Online Semester Survival Guide

Author: Emma MacMillan
Posted on September 22, 2020

Online school is something almost everyone is adapting to as a result of COVID-19. The funny thing is that I did an entire semester of online school before the pandemic was around.

In the winter of 2019, I decided to take a semester off to work abroad. This was a unique chance that I was not going to pass up, but it meant I would be behind by five courses. I really wanted to be able to graduate with all my friends, so I had to put in some work.

That summer, I took four online courses and have some tips for those who need to learn how to survive and succeed with learning from home:

Make your own weekly schedule for classes!

With unscheduled courses you may think you have plenty of free time, but your courses will catch up to you (trust me, speaking from experience) You won't want to spend the two weeks before exams scrambling! If you do not carve out the time for these courses, you might not keep up with the lectures that are being provided and you are setting yourself up for disaster later on in the year.

Use a planner and stay organized!

Seeing the whole week at a glance is a lifesaver. This helps you plan which days you can do what and never forget a due date. Since you’re not in class you won’t hear the whispers about the assignment due Friday, and you might lose out on some valuable class marks. Unscheduled classes can be your best friend or your worst enemy and by using a planner you can create accountability for these courses.

Eliminate distractions - don’t bother pretending to work in front of the TV

I know there is always one more episode of The Office to re-watch and football Sundays are about to be the background music of your Sunday Scaries, but try your best. Focusing on one task at a time is more beneficial for learning (but you knew that) and then you can give your full attention to your favorite Netflix binges. This also applies to cell phones! Toss it on the other side of the room to really get work done, it will save you time instead because instead of half-working for four hours, you can work hard for two!

Leave the house!

Study breaks are important! Some students will only have online courses and especially once the weather gets colder, you might find yourself inside for days on end. I don’t have to tell you about all the benefits of exercise and fresh air, but remind yourself to get outside and get moving, especially if you are feeling in a rut. Waterfowl is there for those in Sackville! Get to it!

Don’t worry too much!

Everyone is in the same boat and these changes new and a bit scary for everyone. Reach out to your classmates and professors - they are there to help! Your professors will appreciate all the feedback you give them, for most professors it is their first-time online teaching too so keep that in mind when you get frustrated.

Online school gives you the flexibility to do more activities with your friends and families than a typical in-person semester would allow (following local COVID-19 guidelines of course). Just remember that although your learning is not in-person, doesn’t mean the course doesn’t count. Please remember to be safe and smart this semester and study hard (even if it is in your pjs sometimes!)