6 Tips For Distance Learning That Might Work For You!

Many of us were not familiar with the idea of distance learning until early 2020, from online learning for languages and skills to online degree programs. While many teachers and students are still exploring the charm of distance learning, Linköping University has already started distance learning master’s programs since years ago, including my program: Gender Studies.

However, while it is an excellent opportunity to study from anywhere in the world, it is a great challenge for many of us, including me. Do you find it challenging to study online? Well, here are six tips for you!

Join an (academic) reading group!

This is one of the most helpful methods for me, and I was so surprised by my studying efficiency after joining the reading group!

Some of our friends organized a reading group for master’s students. Unlike the usual reading groups, all we have to do in this group is update our reading progress. Sounds easy and straightforward, right? It’s even easier than you thought! By checking in your progress and reading your peer’s progress, you will be more motivated to read more. It’s almost like a competition! If you want it to be more effective, you can also post a brief summary of the reading or your thoughts and reflections.

It’s almost like a fun competition!

Do some yoga and meditation!

Mind and body are connected; therefore, it is vital to keep your body active and understand your mind. For me, I like to do some short yoga sessions during studying breaks. When I stretched my body, I felt that my body was getting readying to study again with full energy. Additionally, I sometimes do some meditation in the morning before the stressful studying days.

There are plenty of amazing videos online for yoga and meditation, choose the ones that you like!

Set a fixed time for studying!

It is essential to set up your study schedule. Instead of studying anytime, I found it more effective when I set a fixed time for my studying. For example, I study for an hour after work, and a couple of hours after dinner until bedtime. It might be different for you, and it was not that easy to follow at the beginning for me. However, after a while, I got used to my daily studying routine, and my mind was already ready for studying once the clock ticked.

Create an area of studying!

When studying at home, many people often lay in their bed during studying hours. While it might work for some students, it does not work for me AT ALL! I prefer to have an area of studying in my home, with a proper table and chair.

The bed is for sleeping, and the table is for studying. (For me.)

Unfortunately, as I live in a remote area, I only have a small room in which my bed and dinner table are right next to each other. If you have a bigger space in your home, maybe stay outside your bedroom and find the studying area. Otherwise, if you are like me, living in a tiny room, choose the area of your room and set it as your area of studying!

Set a goal for each of the days!

Distance learning could be exceedingly challenging as many of us lost track of studying due to busy schedules. Well, my suggestion is to set a goal for your studying days!

How many readings would you like to finish today? What knowledge point do you want to understand tomorrow? How many paragraphs are you planning to write for your essay this week? Make the plan! And always remember, don’t make unrealistic plans.

“I’m gonna read 20 readings a day!”

“I will watch 25 hours of lectures tonight!”

Don’t be like them! Set the goals that will (for sure) work for you!

Stay connected with your schoolmates!

Distance learning could be really lonely, as it is quite different from studying on campus. So if you find yourself getting lost in the distance learning program and looking for an on-campus vibe while staying elsewhere, I would suggest you stay connected with your classmates and schoolmates!

Online drinking games with classmates is one of the things I would love to do. By doing so, I could get to know my classmates better. Some self-organized get-together events could also be a great way of talking to other classmates. Maybe the school itself has some events or clubs online? Join them if you find interesting ones!

Additionally, if time and space allow, organize some off-line meet ups with your peers, talk about your life and studying, go to some parties and have fun time together!

Distance learning is challenging yet charming, to maximize your student life outside of campus, there are many ways to keep yourself active and connected as if you are on campus. Do you have any more tips for distance learning? Tell us your favorite methods!