Nervous About Your First Year Of Online College?

Congratulations you have taken the first step towards getting your college degree online. Now it’s time to make sure you have all the tools and skills needed to make this first year of college a success. You should take advantage of the time you have before you start to get those study skills up to top shape. Often your high school has classes that can help you focus on any weak spots in your study habits. If this is not an option for you go ahead and contact your future school because many colleges offer study seminars or classes that help you brush up on many basic skills you will need. This way you can come into your first year much more confident in your study habits and more relaxed in your abilities to succeed.

Going to college is stressful for everyone. You are one of the lucky people, if you are going to school online, who does not have to worry about moving to a new place to go to school. The fact that you don’t have to change your surroundings does not mean that you should not make sure you have the right environment set up for you to succeed. Online colleges have their advantage but they also require more discipline by the student to make sure that when they are “in class” they position themselves in a quiet spot where they can concentrate.

A common mistake that online freshmen make is to assume that because they are at home there will be fewer distractions; in fact the opposite is true. Courses taken on campus are usually held in classrooms where the focus of the student is centered on the professor and their presentations.

At home you must set aside a work environment and tune out annoyances such as the neighbor’s music, barking dogs or the incessant ringing of the phone.

Many students who decide to go to school online enjoy the ability to build a study schedule around their needs. If you have children and other family obligations this may be the only way that you can get your education. Although the flexibility is a blessing, it may also be a curse. Often it is hard to “buckle down” and get your classes and coursework completed in a timely manner. It is very important to set aside the time needed each day to keep all of your studies on schedule. You may find it easier to leave the house so that you can keep away from the distractions your normal environment presents.

It is almost a necessity to buy a laptop if you are going to take classes online. This way you can move locations to find a quiet spot conducive to studying. There are many options but as long as you have a wireless connection you should be fine.

Take advantage of the fact that you are on-line and have your web browser, along with your word processor running in the background for quick access to references and note taking. If you are participating in a ‘live-feed’ situation where the course is being presented via webcam, where your participation is expected, then make sure that you are located in a quite space so that you can hear what is being asked. Sitting at a table in Starbucks can be relaxing but it is no place to be when you have to ask and answer questions on line!

It is important to realize that just because you are taking your classes online does not mean that you don’t have to have all the necessary school supplies. You should get your notebooks, textbooks pens and highlighters the same way you would for a normal class. You will need to print documents and papers too so having a good supply of paper and a working printer and ink is also important.

Congratulations on starting the first year of your online college degree. If you prepare now and work hard you should have a great overall experience and get everything you want out of your college education. Remember if you are falling behind or you don’t feel comfortable with something about your classes, make sure to bring it up to your advisor or a college representative as soon as possible. There are many ways that the school can help you have a more positive experience including tutoring and making adjustments to your schedule. Don’t be afraid to speak up and good luck.

11 College Research Questions

Do your parents tell you to move out of the house? Go to college. Even if you go to online college you will get out of the house sooner and stay out on your own with the great job you will get. According to the most recent US Government census, Americans with a bachelors degree earned 51% more than those with just a high school diploma. Those with a bachelors degree earned over $52,000 per year on average.

Once you realize that college is your next step, you need to find one. Here are some questions you might find helpful to find the college for you.

1. Should you go to college near home or in another state? What options are available online?

2. Is smaller better, or do you like big schools?

3. Will you need financial aid?

4. Is a suburban or rural setting better or a city based campus?

5. Which programs fit your career goals?

6. How does your school rank overall with other schools?

7. How good is the college’s career services office? How many people get jobs through the career center every year?

8. Are you interested in extracurricular activities? Do they have the one for you?

9. What type of campus housing is available? Will the school help you find an off campus place to live?

10. Can you find a professor that can help guide you on your desired career path?

11. Extra Bonus: Does the school have enough money to stay open until you graduate? It’s sad but in today’s economy you should ask these questions.

Once you start thinking about the answers to these questions, you can help focus on the college that is best for you!