Right now, you may be considering going to college. Maybe you lost your job and want to gain new skills; maybe it is finally time to pick up where you left off and get that degree. Either way, congratulations! You are thinking about your future and hopefully will do something about it. It is never to late to start.
I have worked with a number of college students, both traditional and non-traditional, and have noticed that there are some attitudes that all college students must have to succeed:

Know your priorities. What is your goal for going to college? Many colleges require you to do some soul-searching before you enter a degree program.
Stick to your goals. There will be times in any student's life when things happen that seem more important. Sometimes they are very important, like the death of a loved one, medical emergencies, financial constraints, job issues--these will happen. You can take time out, but remember your goals and get back to them as quickly as you can.
Use your college/university resources. Many of my students have never used their online library, writing services or others that they are paying for. Explore them and see what is there--don't head blindly to the Internet for research.
Use your instructors. Again, many students have little contact with their instructors until there is a problem--like a potentially failing grade. If you have questions outside of class, you usually have contact information for your instructor and can reach him/her. They are a resource for you--if they won't respond, then contact your student counselor for help.
Network. Most universities, even online ones, that some type of social networking software that students and even faculty can connect. Other students may be experiencing the same problems you are and can help.
It is hard being a student. One thing I didn't understand until later was to enjoy the ride. All the trials and problems help you to become more resilient and you will learn how to cope--that is all part of the experience. Remember--it is all worth it, and best of luck.