Adjusting to School After Returning from Co-op

This past summer, I had the opportunity to step away from my regular routine at RIT and take on a co-op experience in Buffalo. It was exciting, challenging, and incredibly rewarding. Three days a week, I would drive from Rochester to Buffalo, which taught me a lot about time management and resilience. Of course, the long rides could get tiring at times, but they became part of the experience and pushed me to stay disciplined with my schedule.

1. Shifting Mindsets

In co-op, my days were structured around projects, deadlines, and team meetings. It was more about applying what I had learned rather than studying theories.

Returning to school meant adjusting back to lectures, assignments, and exams. It took me a couple of weeks to reset my mindset from professional work mode to academic learning mode. What helped was reminding myself that both environments are equally valuable. Work sharpened my skills, while school continues to strengthen my foundations.

2. Managing Time

Driving three days a week during my co-op made me realize the importance of using time wisely. The commute could get exhausting, but it taught me discipline. Now, with classes, I try to apply the same structure.

3. Staying Connected

One thing I missed during co-op was being around campus friends, discussing ideas, working on group projects, or just hanging out on campus. Coming back, I’ve made an effort to reconnect with classmates, join study groups, and attend campus events.

4. Applying What I Learned

Perhaps the most exciting part of returning from co-op is being able to connect theory with practice. When professors discuss concepts I encountered in real-world projects, it makes learning feel more meaningful.

I’ve noticed I’m more engaged in classes now because I can see where these skills might lead me in a career.

5. Taking Care of Myself

Balancing work and school can be demanding. During my co-op, the long commutes taught me to value rest and self-care. Back at RIT, I still try to make time for exercise, cooking meals, and relaxing with movies or hobbies.
Recently, I even started learning guitar as a hobby; it’s a fun way to unwind and take a break from screens while still challenging myself to learn something new. A healthy mind and body really do make it easier to handle academic pressure.

Coming back from a co-op is a unique transition. You’re bringing back industry knowledge, new skills, and fresh perspectives. But it also means readjusting to academic life and finding your rhythm again. My advice is to embrace the shift, carry forward the lessons from your co-op, stay connected with peers, and give yourself time to settle back into the flow of classes.

If you’ve recently finished your co-op and are back at RIT, you’re not alone. The adjustment may feel big at first, but it’s also an opportunity to grow and make the most of both worlds.