Contrary to popular belief, online college is more difficult than the traditional college experience. If a student got his or her diploma without breaking any sweat, then they may need to check the credentials of their school as they may have been victimized by a diploma mill. Online college is hard, and if you are juggling it with other things, it’s even harder. Here are some tips to stay on track while studying online.
Eliminate the possibility of technical problems
First of all, you need to make sure that you have the tools to attend online college. Make sure you have enough memory on your computer, at least 6 GB or more. Your CPU should be running at one gigahertz or faster. If you are using a desktop, buy a webcam for video conferences. Make sure you have sufficient disk space and install Microsoft Office or the equivalent applications. Eliminating any computer issues could go a long way.
When it’s time for school, shut out the world
Set a time and place for you to focus on your schoolwork, and do nothing else. It should be a quiet place with no possible distractions. Switch off your phone or put it in silent mode. Tell your family, your roommates, or your kids if they’re old enough, that you shouldn’t be disturbed unless it’s an emergency. You only have limited time for school, so the time you set for it shouldn’t be used for any distractions.
Check if you can afford to become a part-time employee
This is a big sacrifice, but you have to check first if you can afford to do it. If you can, ask your boss if you can become a part-time employee, so you can dedicate more time to your online studies. Keep in mind that online college is an investment for a better career in the future, so you may want to consider this only if you will have no problems with this type of setup.
Motivate yourself
During the course of your online studies, there will be plenty of moments when you will feel like you don’t want to do this anymore. There may be courses that you may also find uninteresting but is required to get your degree. When these moments come, just remind yourself why you invested in studying online. Reminding yourself of your goals and aspirations will surely give you a much-needed push, and it will get you back on track.
