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.

It may be best to pick a spot like a library where the phone will not ring. If you do decide to study at home make sure you set up a room with a clear, clean, quiet area. You may need to pick times of the day when your neighbors will not be mowing the lawn or playing a loud stereo.

A major advantage in taking courses online is that the student can set up their own study schedule and it is imperative that every freshman makes the most of this advantage. Make sure that you arrange your study times so that you are alone and can devote your entire attention to the course of study. If that means that you have to put the baby to bed, or even leave the house and go to the library, do it!

If you have a lap-top (highly recommended for college work) then you are not chained to any single location. As long as there is WiFi access you may use the technology to your benefit. You should plan on getting a laptop, if you don’t have one, as part of your essential online college program.

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!

You should prepare very similarly to how you would for a regular campus based school when it comes to purchasing your school supplies. Go ahead and purchase notebooks, if you prefer to write things out vs. using the computer, highlighters, paper for your printer, etc. You probably want printer ink too because most likely you will be doing a lot of printing. Some schools request that you send things in and you may also want to print certain class notes for easier studying.

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.

Tags: Online Colleges

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