Are you getting ready to begin a new career? No matter whether you’re undertaking further specialization, or are looking to take on a new challenge, starting an online university course can be an exciting time. While you’re getting ready to start, how can you best position yourself for future success?

Let’s drill down into some of the strategies that you can adopt to manage the common challenges that new students face when studying online. From managing your time to creating a space, and trying the successful strategies of students past, these top tips will help you get to take control of your online study experience.

Set Up Your Own Study Space

Do you have a place to study, when you’re at home? Perhaps it’s a desk where you keep all of your study materials or a cupboard where you keep your university resources so you can take them out as needed.

No matter the space, ensure that you have a quiet, tidy environment to work from. Most recent studies have found that even minor levels of background music can have a detrimental impact on your ability to retain knowledge while studying, so be sure to study well away from any distracting background noise, such as loud appliances or televisions.

Create A Study Plan

One of the simplest techniques that you can adopt as a new student is to set up a study plan. Often, you’ll know well in advance when online classes are scheduled, so scheduling some time in advance to complete course requirements as well as complete additional private study can be a great way to plan and manage your time effectively.

Having a study plan has well-documented benefits. By knowing what tasks are ahead, you’ll likely be more motivated to work through them. You’ll also be less stressed out by unforeseen circumstances, as you’ll have time allocated aside to fit these studies into your plan.

Finally, you’ll have a clear, well-defined, and set priority list. As you progress through your study plan, you can check off your items as you go - allowing you to get excited as you complete your tasks.

Strategies That Succeed

There’s a conventional theory that assumes that studying continuously for long periods is a good thing, as you don’t allow yourself to forget anything learned in shorter intervals. However, did you know that studying for an extended period without breaks can be detrimental to your learning? 

A 2011 study by University of Illinois professor Alejandro Lleras found that interestingly, taking brief diversions can be incredibly potent in increasing academic performance, particularly around retention and learning. Professor Lleras’ work found that constant, repetitive study was actually ‘erased’ from the brain, as it was considered largely irrelevant.

However, taking breaks alongside study can be a great way to jolt the brain into action - and by encouraging yourself to take a break from time to time, you encourage more efficient brain activity. There are a variety of different methods that you can try out - some of the most common ones include the Pomodoro technique and the timebox method. Different methods work for different people - for example, someone who’s comfortable with setting fixed intervals for work may set a timebox, while someone who’s working on a more complex task may use the Pomodoro technique to keep themselves accountable when studying.

Seek Help If You Need It

Finally, it’s important to remember that while you’re studying online, you’re not studying alone. Many universities offer academic and peer support services, such as literacy and numeracy assessment support, or group-based study sessions.

If you’re unsure of what’s on offer, be sure to get in touch with a student advisor and ask for further information. They’ll be happy to help you and can empower you with the skills and knowledge that you’ll need to be able to tackle your new online course.

Hopefully, some of the strategies that have been discussed in this article will be helpful to you. Perhaps it’s time to dust off that timer, clear out that corner desk and set up your calendar - starting a new course can be an exciting time, and you should be incredibly proud of yourself for getting this far! Be sure to encourage your peers to try these strategies as well - you never know who you might help next.