine.