It’s no secret that having a solid study routine while in college is essential to academic achievement. After all, it generally helps with time management, reduces stress, promotes consistency, improves productivity, and more. As with nearly any successful endeavor, discipline and consistency are key.
But study habits for online students can present their own challenges, including distractions and lack of structure. If you’re a student at Campus, for instance, you may have to develop a slightly different studying pattern than your peers who learn in person or who learn online, but asynchronously. Here’s what you should know about building study habits for success in online courses.
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Why Can Online Students Struggle to Develop Effective Study Habits?
There are a number of factors why online college students commonly find it more challenging to establish effective study habits compared to those in in-person environments. Those include:
Lack of Structure and Routine
A top benefit of online courses is that they typically provide greater flexibility. However, this flexibility means that students must develop their own routines and schedules. It is easier to lose track of assignments or procrastinate without the structure of in-person reminders and set class times. Online learners often struggle to establish a set routine without the peer accountability and environmental cues found on traditional campuses.
Feelings of Isolation
Online students may feel isolated or disconnected from their instructors and fellow students, which can result in less motivation and participation. The lack of interactions such as chatting enroute to class can make it more challenging to seek help or form study groups. In turn, this can impede the development of collaborative study habits.
Time Management Challenges
Effective time management is essential to online learning success. However, it’s common for students to procrastinate and face challenges balancing school, personal, and work commitments. With no regular reminders from classmates or instructors, students must possess the discipline to keep up with coursework and meet deadlines.
Technical and Environmental Barriers
Technical challenges, such as unfamiliarity with digital platforms or an unreliable Internet, can heighten frustration and disrupt study routines. And not every student has access to an organized, quiet space, which can further complicate study habit formation.
How Online Students Can Build an Effective Study Routine
For all the barriers, there are ways to build an effective study routine that’s tailored to virtual learning. There are effective online course success tips that you can incorporate into your routine. Here’s how to study for online college.
Create a Consistent Routine
Establish a study schedule — specific days and times — you can stick with. Make studying a regular part of your daily schedule, as you would with in-person learning. Consistent study time helps you retain information and decrease the urge for last-minute cramming.
Find a Distraction-Free Space
Make sure your study environment is quiet and free of distractions. That means turning off unneeded technology and setting your mobile phone and other applications to “do not disturb.” An organized and clutter-free study area can help you focus and process information.
Employ Active Study Strategies
Take effective notes then summarize what you learned in your own words to reinforce your understanding. You can also achieve that by teaching the material to someone else or explaining it aloud. Other active strategies include writing down questions, highlighting key points, and creating diagrams.
Study in Intervals
You should avoid marathon sessions. In fact, study breaks can improve focus and decrease mental fatigue. Consider studying for one to three hours, for example, then take brief breaks to prevent fatigue and refresh your mind. Resist any urge to get lost in social media.
Collaborate with Peers
Use online group chats, discussion boards, or virtual study sessions to engage with classmates. Collaborating with peers can help with accountability, motivation, and understanding of coursework. Reach out to fellow students and instructors if you need help or clarification.
Set Goals
Establish goals for every study session to remain motivated and focused. Periodically gauge your progress and tweak your approaches as necessary. Determine what’s effective and where you can improve.
Use Study Tools
You can enhance your study effectiveness by using tools such as study planners, flash cards, and mind maps. Visual learners can especially benefit from viewing how concepts connect. You can also use timers such as Pomodoro to improve productivity and focus.
Practice Self-Care
Take good care of your mental and physical health. Get sufficient sleep, have nutritious meals, and exercise regularly. Prioritizing your wellbeing is essential to effective studying.
Studying at Campus
If you’re looking for an online community college, you may find Campus to be a compelling alternative. Every student is paired with a personal success coach committed to helping you build a routine that works for you.
Our online degree programs are priced below the Pell Grant maximum, which means students who qualify for a full grant may not pay anything out of pocket for tuition. This can ease financial stress and let you focus more fully on your studies. Additional financial aid options are also available.
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FAQ: Study Tips for Online College Students
What are the best study habits for online students?
The best habits include setting a consistent routine, studying in a distraction-free space, using active learning strategies, and regularly reviewing material.
How do I stay motivated in online college?
Stay connected with peers, set goals, celebrate small wins, and seek support from coaches or advisors. Campus students can rely on their personal success coaches for added motivation.
What are some time management tips for online learners?
Use a calendar to track assignments, break tasks into chunks, and try techniques like Pomodoro timers. Set daily goals to stay focused and avoid cramming.
How do I create an effective online study routine?
Start by choosing regular study blocks, selecting a quiet workspace, and using tools like flashcards or mind maps. Evaluate and adjust your routine regularly.
