As campuses across the globe closed temporarily to prevent the spread of COVID-19, students were forced to continue studying remotely. While there has been a growing trend of students studying at home in the past decade, the coronavirus pandemic accelerated the phenomenon.
Now that the threat of COVID-19 has been reduced significantly, school buildings are reopening around the globe. However, many students have already adjusted to the idea of studying online and are choosing to stay in the virtual world.
Fortunately, studying at home by oneself is not as hard as it may seem! However, it can be a challenge if you don’t have the right tools and resources. By following a well-organized study plan, you will be able to create a dedicated study space, eliminate distractions and develop a healthy study routine.
If you’re looking to change your career, you can consider online degrees. One of the best careers today to move into is nursing. Even if your first degree wasn’t related to nursing but you have an interest in the field, you can enroll in online BSN programs for non-nurses. This is a pre-licensure nursing degree that can be a stepping stone for you to pursue a career in the nursing field, including public health nursing. These programs provide flexible class schedules, fewer requirements for travel and additional support to make completing your degree easier. Students also have more time to focus on both their studies and career goals.
How will you successfully study at home?
Whether you’re taking an online course or just want to improve your focus and concentration, it’s important to have the right tools and resources to enhance professional development through online studies. There are many perks to studying online, such as flexibility, which make it a great option for students.
Here are some of the best ways you can ensure you reach your study goals:
Have a dedicated study space
Having a dedicated study space with limited distractions is important when studying at home. This way, you will be able to focus on your work without being interrupted or overloaded with other tasks.
Research has proven that students who have a separate space for studying have been more successful in completing their coursework. Try setting up a designated desk or an area in your home you can easily access and clear off any unrelated materials so you can focus on your studies.
Make sure that this area is free of clutter to avoid unnecessary distractions and try to dedicate at least three hours a day to studying when you are in this location. This will help keep things organized and make it easier to focus.
Take written notes during online classes
While there are several free tools available to make note taking easy, handwritten notes still have their benefits. Taking notes by hand helps you form a better overall understanding of the subject matter and information being presented, making it much easier for you to learn what you need for exams and assignments.
Devote time for physical activity
According to a study conducted by the Mayo Clinic, physical activity can help improve your cognitive health, which in turn will allow you to better focus on your schoolwork. Try taking a 30-minute walk or jog each day after you complete your work shift or around the same time of the day.
Coupled with a healthy diet and social interaction, physical activity is one of the best things you can do to prevent illness. It also improves brain function which can greatly benefit you while studying online.
Take frequent breaks
It’s important to understand that getting the most out of your study time means taking frequent breaks. Breaks are great for re-energizing and will allow you to focus better on your schoolwork. You can take regular breaks as needed or even reward yourself every hour or so if you need a little push!
Schedule group study sessions
If possible, schedule a weekly study session with friends who are also taking online classes. By coming together and sharing your experiences, you can learn from each other and teach one another the things you’ve learned.
Even if you have a close friend studying with you, it’s best to have other people join in on this. Having a group of people studying with you will help keep things fresh and interesting, which will make it easier for you to stay focused on your work.
Spare some social time
It’s important to maintain a balance between your social life and studying. It can be very easy to get too focused on your studies, especially when you feel as though time with friends is limited. Try planning time to study and set aside times to get out with friends during the week.
Whether it’s lunch or coffee with a friend, you can choose to include this time as part of your daily schedule, so you don’t feel guilty about it. This will also allow you to maintain a healthy balance of work and play while taking your courses.
Benefits of online classes
If you think of online classes as just a way to get the same diplomas from your previous colleges, you might be missing out on opportunities. Here are some benefits that studying online offers:
- Increased flexibility – Online classes are not only possible due to technology, but also because of the flexible learning environment. Take school with you on the go with an online program so you can learn at your own convenience.
- You’ll save money – Many online schools offer a variety of scholarships, which can help you clear the financial hurdles of taking classes at home. If you don’t have to pay for your own tuition, this can help alleviate some of the financial stress.
- Fewer distractions – When you’re studying at home, there are fewer distractions to keep you from focusing. In a traditional classroom setting, it can be easy to be distracted by your peers, as well as your surroundings.
- Own study pace – Many online programs offer flexible pacing, so that you can work through the material at your own pace. This gives you the ability to take the right amount of time to ensure you are absorbing the material.
Final words
The struggle to keep up in college can be tough on everyone. There are a lot of distractions and responsibilities that can divert you away from your studies, but if you follow some of the tips in this article, you’ll have no trouble reaching your goals.
Studying online is a rewarding experience and can help you achieve your goals. You can receive a world-class education from the comfort of your own home and make a healthy study plan, which will allow you to improve your grades. If you have ever considered online classes, now is the time to take advantage of this opportunity and soar higher in your career and life.
