After having an extended spring break and binge-watching all the shows I was putting off during the semester, starting classes again online was a pretty big jump. While I may have trouble following these tips myself, here are some things I am doing to try and be successful during distance learning.

1. Wake up early

Now that I can join my classes quickly from the comfort of my bed, it’s tempting to sleep in until 2 minutes before my 11 AM lecture, but maintaining a regular schedule helps keep me productive. I find that I have more time to plan my day, study, and do homework.

2. Keep a planner

With each professor trying out different methods of handling classes, assignments and tests, it’s hard to keep track of everything that’s going on. Keeping a planner definitely helps me remember what’s due and when. Whether you use Google Calendar, an app on your phone, or have a planner on paper, checking off things you’ve done will also make you feel more accomplished when finishing an assignment.

3. Give yourself some free-time

There are so many random hobbies I’ve been meaning to try that I’m having trouble sticking with just one. You can try to learn a new language, learn to paint, read some books, catch up on a never-ending bucket list of movies, take online classes with sites like Lynda and Coursera, or whatever else you’ve been meaning to get into. When we come back to campuses, we can all be multi-talented geniuses.

4. Stay in touch with your study groups

It may be harder to keep in touch with classmates when you don’t see them in-person every other day, but there are tons of ways you can communicate, like over Skype, Zoom, FaceTime, a text group chat, etc. I have study groups that I talk to over GroupMe, and we help each other stay on track when studying and doing assignments. 

5. Connect with professors

I find it very beneficial to build a relationship with my professors, but Zoom lectures take away a lot of the usual connection between students and professors. It’s important to continue to let your professor know what you’re struggling with during office hours and to offer them feedback on how this new learning experience is going. 

6. Go outside and exercise

Exercise and sunlight are extremely beneficial to your mental and physical health, so much so that Texas calls it an “essential activity”. I like to go on walks in-between classes to clear my head and get some fresh air. There are also hundreds of YouTube channels that offer great at-home workouts, so we can all stay in shape while at home.

I hope these tips will be helpful to you as well, and don’t forget about our campus resources that are available online like counseling, advising, and programs like Women in Engineering, Access and Inclusion, and Engineering Honors!