6 tips to help you study successfully online

1. Create a daily routine

It’s important to treat studying remotely as seriously as if you were on-campus, so you don’t fall out of step with your studies. To prevent this, try and create a daily routine that will provide some structure to your week. Start by organising a schedule or calendar of what classes are on, when assignments are due and maintain regular study and break times.

If your classes aren’t live-streamed, set up regular times where you will watch recordings or read resources. Breaking down big tasks into smaller ones, and setting up daily or weekly goals or challenges can help you stay motivated and on track.

Check your official University student email account and units’ Canvas sites every day to make sure you are aware of the latest updates and announcements. You can set up email forwarding if you would prefer to use your personal email.

2. Get your tech sorted

To access online classes, you’ll need a few essentials. A working, updated computer, the appropriate software and a quiet working space are essential to prepare yourself to access classes and study. Now is a good time to finally do those updates you have been putting off!

You’ll need to check if your class has an online attendance option to find the appropriate software. If your internet is slow or unstable, you can usually download lecture recordings and view these at a later time.

3. Learn the livestream etiquette

You should treat live-streamed classes as if they were regular classes. Make sure your tech is working (particularly your audio settings) and log in a few minutes early so you are ready to go. It’s a good idea to try and find a quiet place without distractions and turn off any notifications or pop-ups, so you can concentrate. And remember to mute your mic when you aren’t speaking.

Try and participate as much as possible, just like a usual class. If you don’t feel confident talking on mic, you can use the chat function to ask a question.

4. Communicate with your lecturers

Communicating with your lecturers and tutors is really important and shouldn’t stop just because you aren’t with them face-to-face. Since your teachers may also be working off-campus, email will be the best way to communicate – just make sure you send emails from your official University email address. Some units of study will also have discussion forums set up, which will be moderated by teachers.

Keep in mind that your teachers will likely be receiving an increased number of emails over the semester, so do them a favour by making sure your emails are short, polite and to-the-point.

5. Keep in touch with your classmates

One of the best ways to stay up to date, and across your studies, is to continue to talk to your classmates. Use Zoom to set up regular study groups, participate in discussion forums on Canvas or set up group chats on social media or messaging apps. Group assignments will continue while studying online, so it’s always a good idea to remain in contact with your cohort. Remember to check in on your classmates and always be supportive and respectful.

6. Look after yourself and stay positive

Studying online can bring its own unique challenges. But rest assured, you will be receiving an excellent educational experience and the University will support you at every stage, from Welcome Week through to exams.

Try and stay as positive as possible, take regular breaks and reward yourself for completing tasks and keeping a routine. Exercising, eating well and getting plenty of sleep will also help you stay motivated and healthy. If you need support from home, our counselling service and mental health support will still be in operation.
 

For more information about learning remotely, visit Canvas.

Last updated 20 January 2022