Five Ways to Succeed in Online School During a Pandemic

As someone who is a very visual and hands on learner, online school is hard. And it's even harder when the world seems to be ending and crumbling down all around you. Here are a few tips that I have discovered have helped me along the way.

1. Use a Planner

This one may not be new to a lot of people, but for me, it definitely was. I was never someone to physically write things down or plan them out, but with so many deadlines and assignments, it is a lifesaver. I used to use the notes app on my phone, but it feels so much more productive to sit down and plan out your week and step away from the screen, even if it is just for a few minutes.

2. Practice Time Management

If I'm being honest, I still really struggle with this one. I am a major procrastinator. In fact, I'm actually procrastinating on getting this blog post done. Blocking out chunks of time throughout the week to work on schoolwork really helps me out. You can even make a schedule and act as if you have to be online in those hours as you would be in an in-person class.

3. Designate a Space for Learning/Working

At the beginning of the semester, I did not have it together at all. I would lay in my bed until the very last minute before class started, open my laptop and listen to the lecture while still laying in bed. As you can probably guess, I wasn't getting much out of it. When I would be in bed "working," I would feel guilty and I knew I was not putting out my best work or trying my hardest. Since then, I have realized that I cannot relax and work in the same place. Whether it be a desk, a table, or even standing at the counter in your kitchen, having a designated work area is so helpful.

4. Hold Yourself Accountable

This can be done in a variety of ways. It can be as big as creating deadlines for yourself to get certain things done, or as small as turning your camera on during a Zoom lecture. Trust me, I get it, sometimes you look rough or you just can't be bothered to turn it on and participate. Set goals in the beginning of the semester and check in with yourself throughout the course to see how things are going. If you find it difficult to do things on your own, finding a classmate to do things with and check on each other is also a great way to get things done, that way you don't feel so alone through all of it. I know it can be daunting thinking of all the things you have to get done, but starting off small is a great step in the right direction.

5. Give Yourself a Break

I cannot stress this one enough. Taking time for yourself is so so so important, especially in times like these. It can be tough to relax at home when you are also working and doing school in the same place. In fact, I sometimes find it stressful to sit down and do nothing because I can look over and see my work sitting there not being done. When we are working or going to school in person, we have a time where we stop and go home. Since we are at home for all of it now, it is imperative that we break away at some point to ease the stress. Set aside an hour or so a day to take care of yourself; take a bath, read a book, watch your favorite TV show, or do whatever it is that makes you happy and relaxes you. You might not think you have time for this, but I can guarantee that if you make time for it, your moods will be better and you will be putting out your best work.