7 Tips for Taking College Classes Online

Today I am sharing some tips for success in when taking a college class online. At the time this is being written, the Coronavirus pandemic is raging through the world and most universities have switched over to finishing off the semester strictly online. However, it really does not matter what purpose you are taking an online course for. These tips will help you achieve success while taking a class online!

#1. Write It Down

Whether it is with an electronic notes app or a physical day planner, writing down projects and due dates will help you to stay on track with your class/classes. Personally, I use the reminder app that comes with the iPhone and I set what feels like one million reminders to let me know when things are due. Using this method, never once have I missed an assignment or exam!

#2. Create a Regular Schedule

If you have all online classes, it can be really easy to just sit around and watch Netflix. But if you do not want to fail in your classes it would be best not to do that. What you should do is sit down and create a schedule for yourself at the beginning of classes.

Look through your weekly schedules found in the syllabus of a class and write down or set a reminder for when things are due. According to when you are free, block off times during the day when you will work on certain things or which class and then block off times that will be just for you. On the weekends, I like to dedicate one day to relaxing at home and working on classes and the other to whatever I want to do. Having a schedule is always helpful, but it is especially useful when you do not physically go to a class.

#3. Get a Decent Amount of Sleep

It can be really easy to pull all-nighters as a college student, but this really isn’t the best thing for our mental or physical health. Try to get a decent amount of sleep. It does not have to be the recommended 8 hours a night, but getting more than 2 or 3 would be ideal. It will also help to keep you motivated to actually work on classes. I know from personal experience that working on online classes are a lot harder when a nap is calling your name.

#4. Keep a Distance From Your Phone

Honestly, your phone is your worst enemy when it comes to being productive with online classes. Social media, texting, and whatever else you may do on your phone all act as a huge distraction. There are a couple of ways to tackle this problem. You can either leave your phone on the other side of the room and try to forget about it, or you could download an app called Pocket Points and earn points towards discounts while your phone is locked.

I used the Pocket Points app, and it is a great way to keep yourself from getting distracted! The points comes in handy when you need them and they do not expire. It also earns points for you when you drive and your phone is locked, so another win with this app!

#5. Take a Break From Screen Time (Sometimes)

If you are spending all day working online classes, that sure is a lot of screen time. Take a break once in a while. No, I do not mean a break for 5 minutes of work or a two hour break, but get up from where you are working and stretch a little. Go grab a snack. Do something that will break up the work time.

It is also helpful for your eyes to take a break from staring at the computer screen. I know from my own experiences that when I stare at my computer all day my eyes feel dry and I have a harder time going to sleep. That is why taking a break, however small, is so important.

#6. Drink Water

When we are out and about, we usually brink a reusable water bottle and stay pretty well hydrated. However, when we take online classes we do not always remember to take care of ourselves in that way. Make sure you drink water and stay healthy.

#7. Cross It Out

There is nothing that feels quite like having a to-do list and crossing out your projects. I would suggest giving yourself a system where you can cross out assignments, exams, and projects. Whether that is with a printed out syllabus or deleting reminders on your phone, seeing projects disappear can be very satisfying.

These are just a few of the tips that I have picked up during my time in college, and as I finish my semester online due to the Coronavirus pandemicI will use these tips then too. I hope you all are successful and learn a lot!

Much Love,

Sarah