Back to school? Here’s how to build a support network for adult students

By: The Capella University Editorial Team with Lorinda Mohwinkel, Senior Career Coach, Graduate and Career Services

Reading time: 4 minutes

Going back to school as a working adult is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming. Between work, family and personal commitments, adding coursework into the mix requires balance and persistence.

The good news? You don’t have to do it alone. A strong support network can make your educational journey more manageable, helping you stay motivated and on track.

Here are some practical ways to create a network of resources and people who you can lean into as you pursue your goals.

Understand your challenges

Before you can build a reliable network of support, it helps to recognize the kinds of pressures many adult learners face today. Common challenges include:

Time pressures
You may already have a full schedule with work, family or caregiving obligations. Carving out study time can require trade-offs, prioritization and sometimes saying “no” to other demands.

Financial stress
Tuition, textbooks and associated costs are an investment, which can create anxiety that distracts from studying.

Academic adjustment
Some adult learners return to school after years away. Reacquainting yourself with writing, research, math or new technologies can be a challenge.

Life events and unpredictability
Illness, job changes, family emergencies or relocations can disrupt even the best-laid plans.

By identifying which of these issues feels most urgent for you, you’ll be better equipped to choose targeted supports rather than trying to do everything at once.

Create academic connections

Universities design support systems specifically to help adult learners thrive. Tapping into them early and consistently is one of the smartest moves you can make. Academic support in higher education typically includes:

Faculty and advisors
Professors and counselors can help with course planning, troubleshooting and staying on track. Don’t wait until you feel behind – regular communication makes the biggest difference.

Tutoring and writing centers
Tutors can help strengthen the skills that coursework demands. Whether it’s refining an essay or brushing up on quantitative methods, these resources can save hours of frustration.

Online communities and forums
Discussion boards, online study groups and chat rooms are ways you can connect with peers in your program, geographic area or professional field. These spaces can provide encouragement, tips and collaboration.

At Capella, student support begins the moment you enroll. For example, students have access to enrollment specialists, academic coaches, a writing center, a library and the Career Development Center.

Engage family and friends

Your personal circle can be an anchor through the ups and downs of your academic journey. Adult students who actively involve their family and friends may be better positioned to manage stress and stay focused. But to make that support effective, a little planning helps.

The key is clear communication:

Explain your goals
When your family and friends understand why finishing your degree matters, they’re more likely to champion your efforts.

Ask for specific help
Whether it’s childcare, household tasks or simply encouragement, clarity makes it easier for others to step in.

Build routines together
Establishing regular study times, meal prep schedules or “quiet hours” creates consistency for everyone in the household.

Cultivate peer and professional networks

Expanding your circle outside the classroom can be just as important as engaging inside it. By cultivating relationships with peers, mentors and professional networks, you’ll gain support that keeps you motivated and helps you plan for the future.

Here are some ways to build those relationships:  

Join a study group
Study groups can provide accountability and motivation. A weekly check-in can keep momentum going, even when other responsibilities crowd in.

Seek a mentor
Colleagues, alumni or professionals in your field can serve as mentors, offering career insight, advice and encouragement.

Tap into career services

Connect with the career services at your school. They can suggest workshops and webinars and other ways to expand your professional network.

Capella’s career development center is example of how institutions can help students make these connections. Capella also has a networking platform on which students and alumni can create profiles and connect with the Capella community.

Sustain your network

Building your network is only half the work – it’s just as important to keep those connections strong. Support networks are most effective when they’re nurtured over time. Instead of waiting for a crisis, invest in your connections now. A few strategies include:

Regular check-ins
Small, consistent conversations with advisors, mentors or peers help you course-correct before challenges become setbacks.

Share progress
Celebrate milestones with your network and let people know how their support has helped you along the way.

Offer support back
Encouragement and help flow both ways. When you invest in others, your community grows stronger.

Put your support system in motion

A strong support network is one of the best tools for staying motivated and finishing your degree. Begin building your network today by scheduling a check-in with your advisor, joining an online community of learners or exploring Capella student support services. Each step strengthens your ability to stay on track and set yourself up for long-term success.