How to Master Online Learning and Maximize Your College Experience Remotely

Online learning is not ideal for some students because the college experience is typically synonymous with life on campus, mingling with new people, and growing into one’s independence. However, this setup isn’t all that bad as it gives you more time around your family, allows for self-paced and flexible learning, encourages self-motivation, and develops your understanding of the digital field.

If you feel like you’re not making the most out of your online learning experience, here are a few tips on how you can make it work for you:

1. Establish a daily routine

Establishing a daily routine will put more structure into your days as online learning does tend to feel repetitive. The beauty of having a daily routine is that it promotes self-discipline, encourages you to make the most of your day, and can easily be tailor-fit to your lifestyle!

First, list down all your daily tasks, classes, and even your non-negotiable personal activities. Then, allocate some time to accomplish your easy tasks that have no definite deadlines like cleaning your room or putting away the laundry. Next, plot these out on a timetable or app like Google Calendar to help you better visualize your day and make the necessary adjustments to your routine. Last is to keep it flexible so that you can take on other tasks that may come up!

2. Try the Pomodoro Technique

The Pomodoro Technique is a time management method meant to maximize your focused work time by creating pomodoros or intervals of work for 25 minutes and a 5 minute break after. Once you’ve completed 4 pomodoros, you then get to take a longer 15-30 minute break! Try not to look at your device screen though during these breaks. Instead, step away and do some stretches or drink some water to reenergize yourself.

It may seem quite unnatural at first but once you get the hang of it, this technique will greatly improve your workflow since it highlights the importance of regularly taking breaks to clear your head, preserve your concentration and lower your chances of burning out.

3. Strive for work-life balance

Staying home every day can also easily blur the line between your personal life and work-life, making it more important than ever to create a separation between the two to maintain a balanced lifestyle.

You can do this by assigning certain areas of your space solely for studying like your desk and keeping your bed for relaxation only. You can also try setting “work hours” where you get all your work done within your most productive hours and anything beyond those hours will be dedicated to yourself, your family, or anything else you want to do. Also, don’t forget to get 8 hours of sleep every night to be in top shape!

4. Form new relationships

Just because you’re studying remotely doesn’t mean that you can’t meet new people in your school! Technology and social media make it easy for you to do just that so don’t be afraid to introduce yourself to others and make new friends. Try forming study groups with your classmates, participate in game nights or movie nights with people in your club or organization and attend virtual events hosted by your school! Along with this, try talking to your professors as well since they too are adjusting to this new online dynamic.

5. Take online courses

Learning never stops as more and more established institutions have been putting out short online courses available to everyone at a much lower cost, sometimes even free of charge! Websites like Coursera and Udemy offer a wide range of short courses across almost all disciplines from renowned universities all over the world, allowing you to explore more outside of your typical scope of learning and maybe even pick up a new interest.

6. Consider remote internships

This online setting can provide you the opportunity to partake in remote internships as most companies have also switched to a work-from-home basis. With this, you’ll be able to gain experiences and learnings from distinguished professionals in the field, delve into real-world applications of the lessons learned in the classroom and meet a bunch of new people along the way!

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