10 Study Tips for Online College Students

Published on: May 25, 2023

While online distance learning programs can make pursuing a college degree much more accessible, it presents unique challenges as well. Whether you want to know how to succeed in college or are looking for a few helpful study tips for students, this article will help put you on the right path.

Online vs. In-Person Classes: Which Is Better?

The benefits of an in-person education in the traditional classroom setting are both time-honored and well-established. For many students, there is simply no replacement for interacting with instructors and fellow students face-to-face. In addition to the close communication and collaboration it fosters, in-person education comes with easy access to resources and a general sense of community that go hand in hand with campus life.

However, online classes have significant advantages as well. Ideal for working individuals, active parents and other busy people with little time to spare, online programs tend to offer far greater scheduling flexibility. Since you can log into the virtual classroom from virtually anywhere, you also don’t have to worry about a commute to campus. Because they are less costly to establish and operate, online programs are also often significantly less expensive than traditional classroom programs.

The Importance of Effective Study Strategies for College Students

While different instruction delivery methods might appeal to different college students in different life situations, the importance of effective study strategies remains constant. Without some planning and structure, you may find your study sessions lacking in productivity - if they even happen at all! And without regular and productive study, you are unlikely to succeed in any academic environment or context.

Study Tips for Students

Although many of the handy study tips below apply to all kinds of college students, this list was compiled with online students specifically in mind. After all, the supreme flexibility of the average online program requires students to impose a certain amount of structure upon themselves.

1. Create a Dedicated Study Space

Although you may be tempted to curl up on the couch or sprawl out in bed while you complete your online coursework, you should really consider designating one area of your house as your “study space.” Make sure that this space is as free as possible from all distractions and dedicate yourself to study – and only study when you enter this space.

2. Establish a Firm Study Routine

Just as a dedicated study space allows you to compartmentalize your physical surroundings, a dedicated routine effectively helps you compartmentalize your precious time. Schedule your study sessions at regular times and do your absolute best to adhere to that schedule. You should also establish standard study processes and practices that work for you. For example, you may want to begin by reading texts, proceed to review course notes and then work on outstanding assignments or prepare for upcoming exams.

3. Set Clear Goals for Yourself

You can’t get where you want to go without a firm destination in mind. To get the most return from your educational investment, you need to start with a clear set of goals. Goal setting can be even more important for online students. For example, if you’re taking your classes online because you’re a busy working adult, it’s vital to start your program with clear goals and a purpose in mind. Set aside some time to figure out your why – it’ll help keep you motivated when the going gets tough.

4. Minimize Distractions

Beyond creating a dedicated study space and establishing a firm study routine, do your best to avoid interruptions and stay focused during your study sessions. Turning off your cell phone and other mobile devices is a great place to start. You also need to resist the urge to stray from your virtual classroom platform to check your personal email account or social media pages. If you are sharing your living space with others, you must agree upon clear boundaries to minimize potential distractions while you are studying.

5. Stay Organized

Good organization is part and parcel of nearly every other suggestion and guideline on this list. If you want to be as efficient and productive as possible, you must organize your day, home, workspace, desk and computer screen. Although you can certainly take organization too far, most of us suffer from a lack of organization in one of these areas, if not more.

6. Utilize Time Management Techniques

While the amount of study needed to complete a college degree program can seem overwhelming, students can learn to tackle nearly any academic workload by employing the appropriate time management techniques. Not all techniques will prove helpful for all students, but basics such as task prioritization, subtask creation and effective microscheduling are a great place to start.

7. Engage in Active Learning

A highly effective approach to education, active learning stresses the importance of student engagement and “learning through doing” through interactive discussion, collaborative group work and hands-on activities. A good instructor can spur active learning in any environment, but online students may have to enthusiastically embrace active learning to meet an instructor halfway in the online classroom.

8. Seek Support From Peers

No one knows what a student goes through quite like a fellow student. So, if you need support in virtually any college-related area, your peers can serve as excellent resources. Sometimes, all you need to do is ask to receive outstanding study help and practical advice. Even better, you can return the favor by offering the same help and advice to others.

9. Take Advantage of Online Resources

While distance learning students may not be able to visit a study center or guidance counselor on campus very easily, they often have access to a broad spectrum of online resources that can help them manage their studies. Check with your school to learn about remote IT support, tutoring services or career guidance you can take advantage of.

10. Prioritize Your Mental Health

Few worthwhile things can be accomplished without enduring a certain amount of physical and psychological stress. However, it is vitally important to protect your overall well-being by prioritizing your mental health. Poor mental health can have a terrible impact on academic performance, so don't sabotage your academic career and your health by trying to take on too much.

For More Information

The faculty and staff at Husson University are dedicated to helping students succeed at all stages of learning and development. Our online programs offer the convenience of around-the-clock digital access and the flexibility to build the exact skills that you need to reach your personal and professional goals. Our bachelor’s and master’s degree programs cover a broad spectrum of disciplines and fields. We also offer a number of undergraduate certificate programs. If you have questions about any of these online programs, please fill out a request for more information, and we’ll get back to you shortly!

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