Updated Content 05/21/2025
The life of an online student can be especially rewarding and full of personal and professional successes – from acing an exam while working a full-time job to nailing a discussion post while caring for a newborn, and everything in between. There are so many opportunities, and the online platform provides the necessary flexibility to manage all those endeavors while still succeeding in obtaining your degree.
Unfortunately, the same flexibility that can help online students be successful can also lead to disastrous results without attentiveness, time management, and confidence. Sometimes, flexibility leads us to decide that we can “kick the can down the road,” putting off that homework assignment or lecture until tomorrow. Because of this, two students with similar abilities, in the same course, can have totally different results.
Fortunately, there are a number of tips and tricks that one can utilize to improve their chances of success as an online student and increase their performance at the same time. The advice is tried and true. It is helpful whether you’re brand new to online learning or a seasoned veteran. New students must follow these five tips so that they are ready to succeed.
How to Be a Successful Online Student
Tip #1 – Manage Distractions
When listening to lectures, reviewing for exams, or doing assignments, you may be tempted by the thousand other things going on in your world. Prioritize finding a separate time and place away from distractions so that you can focus on the work in front of you. For some, that means waiting to work on your assignments until after your children go to sleep; for others, that means doing your work at the local library or after work at your desk. Regardless of your approach, managing distractions is the first step to success as an online student.
Tip #2 – Communicate
Sometimes, assignments are confusing. Sometimes, lectures are confusing. Know it is okay, and it happens to all of us at some point. This doesn’t mean that there’s something wrong with you. It also doesn’t necessarily mean there’s something wrong with the assignment or lecture you’re reviewing. Sometimes, how information is communicated and how we comprehend it happens to be working on two different wavelengths.
The solution is simple, but often, we do the wrong thing. Often, students shut down or just decide not to turn in an assignment when confused. The solution? Communicate. Reach out to the instructor via phone, text, email, etc. Explain what you are struggling with. Ask specific questions. Good communication will always remedy the worst confusion.
Tip #3 – Manage Time Effectively
Managing your time effectively while working as an online student is incredibly important.
Develop a schedule that works for you. Plan for assignments and lectures as they’re due and work on them throughout the week. Schedule in your work as well as things like laundry and dinner. One thing that works incredibly well is to schedule a reward and leisure time. Plan to take some time out of your week to relax and enjoy yourself. Some students’ strategy is to bank that time until the weekend. All assignments are completed Monday through Friday while working a weekly job; on the weekend, they plan adventures as a reward for finishing their assignments on time. If they are unable to complete their assignments, no adventure that week, BUT, they still are able to finish them before they are due on Sunday because they have managed their time effectively.
Keep a planner. Use a Google or Outlook calendar. Do whatever works for you, but begin planning early to be successful both as a student and in life.
Tip #4 – Be Confident
This one may seem small compared to the others, but confidence is key. As an online student, it is easy to become intimidated by your instructors or even your classmates because you aren’t face-to-face with them daily. It is important to remember that your fellow students are there to learn and grow just like you, and your instructors are there because they are passionate about teaching and have a burning desire to help you achieve your dreams.
One of the most disheartening things is a student afraid to speak up. Engage with your classmates and your instructor on discussion posts. Contact your instructor and ask them questions about the subject matter. (Even if it’s not something in the assignments.)
Believe in yourself and your abilities. You are enough. You are able. You can succeed. Show everyone else what you already know – that you are strong and your dreams are within reach.
Tip #5 – Understand “You”
Though these tips and tricks work for students of all ages, it doesn’t mean everything works the same for everyone. Every student has their own learning style, and it is important to do what works best for you. For example, if you are a “whiteboard” person –meaning you like to make a large list on a whiteboard and cross it off as you complete it –then, by all means, continue to do that instead of using a planner. Each tip is broad so that you can determine which approach will help you find the most success.
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