redpoint’s Guide to Attending College From Home
For many people, college is a rite of passage into independent adult living. Some students choose to live on campus, to take full advantage of the academic and social opportunities that come with an around the clock experience. Others attending community colleges and vocational programs still get to experience life beyond the confines of a traditional high school, where you can set your own schedule and balance classes with other obligations. And then COVID-19 hit, and things changed for everyone as colleges for the most part shifted to online learning.
As with any change, a switch to online classes can feel stressful and unwanted. Flexibility is key when returning to school during stressful times. These are untested waters for us all, so here are some tips to help you stay healthy, engaged and on track during the uncertain months ahead.
Know your learning style
Online (and therefore independent) learning works well for some, and not so well for others. Either way, it can be helpful to identify your learning style so you can best adapt to your individual needs. There are a variety of paid and free skills assessments and personality profiles online (see our list here). These will help identify your working style along with proven tips for success. If you learn better in groups, try coordinating a Zoom study session with fellow classmates. If you learn better alone, be sure to minimize your distractions (see below).
Set up a designated space for school
Studies long before Covid-19 have demonstrated the importance of separating where you sleep, eat, or hang out from where you work. This is more important as ever, especially if other family members or roommates are working or schooling from home as well. Identify a place in your home that is removed from the day-to-day activities of the home and can be your designated learning area. Make sure the site you select receives a solid broadband signal. If needed, you can find broadband signal booster gear on Amazon. Ideally, the place you select will have exposure to natural light will being free from distracting sounds. If possible, invest in comfortable headsets – preferably ones with noise cancelling technology.
Set up designated times for school
If you were already attending school for a preset block of time every day, use the time between live (synchronous) classes to work on remote assignments and engage in prerecorded (asynchronous) lessons and activities. This can help you remain on-top of your work while maintaining routine and structure.
With designated times for class and schoolwork, you are also setting boundaries with friends and family on when you are available to spend time with them -- in person or by chat.
Schedule fun breaks
Don’t forget to get outside and get moving; this is an important way to prevent Zoom fatigue and let what you just learned to sink in! Regular breaks, meals, and relaxation are still necessary parts of a balanced academic life, even if it looks different than before. If your eyes glaze over after your umpteenth video meeting in a row, set your alarm and grab a catnap – this will recharge your body and give your eyes some much needed rest.
Minimize distractions
It's tempting, when you have a long lecture open on one screen, to browse your socials and DMs on other screens. But be careful, you just might miss some crucial piece of information; stuff that may wind up on the next test or tips that might save you a LOT of work down the road. Be present when you’re on each call, with the same posture, poise and etiquette you’d display in a classroom; that way, when class is over, you can catch-up on all the fun stuff.
Remember why you’re there
Never forget that college is an elective experience – you're taking classes to gain knowledge, skills and connections that will be the foundation of your career. Your professors are not babysitters – they are there to guide you, educate you, and engage with you for the love of learning. So when you are leaning – make the most out of every minute!