When adults think about going to school, many find it difficult to determine how they are going to fit studying into an already hectic routine, especially in the case of parents who return to education. However, thanks to online courses, success in a degree program at any level can be achieved regardless of your age and current commitments. We’ve put together some of our best tips and advice for succeeding with an online degree.
Time Management Skills
When studying for an online degree one of the main things you need to work on is your time management skills. Since you will not need to commute to campus to attend physical classes and lectures, you will need to put together your own study schedule that fits around your current commitments. Learning how to spend your free time wisely and plan ahead when it comes to self-directed study is key to achieving an online degree such as the masters in social work online from Rutgers Online. Making simple changes, such as reducing the amount of free time that you spend watching TV every week, will give you more time to devote to staying ahead of your online education.
Have a Study Space
When studying online, most of the work that you complete will be done in the comfort of your own home. But, studying at home, although maybe more comfortable than sitting in a class, can be distracting at times. As an online student, having your own private study space available where you can take your work to study alone free from distractions is hugely important. When you have a dedicated study space, such as an office or your local library, you’ll be more likely to take the time to study and focus better on the tasks that you are carrying out.
Establish a Schedule
Once you have registered for and enrolled on an online course, it’s important to establish a home study schedule of around three to five hours per week. For your regular study time, the best thing to do is pick two times that are at least two hours long during the week. Your first study time should be dedicated to reading the required materials and taking notes. Then, return a few days later to go over your notes and work on any written homework or assignments that need to be done.
Get the Right Support
Going back to college as an adult isn’t always the easiest of experiences as chances are you will have a lot of other commitments that you’ll need to uphold whilst studying for a program such as a masters of social work online. Because of this, adults returning to college should be sure to seek out the right support, whether this is financial aid, childcare and elder support, or seeking support from their employer.
With the right strategies and plans, returning to college as an adult doesn’t have to be as difficult as it may seem. These tips will help adults who’ve decided to return to college be successful with their online degree.
