With the current global pandemic, thousands of students find themselves in an online learning situation. Students who planned to move out now have to stay home. Others have to stick with their dorm or make do in a crowded apartment. Their expectations and learning structure completely changed. If you find yourself in that situation, you’re in luck. There is a way to thrive with online learning. Here’s how to stay on track and stay happy with your virtual studies.
#1 Finding a Study Space
Whether you find yourself at home, or you’re living with roommates you’re going to need to find a study space. You need somewhere with the least possible distractions and the lowest amount of noise. Maybe it’s your bedroom or the kitchen table. The key is to find somewhere comfortable for you, suits your needs, and makes it easy to study online.
If possible, take that space and make it the best possible study space. Get some shelves for your books, or set up some kind of desk. Keep it organized and set some boundaries with your family or roommates so that someone doesn’t “clean it up” for you.
#2 Keep an Online Learning Schedule
I can’t emphasize the importance of keeping a schedule no matter what type of school you attend. However, a schedule is especially important with online learning. When you’re on campus there’s something about needing to be somewhere that keeps you on your toes. However, when you’re online, it’s so easy to get distracted and completely forget all about logging in to a lecture or participating in a group chat.
Find a scheduling solution that works best for you and be strict with yourself about keeping it updated. Make scheduling a habit that never gets sloppy or pushed aside. It’s one small thing that can save your grade.
#3 Take Screen Breaks
Too much screen time is bad for your health. However, it can be hard to regulate how much you stare at a screen when you’re in an online learning situation. The key is to take regular breaks to stretch, rest your eyes, and focus your attention elsewhere.
Also, think about adopting some non-screen hobbies in your down time. Exercise, read (not on a screen), paint, meditate, put puzzles together. The point is to find something relaxing to do that doesn’t involve more screen time. You’ll be surprised by how much better you feel.
#4 Communicate Your Online Learning Needs
For some students, it’s hard enough to attend college online. Then, the stress of still living at home or dealing with roommates can pile on and cause a lot of issues. Make sure to regularly communicate your needs with your family or roommates. Try to be flexible, but clearly and openly communicate your boundaries, needs, and hopes. Then, try to respect the boundaries of the people you live with.
Reassess with people often to make sure everyone is getting what they need.
#5 Find Ways to Participate In the “College Life” from Home
The college experience is more than just lectures and grade point averages. It’s about meeting new people, discovering, and growing in many ways. It’s about adventure. Unfortunately, it’s much harder to experience those things from home. However, it’s not impossible. Put in some effort to find what your college is offering to let you get involved. Join a service group, or a club. Seek out study groups that meet virtually, or look up the cultural experiences that might be available online. Get creative with it, and be part of the experience.
#6 Set Up a Daily Routine
One of the most vital parts of success in college whether you’re in person or participating in online learning is setting up a daily routine. Regardless of the lectures you have, or the homework you’re going to do, you need a basic structure to your day. A routine can help you maintain your mental health, keep you productive, and help you move in a positive direction.
It may take some experimentation, but find a sequence and rhythm that work for you. Some basic concepts are setting up a general bed-time and wake-up time, an eating schedule, work time, playtime, and wind-down time. Your routine might look completely unique, but if it works for you then go with it.
Online learning can be difficult to get used to. However, with a little effort you can make it work for you. Be a little patient with yourself as you figure things out. Be flexible, be open, and try different things until you feel like it’s working for you.
If you’d like to know how life coaching might be helpful for you and your online learning, schedule a free consultation with me. Click here.