How to Find School-Life Balance as an Online Student
Posted: August 21, 2024 | Author: Madelyn Bushman | Read Time: 3 minutes
A huge draw to online school is the ability to fit your schoolwork around your already busy schedule. Juggling school and your personal life can be stressful at times, so finding the right balance is essential for maintaining your well-being and academic success.
Here are some tips to help you achieve school-life balance while attending Southern Utah University Online:
Set Clear Goals and Priorities
Start the semester by defining your objectives and priorities for both your academic and personal life. Setting clear goals will guide your decision-making process and help you efficiently allocate your time. By knowing what you want to achieve you can focus on what truly matters and avoid getting sidetracked by less important tasks. Regularly revisiting and adjusting your goals can keep you on track and motivated throughout the semester.
Establish a Routine
Consistency is key when it comes to balancing online school and life. Create a structured daily or weekly schedule including dedicated time slots for studying, completing assignments and engaging in personal activities.
While completing her Master’s of Public Administration through SUU Online, Karen Peterson was grateful the program had no specific time commitment for class attendance. This flexibility allowed her to work full-time, put her kids to bed and then spend her nights studying. She created a routine that worked for her, and it helped her find the right balance between school, work and family.
It’s important to stick to your schedule as closely as possible to maintain consistency and productivity. If things come up, as they inevitably will, handle them appropriately and then return to your routine.
Practice Time Management
Efficiently managing your time is crucial for juggling multiple responsibilities. Use tools such as Canvas Calendars, personal planners or productivity apps to organize your tasks and deadlines.
Be realistic about how much time you allocate to each task to avoid overcommitting yourself.
SUU’s Health and Wellness shares these ideas for better time management.
Set Boundaries
Establish boundaries to prioritize both your personal and academic life. One way to do this is by designating specific study spaces where you can focus without distractions, and communicating your schedule to family members or roommates to minimize distractions during study time.
It is important to set aside designated time for relaxation, hobbies and socializing to prevent burnout and maintain a healthy school-life balance.
Stay Organized
Keep your academic materials organized to simplify your workflow and minimize stress. Most people have a preference for organizational systems that make sense to them. You might be surprised by the variety of organizational methods out there–find one that works best for you.
Regularly decluttering and tidying your study space promotes a positive environment for learning and productivity.
Communicate Effectively
Effective communication is vital, especially in an online learning environment where interactions may be primarily virtual. Stay in contact with your instructors - and even classmates - through email, discussion boards or virtual meetings.
Ask for help when needed, utilize student resources, seek clarification on assignments or deadlines, and participate actively in online discussions to foster a sense of community and engagement.
Be flexible and adapt
Flexibility is key when it comes to navigating the dynamics of online learning and life. Be prepared to adjust your schedule and priorities as needed, especially when unexpected events or challenges arise (because they will.)
Embrace a growth mindset, view setbacks as opportunities for learning and growth, and remain adaptable in the face of change.
Finding the right balance between online school and life requires intentional effort, self-awareness and discipline. By following these tips, you can create a perfect balance that promotes your academic success and overall well-being.
Remember that finding balance is an ongoing process, and it’s okay to seek support from peers, mentors or advisors when needed. Ultimately, prioritizing balance will enable you to thrive academically, personally and professionally.
Find additional information or support through SUU Online’s Student Resources.
Tags: CurStu Student Life SUU Online
