Attending college classes online gives you a lot of flexibility. You get to set your schedule, go to school on-the-move, and complete assignments on your own. However, it can also be difficult to balance education with your life and other responsibilities. Luckily, there are a number of things you can do to manage this.
Have a support system
A strong support system at home will make it easier for you to get through school while balancing your personal life. Before you start school, talk with everyone in your family. You may want to ask your partner to take on more responsibility around the house so you can have extra time to focus on your studies. You may also want to ask for additional help from your friends.
Set a schedule
At the beginning of each semester, review your class syllabus. Put exam dates, paper due dates, and other important dates on your calendar. You should also set time to study each day. Try your best to stick to your designated study times. Sticking to the same study schedule will help you juggle all of your other tasks.
Start on assignments early
It is easy to fall behind while getting a degree online. If you are earning a business management degree and have a paper due in a few weeks, for example, it is best for you to start working on it now. You will save time and stress by working on assignments early and can prioritize what needs to get done based on your work, and personal schedules as well as your school calendar.
Keep work, school, and family time separate
One of the keys to being a successful student is to keep your work, family, and school time separate. For example, when doing your school work, your total attention should be focused on the task at hand. Do not do anything work or school-related while you are spending time with your family. This can distract you and lead to poor results both in your personal life and your grades.
Speak up
If you are struggling with your classes, don’t be afraid to ask for help. The longer you wait, the further you will fall behind. Your professors are there to help you succeed. You should also reach out to them if you need more time to complete an assignment. Professors understand that many people have other obligations and need extra time to complete their tasks.
Studying online can be challenging if you have a job and family. Fortunately, you can make things easier by having a strong support system and setting a study schedule. Use these and other tips to make sure your time online is being used in the best way possible.
Special thanks to Eileen O’Shanassy for providing us with this article. Eileen is a freelance writer and blogger based out of Flagstaff, AZ. She writes on a variety of topics and loves to research and write. She enjoys baking, biking, and kayaking, and you can find her on Twitter @eileenoshanassy.Â
