Studying online is different than studying on campus as there are unique challenges and rewards with online courses.
Manage your time
- Try to stick to a routine and create some structure around your working day.
- If your online course does not have a designated synchronous session, create one for yourself in your schedule.
- Try to wake up at a scheduled time, get dressed, and keep a regular schedule of study, meals, leisure time and wellness activities.
- Put boundaries around work time and create balance in your schedule time for studying and time for other activities that help you relax and recharge.
- Talk to others in your household about what your different schedules will look like.
- Break things down into manageable steps and working on one task at a time to help you stay on track and get things done.
- Stay on schedule to avoide have to do extra work to catch-up.
- Space out your studying i.e. If you have 4 hours of course work, work on that material for 1-2 hours over 2-4 days instead of all 4 hours in one day.
- Schedule your most challenging tasks at the time of day that you works best for your energy level.
Succeed in your space
- Compile all your course materials and supplies in your study space so that you have them nearby when needed.
- Create a designated study space separate from where you sleep or play (e.g., bed, couch).
- Create your study environment to what you like best (i.e. seating, noise level, temperature, etc.)?
- Leave your study area when you take a break even just for a few minutes.
- Take a short walk to clear your head so you can go back to studying refreshed.
Actively participate
- Find out how you can communicate with the faculty and your peers.
- Know about designated times where the class logs in together (synchronous session).
- Check if the instructor is hosting virtual office hours and how you can reach them.
- Take advantage of opportunities to engage in chats, discussion groups, quizzes, or other opportunities to participate.
- You can create online meetings and discussions with classmates to continue the conversation and work.
- Connect with a student group early in your course to help ensure all participants have the same goals and expectations.
Get motivated
- Reflect on why you picked this course and what you find interesting about it.
- Use breaks and rewards as motivators such as the Pomodoro Technique.
- Be kind to yourself and others as everyone's situation for studying and working from home will be different.
- Your responsibilities at home, your space, and how you're feeling that day will all impact your motivation.
- Practice empathy in working with others and engage in self-care activities.
Keep connected
- Stay in touch with friends and family – create a plan to stay in touch if you live apart.
- Stay socially connected with UFV and fellow students while physically apart through UFV student organizations.
- During this period of change and adjustment, you may be experiencing many emotions. Find a trusted listener and talk it out.
Material adapted from:
University of Michigan - Adjusting your study habits during COVID
University of Virginia - Distance Learning Help: Success as a Work-from-Home Student
