Students blog

Distance learning, or online education, is a great opportunity that provides students the ability to learn in a flexible environment and exercise self-discipline. Whether you’re taking one virtual class this semester or earning your degree completely online, here are some tips to help you excel in this type of course.

Tip 1: Get up and get dressed

One of the appealing things about online classes is being able to stay in your pajamas all day! As wonderful as it is to be cozy, try to get up and get dressed like you would if you were going to campus for class. Your bed isn’t the most conducive learning environment, since it is associated with rest and relaxation rather than hard work and hustle. Getting yourself ready and doing work at a desk, in the library, or at your favorite coffee shop will make you feel like your online class is more legitimate, and will make you want to put in the effort!

Tip 2: Make an impression

When you are enrolled in an online course, it’s easy to hide behind the computer screen and profile picture. Make yourself stand out by creating a relationship with your professor! You could set up a phone call appointment. Reaching out however you can is guaranteed to impress your professor and signal your commitment to learning. Who knows, they might even help you get internships or jobs in the future! A 5 to 10 minute chat could lead to a lifetime of referrals and network connections.

Tip 3: Utilize campus resources

Online students are students, after all! If you are near the campus offering your online courses, don’t be afraid to use all the wonderful resources offered there. Having trouble writing that paper? Contact the Writing Center! Struggling with those math problems? Try seeking help from tutors or during your professor’s office hours. Don’t be scared or hesitate to capitalize on all the perks of being a college student. Being connected to the campus – even virtually – can enrich your experience and help you create great memories.

Tip 4: Manage your time

It’s easy to get carried away with the freedom that comes as a perk to online courses. In order to be successful, you must exercise self-discipline and time management skills. My advice: treat your school like a 9-5 job (assuming you don’t already have one). Setting up certain periods of time to be productive can help you avoid furiously typing a paper to meet that 11:59 pm deadline.

Technology has made online learning available to all kinds of students. However, keep in mind that online learning isn’t for everyone, and that’s perfectly okay! Give it a try and see how you adjust to the new setting.

For many students, the hardest part about transitioning to college is leaving their parents for the very first time. After the excitement of the first week dies down, homesickness can hit hard. Although I’m now accustomed to being nearly 100 miles away from my mom, I still miss her daily. However hard it may be for both of us, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed watching our relationship change and grow. It’s true that absence make the heart grow fonder! Here are some invaluable ways my mother has impacted my life during my time in college:

Support System

If moms were objects, they’d be ‘#1 fan!’ foam fingers. Even though my mom wasn’t thrilled with my college pick due to its lengthy distance from home, she embraced the process like a champ! Her pride in me was heart-warming; we even wore matching ‘Momma Bear’ and ‘Baby Bear’ shirts to freshman orientation. It’s in moms’ nature to brag about their kids, and mine is no exception. I know that as long as I have her, I’ll always have someone on my team.

A Piece of Home

Sometimes home is a person instead of a place. Nothing makes you feel at home quite like seeing your mom! To me, mothers should symbolize feelings of comfort, unconditional love, and childhood bliss; things that can sometimes be hard to get on campus. Whether it’s on the phone or when she’s able to visit my campus, seeing her familiar face takes me back to fun days and stress-free nights. I can’t help but feel tranquil and safe when she’s around.

Voice of Reason

Mothers are like buttons: they hold everything together! Between late night study sessions and mountains of assignments, my judgement can get a little hazy sometimes. Since my current priorities are mostly school-related, my mom checks in to make sure I’ve eaten, slept, and given myself an adequate amount of self-care when life gets hectic (she knows I’m a sucker for a bubble bath!). Besides that, my mom gives much-needed advice when I’m too involved to make a good call. Her fresh perspective and good intentions put me at ease; I can rest assured that she has my best interest in mind. It’s great to have someone looking out for you, and what better person to do that than a mother!

A Best Friend!

Since moving, it’s easier to appreciate the time my mom and I have together. It doesn’t matter if we’re running errands or trying a new recipe: each moment is meaningful and sincere. When your time with someone is limited, it’s hard not to cherish every second! My mom is the best, truest friend I’ll ever have.

At my college, the mascot is a gold miner; I guess it’s fitting then that my mom is an absolute gem. The love and support our parents give us is often priceless, whether they’re down the street or across state lines. Never miss an opportunity to show your gratitude; pick up the phone and call home!

Pearson Students: how have your parents helped you in college? Share by commenting below!