Online courses can involve a mix of synchronous and asynchronous work. Asynchronous work can feel liberating in the sense that you can decide when to do it. That’s also what makes it more challenging, especially when you take into consideration the very real and human need to feel motivated to sit down and work, and the strong tendency to procrastinate when deadlines seem flexible. Let’s talk about building routines and intentional habits that will help you get your online work done.
Create a weekly schedule.
Use a calendar to block out time for classes, self-care, and studying. Having all this information on your calendar reduces daily decision fatigue, helps you be more realistic about how much time you have, and ultimately makes you more likely to get things done.
Plan for the semester.
Gather all your deadlines, exams, and key dates at the start of the semester. Also note any significant personal obligations, such as planned trips. This helps you see busy weeks ahead of time and plan accordingly.
Set weekly goals.
Set personal weekly goals (not just deadlines from your instructors) to stay on track with readings, assignments, and online participation.
Work in shifts.
Schedule short, defined amounts of time to work on tasks because it’s easy to get distracted during open-ended study sessions. Set specific study goals for each shift. At the end of the shift, assess your progress and set goals for the next shift.
Plan your study breaks.
Don’t wait until you’re exhausted or frustrated—schedule breaks ahead of time. A planned 15-minute stretch or snack break can help you return to work with energy. Check out this post on Intentional Study Breaks for more ideas.
Use external accountability.
Meeting with study partners online, setting up virtual check-ins with your instructors or program staff, or even just telling a friend your goal can help you follow through.
Just get started.
Waiting for motivation doesn’t work. Start with just 10 minutes—even a small action builds momentum.
Written by: Julianne Reynolds, Associate Director of Academic Support and Learning Specialist for International Students
Cover image by Neysa Porter, Operations Supports Coordinator