How to Keep Being a Student as an Adult
It’s safe to say that learning is, and should be, a lifelong endeavor. With each passing year, you gain experiences that teach you more and more about life and yourself. Having an education is invaluable, but the lessons you learn through life experience are just as important. Nonetheless, with a new school year upon us, you may be reflecting on your own time as a student.
Even if you’re no longer in school, each day has the opportunity to be a kind of “school day” and teach you something new. Learning isn’t tied to a classroom or desk, but everywhere around you. If you’ve been feeling stuck lately or have just been craving a little extra learning, here are some ideas on how to keep being a student even as an adult…
1. Sign up for a class
There’s just something about the structure of a classroom that will send you right back to student mode. But this doesn’t have to be a stressful thing. Signing up for a class is a great way to have fun while learning as an adult, because it provides that traditional structure you know, without the real pressures of academia or a degree. There are tons of classes out there on a variety of subjects, as well as class types to choose from.
For a more traditional route, sign up for a class at your local community college. These classes are typically affordable, and you can choose from a variety of disciplines and subjects ranging from things like business and language, to arts and fitness. Taking an in-person class will also give you a more hands on approach, and the opportunity to learn from both peers and instructors.
If you’re looking for a different kind of classroom experience or are wanting to take a class on something specific, online courses may be the way to go. Masterclass and Skillshare offer a great selection of unique online classes that are fairly affordable. And when in doubt, there are tons of free online courses out there, as well as educational YouTube videos.
2. Read
“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” - Dr. Seuss
It’s no secret that reading is one of the best ways to actively engage your mind, expand your thinking, and continue learning regardless of how old you are. Reading offers you a portal into another time, place, experience, and story, and luckily, it’s something that’s accessible to almost all of us. In fact, creating good reading habits is one of the best ways to keep being a student and a lifelong learner even as an adult.
If you don’t know what book to begin with, browse your local bookstore or library. I also recommend downloading Goodreads so you can save books to a “Want to Read” list and also keep track of your current reading progress.
3. Listen to a podcast
If you’re on a tight schedule, podcasts are a great way to fit in a little extra learning and education into your daily routine. Look up some podcasts on topics you’re interested in, and make a habit of listening to them in the car, while doing chores and errands, or any other time that works for you.
There are educational podcasts out there on just about every topic imaginable, so it’s a great way to keep actively learning. Feel free to do your own research to find the podcasts you connect to, but to help you get started, here are a few recommendations:
For news and current events, check out The Daily by The NY Times. Stuff You Should Know and TED Talks Daily are great for learning lots of new things on various topics. And for stories and essays, I personally enjoy Modern Love by The NY Times and Travel Tales by AFAR.
4. Pick up a new activity or hobby
The older you get, the more daunting it may seem to try out new activities or pick up hobbies you’re unfamiliar with—but it shouldn’t be. You’re never too old to try something new, and doing so is the perfect way to gain knowledge or learn a new skill. This could be anything from horseback riding, to pottery, to starting that book you’ve always wanted to write. Whatever it is, make the decision to do it! Picking up something new will help you learn, grow, and discover things you may have never known otherwise.
5. Step outside your comfort zone
One of the best, most simplest ways to keep being a student even as an adult, is to consciously choose to step outside of your comfort zone and challenge yourself frequently. Something as simple as this can transform you into a true student and learner of life, by keeping you on your toes. It’s easy to stay inside your own bubble of the habits and thought processes you know—the ones that make you feel comfortable—but doing so doesn’t keep you moving forward.
No matter if stepping outside your comfort zone is as small as saying hello to a stranger, or as intimidating as moving to a new city, make the decision to take little leaps of faith each day. Regardless of what your comfort zone looks like, it’s important to challenge yourself by being open minded and staying open to new possibilities, people, and experiences. Because some of the best, most rewarding experiences could be waiting for you just outside of your comfort zone. And this can only benefit you, whether you have the title of student or not.