Studying for a degree online can seem like an incredibly daunting prospect. Maybe even something which you’re sad about, after all, it means that you’re going to miss out on that ‘university experience.’ I am here to tell you that studying for your degree online isn’t just the future (at least for now), it is also an incredible opportunity, and that university experience you’re worried about missing out on - that is going virtual too. 

I studied my degree online for 4 years through The Open University. All of the modules were online, access to the tutors was through email and interaction with the other students came through online forums and social media. I graduated in September 2019 and today, thinking back on my experience, I have some thoughts (and hopefully wisdom) I would like to share with you about what I wish I had known when I started my degree online. 

Routine and motivation isn’t an innate skill you magically wake up with on the first day of the course (I wish). It takes time and effort to hone this skill, but it is definitely worth the work. Without the structure of a place to be by a certain time each day, there is so much temptation to stay in bed all day or move to the sofa and binge Netflix- after all, with classes all virtual, who needs to see that you have spent the day in pajamas? 

Honing your ability to wake up, get up and get working does make a good day of learning into a great day of learning. Getting dressed, having breakfast, planning your day ahead and getting on top of your workload makes a huge difference to the quality of work you produce and how fast you can produce it. 

It isn’t just a skill you can use throughout your degree either. I credit doing my degree from home with my ability to focus and work efficiently, even with distractions around me- a skill which prospective employers absolutely love. 

Online student groups are everywhere. I made the mistake in my first year of being a very insular student, only chatting with other students when it was time for group projects or in the module forums, even then it was only about the content of the course. In my second and final year, I took far more enjoyment out of accessing the online student forums available- not just the ones through the Open University. 

Part of joining Manchester Girl in my second year of studying was my desire to meet other students and young women in my city who I could meet up and socialse with.

Meeting up in real life isn’t a possibility right now, but virtual events are taking over, and If there is an in real life student group you want to join, there will be a virtual version of it. Ask your student support team to link you up in the right direction if you feel lost or don’t know what to join for the best. 

Being social and meeting new people is a good part of the university experience and moving online shouldn’t stop you from taking full advantage of this fact. 

Accessibility is the forgotten factor. Over 94 thousand disabled students signed up for university in 2017/18. Online learning and being able to do my degree from home is the reason I signed up to The Open University, because as a disabled person I found the idea of online, from home learning hugely accessible and supportive. 

No more worrying if I was going to be well enough to get to the university on time for lectures, no more stressing about juggling my energy levels between classes, socialising and everyday life. For me, online learning takes away the mental and physical stress which attending a university in person would bring. 

Support is still available any day, any time. Whether it’s your tutor, your lecturers, student support team, or the university mental health team, going online doesn’t mean you’re losing any of the support that your University should be providing for you. It does mean you’re going to have to get past any anxieties around emailing and picking up the phone, but it’s worth it. 

I was so afraid of emailing my tutor in the first year to ask for help and clarification on course materials, in case I asked stupid questions. What did I learn? There is no such thing as a stupid question, if you have asked it, it is likely there will be another student who has too. 

I was also full of anxiety about asking for help in case I asked the wrong person, or they couldn’t help me. It seems foolish now, but when you’re in an overwhelming and unknown situation it can be hard to remember that everyone at the university actually wants to help you and see you succeed! So if they can’t help you, they will be able to direct you to someone who can. 

Deadlines are still going to jump out at you shouting ‘surprise!’ even though you have had it written on every calendar you own, talked about it with your tutor, fellow students and given yourself a good talking to about getting ahead of the work and getting it done. I think university deadlines are cursed with no foresight. 

What I wish I had known? Writing the essay as soon as I had the time, even if it was weeks/ a month ahead of the deadline leads to far less stress, rush, anxiety and that feeling you get where it feels like you know absolutely nothing. The mad dash to write, edit and hand in an essay doesn’t stop when you move the course online I’m afraid! That one is on us, the humble student. 

Don’t panic, you’re doing the course to gain an education and understanding in a specific area, which is going to lead to whatever interesting and exciting future you have mapped out for yourself. Change is never a nice feeling if it comes out of nowhere and messes with ‘the plan’. Adapting and overcoming this experience will lead to exactly the same end result you first signed up for. 

If you’re going to university in September, then know that you are not alone. Whether you are a returning student or starting your degree, online learning is a credible and proactive way to continue your education to reach your goals. Continue the discussion on your city Facebook Group or find us on Instagram and let us know what you think.

Written by Rachael Mole

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