Student Login
1. Log in to your class early
This may sound somewhat obvious, but students who log into their classes earlier in their first week tend to be more successful. By logging in early, you can check out the course, the syllabus, and the expectations. It also helps set the tone for the quarter and minimize procrastination.
2. Develop a plan for your coursework
If you log in to your class early, this also gives you an opportunity to create a schedule. Figure out when your assignments and discussion posts are due and when any quizzes or tests are scheduled and add them to your calendar/planner. This will help you to stay organized throughout the quarter and ensure that you don’t have any surprise, last-minute tasks. You might also want to consider adding some dedicated study blocks to ensure that you have time to complete all of your tasks.
3. Reach out to your professor
Even though this is an online class, your professor is still a huge asset! Don’t be afraid to reach out early and introduce yourself or add your professor on LinkedIn. It’s easier to get to know them earlier in the quarter so that you feel more comfortable reaching out later if you have any questions or need help on assignments. CityU’s practitioner-facutly can also be a great addition to your professional network.
4. Connect with your classmates
Connecting with classmates can also be a huge benefit. There is a good chance that many of them have not previously done online class either and might be anxious about starting a new challenge. Your peers could be potential study buddies, and this is a great way to start building a support system for your academic journey. It is also very likely that you will have group projects throughout your program, so it’s helpful to start making those connections early.
Stressed about group work? Check out these tips on Navigating Group Work as an Online Learner.
5. Stay positive
Returning to school is hard and it is easy to get overwhelmed. But try not to worry! Everyone is starting out on the same page and has the same concerns, but we’re here to help you succeed! Remember to be kind to yourself and take breaks as needed. If you feel yourself getting too stressed, reach out to a professor or classmate for help. Also, share updates with your friends and family. Keeping them in the loop will allow them to cheer you on and help you stay motivated.
Still need help? Our advisors are here to help you every step of the way. We also have a Counseling Center dedicated to helping our students and community.
In Conclusion
Making the decision to return to school is not easy and you should be proud of yourself for investing in your future. Whether you’re looking to improve upon existing skills or transition into a new career or step up the corporate ladder, earning your degree is a huge achievement! Starting your online course work is the first step of the journey and we look forward to helping you succeed.
