How to get back into the college mindset after taking a gap year.

This post features advice on how to get back on track after taking a gap year from college.

So I was recently talking to my older sister about how different our college experiences are so far- different majors, different age groups, different friends- there’s a lot of variation.

One of the things she mentioned though, is feeling weird that we’re at the same school at the same time, especially since I’m seven years younger than her.

Initially I brushed this off because in my head it’s really not that deep. 

But the more I thought about it, I realized that gap years really do alter the college experience…

Now people take gap years from college for different reasons.

Maybe it was finance related and you had to defer your courses while you figured it out.

Or maybe you just experienced all the fuckery and stress that comes with being in college and decided, ya know what, this isn’t the vibe for next year.. (trust me, I get it)

At the end of the day it doesn’t really matter why, but it’s hard to ignore the disconnect that’s there when this happens.

Because despite how insignificant it may seem, getting back into the college mindset after taking a gap year is hard.

But don’t worry it’s totally doable.

So in the spirit of getting you back into your groove…

Here is how you can get back on track after taking a gap year from college

1. Start with Self-Reflection

Before jumping into assignments and lectures, take a moment to reflect on your gap year. 

What makes going back so unsettling in your head?

This is what I learned…

What skills did you develop? 

Your goal should be to pinpoint exactly what your anxiety is and face it head on. (And yes, I’m gonna harp on how great Journaling would be in this scenario because you really should try it.)

My point, though, is that you should acknowledge the fact that you’ve grown. And when you do, you can use that as motivation to pick up where you left off.

College is not just about books — it’s about growing as a person, and you’ve already taken big steps in that direction.

2. Set Clear, Achievable Goals

You’re inevitably gonna feel overwhelmed when you’ve been away from school for a while. So it makes sense to create routines and break things down into manageable parts. 

Instead of trying to finish that Dissertation in one go, you can use systems like the Eisenhower matrix to prioritize your tasks.

Set small, achievable goals for the semester. 

Whether it’s attending every class for the first month, keeping up with your readings, or making time to study properly- starting small helps you stay on track without feeling like you’re taking on too much too soon.

3. Reach out to Professors and Advisors

Getting back into the academic rhythm after a year off might take a little time so don’t be afraid to reach out to your professors and advisors for help. 

Not only is it literally their job to make sure you succeed but doing this is also a great way to network.

You can ask for tips on how to stay organized, manage your workload, or even catch up on things you may have missed. 

Being proactive about staying in the loop for your classes will show that you’re committed, even if you’ve been away for a while.

4. Be prepared to not have access to friends and former Classmates

This is one of those things my sister said was particularly difficult for her when she went back to college. 

It may sound childish but I can’t imagine what it feels like to go back to college and everyone I knew is gone. 

But if you’ve taken a long enough hiatus then that might be a possibility. It’s important that you’re prepared if this happens. 

5. Create a Balanced Routine

I don’t know if it’s just me, but the exhaustion that shocks my system the first few weeks back from summer holidays is deadly!

It’s like I wake up and by ten o’clock it’s lights out. I literally cannot function.

But I’ve found in the last few semesters that making schedules and routines make it easier to stay on top of things.

Plan your days to include time for studying, socializing and a squeeze I’m as much time for self care as you can.

Because at the end of the day a healthy routine is gonna help you stay motivated and avoid burnout.

6. Be patient with yourself 

Remember, transitioning back into college life takes time, and it’s okay if it doesn’t happen overnight.

Don’t be too hard on yourself if you’re feeling behind or struggle to adjust. The most important thing is to keep moving forward, even if it’s one step at a time. 

Be kind to yourself, and try to view that gap year as part of your unique journey.

Final thoughts

Getting back on track after a gap year might feel a little daunting at first, but with a little patience and planning, you’ll be back in the swing of things before you know it. 

Before you go though, what are some things you think will help you get back on track after taking a gap year?

Let me know in the comments!