Remote teaching just isn’t the same as in-person lectures and labs. These tips will help you make the most of your new online university experience.
Distance learning isn’t ideal, especially if you’ve paid £9,250 in tuition fees to study and you’re in an expensive student house that you could really do without paying for. Channel your frustrations into smashing your degree with these top tips for making online lectures work for you.
1. Get up and get dressed
You wouldn’t turn up to your lecture in your pyjamas and not having brushed your teeth, so why should it be any different with online learning? We’ve all felt the pros of waking up and working from bed, and it was fun for a while, but now it’s turned into Netflix binges and a lack of productivity. So, it’s time to get out of bed and to your desk… You can look forward to getting back into it when your work is done.
2. Get organised with a timetable
But don’t be Will from the Inbetweeners who tries to cram so much into his revision timetable that he’s forced to drink energy drinks and prioritise revision over sleep. Keep your weekends free and stick to a timetable that fits with when you’re most productive.
3. Hold your mates accountable
Make learning a social experience, just like the good ol’ days of group study trips to the library. Tell your mates to tune in to their online university courses at the same time as you and get the work done together. Whether that’s having a Zoom call on in the background so you can see each other working and chat about your ideas, you’ll be spurred on by their productivity.
4. Voice your concerns to your friends and lecturers
Remember it’s OK to ask for help if you’re struggling to manage your university workload during the pandemic. It’s especially difficult for those of you studying practical subjects, as labs and practicals just can’t go ahead right now. The sooner you reach out to your tutors, the better.
5. Keep your webcam and microphone on
If you’ve got an interactive seminar, then make sure you’re fully engaged by turning on your camera and microphone. This way, you’ll force yourself to contribute better to the online class and you’ll also have to get up and dressed for it. Win, win.
6. Don’t let your emails build up
Make it your priority to check your emails at least once a day at a set time. If your university has any important updates about remote learning or the campus, then you’ll need to know. 2021 has already been such a tumultuous year, there are sure to be more important announcements you won’t want to miss.
7. Know when to switch off
Like we said, make sure your timetable accounts for down time. Once you’ve completed the tasks on your timetable, don’t look at it again until the next day. You’ll feel accomplished knowing you’ve done your work, and can reward yourself with a well-deserved break.
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