Studying online is a great option for people with a busy schedule, giving you lots of flexibility to study when it suits you and balance it amongst your other priorities like work and family. It can however sometimes feel a bit lonely when you’re spending time studying alone in your room.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While you may feel like you are missing out on opportunities to engage with your peers because you aren’t studying on campus, thanks to social media and the technology that is set up as part of your course means that you still have opportunities to connect with other students.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here are a few tips on how to connect with your online peers, so you can get the most out of your study experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Even though studying online doesn\u2019t have to be an isolating experience, it\u2019s very normal for online students to worry about not making friends. Keep this in mind when reaching out to new people \u2013 they\u2019re probably happy to have someone to talk to!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Blackboard should be your first port of call when it comes to reaching out to the students that are studying the same units as you, and you should make the effort to regularly engage with the different discussion boards<\/a> for your units. While the conversation threads may revolve primarily around your study topics, you can still use them to gauge interest from other students in setting up an online study group!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Many students use Facebook Messenger or Groups or WhatsApp chats to manage group assignments and help each other out with their studies, so why not set up a similar group with your online peers? This is a good way to improve your work and to connect with people in your course in a less academic setting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Group assignments can be tricky to navigate but on the plus side, they\u2019re a great opportunity for you to meet people in your course. Introduce yourself to your group members and try to get to know them \u2013 you never know, you might end up gaining a new friend!<\/p>\n\n\n\n There is a wide range of events held at Curtin that are available online for students, including study skills workshops, wellbeing tips sessions, career development sessions and more. Although you are studying online, it’s important to remember that you still can use on-campus facilities and attend in-person events. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You can discover what’s happening by visiting the My Campus tab on OASIS<\/a> and favouriting the events that interest you.<\/p>\n\n\n\nOrganise an online study group with social media<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Make the most of group assignments and exercises<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Participate in online events<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Join a Guild club<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n