Working while going to college can feel like trying to fit two full-time responsibilities into the same schedule. You may be wondering how you're supposed to attend classes five days a week, complete assignments, work your shifts, and still have time for everything else in your life.
The good news is that going to college doesn't have to mean putting your job or other responsibilities on hold. With the right course schedule, planning, and support, you can build a college experience around your life.
At Lemoore College, you can explore course options, work with a counselor to create an educational plan, and get help finding classes that fit your goals and schedule.
You Don't Have to Attend College Five Days a Week
One of the biggest concerns for working students is assuming that every college schedule
requires being on campus every weekday.
That's not necessarily the case.
Lemoore College offers courses with different instructional options and course lengths. The current class schedule can help you look at available courses, meeting times, formats, and other section details before you register. Lemoore College also offers short-term courses, including 9-week, 12-week, and 14-week options in addition to traditional full-term courses.
Explore the Lemoore College Class Schedule
When building your schedule, look beyond just the course title. Pay attention to:
- Days and times the class meets
- Course length
- Instructional format
- Start date
- Available seats
- How much time you will need outside of class
A schedule that works on paper may not work with your actual work shifts, so think about your entire week before registering.
Start With Your Real Schedule
Before choosing your classes, take a realistic look at your work and personal commitments.
Write down your regular work hours, commute time, family responsibilities, appointments, and other commitments. Then identify the time you actually have available for school.
Remember that attending class isn't the only time you'll need. You'll also need time for reading, studying, assignments, projects, and preparing for exams.
For example, if you work Monday through Friday during the day, you may want to look for classes that fit outside those hours or explore instructional options that provide greater flexibility.
The goal is to create a schedule you can realistically maintain—not simply squeeze as many classes as possible into your week.
Talk to a Counselor Before You Register
You don't have to figure out your schedule alone.
Lemoore College's Counseling & Advising Services can help you with educational planning, course selection, degree and certificate requirements, registration, and balancing school, work, and life.
A counselor can help you determine which courses you need and plan your classes around your educational goals.
Connect with Lemoore College Counseling & Advising
General Counseling & Advising can be reached at (559) 925-3130.
When meeting with a counselor, let them know that you're working. Your work schedule is an important part of planning a realistic course load.
Consider Taking Fewer Classes at a Time
Going to college doesn't necessarily mean taking a full schedule right away.
If you're working significant hours, starting with a manageable course load may help you adjust to being a college student while maintaining your other responsibilities.
A counselor can help you understand how different enrollment levels fit your educational plan and goals.
You can also explore shorter-term courses if a traditional full-semester schedule doesn't work for you. Lemoore College's current course listings include multiple course lengths, giving students additional scheduling options.
Look for Ways to Reduce College Costs
Time isn't the only concern for working students. College expenses can also add stress to an already busy schedule.
Lemoore College's Financial Aid Office can help students explore financial aid options, including grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study. Students can begin by completing the FAFSA or California Dream Act Application and listing Lemoore College on their application.
Explore Financial Aid at Lemoore College
If you have questions about your financial aid options, contact the Financial Aid Office at (559) 925-3310 or lemoorefinancialaid@whccd.edu.
You can also look for Zero Textbook Cost (ZTC) sections when searching for classes. These sections do not require students to purchase a textbook, although other course materials or supplies may still be required.
Explore Zero Textbook Cost Courses
Don't Wait Until You're Overwhelmed to Ask for Help
Working and going to college can be challenging, and asking for help doesn't mean
you're falling behind.
Lemoore College offers academic support through the Academic Center for Excellence (ACE), including tutoring and academic resources available both on campus and online.
Explore Academic Support at ACE
If you're struggling with a class, having trouble managing your time, or simply aren't sure how to keep up, reaching out early can help you identify available support before the problem becomes bigger.
Build a College Schedule That Works for You
Being a working student doesn't mean you have to choose between your education and
your job.
Instead, start by looking at your actual availability, explore the course options that fit your schedule, and talk with a counselor about your educational plan.
Your Working-Student Checklist
Before registering, ask yourself:
- What are my work hours each week?
- How much time do I have for studying and assignments?
- Which classes fit around my work schedule?
- Are there shorter-term courses that fit my availability?
- How many classes can I realistically manage?
- Have I talked with a counselor about my educational plan?
- Have I explored financial aid and other ways to reduce costs?
- Do I know where to get academic help if I need it?
Your Job Doesn't Have to Stop You From Going to College
You don't need a completely open schedule to become a college student.
You need a plan that takes your existing responsibilities into account.
Whether you're working full time, working part time, supporting a family, or simply trying to make the most of a busy schedule, Lemoore College has resources to help you plan your education around your life.
Your schedule may be busy—but that doesn't mean your goals have to wait.
Explore Classes at Lemoore College or connect with Counseling & Advising to start planning your next step.