The World’s Most Boring (but Successful!) Student
When I was an undergraduate attending college in a traditional institution, I’m convinced that the only reason I got anything done was because I had a pretty standard routine. I wasn’t the world’s most exciting college student, but I got good grades and kept from going insane as opposed to my dorm-mates who were always scrambling to get things done.
The traditional college student has a lot more freedom to be successful without such a strict (or boring) routine. They have the benefit of being in an academic environment for the majority of the day; everyone they’re around is attending school too. They have a library a bike-ride away, meals are prepared, and just the nature of sitting in the classroom for hours each day makes it almost impossible to forget you’re there to earn a degree.
Online learning is a whole other ball game. The majority of you have very little in your life reminding you to earn your degree! Family, work, friends, and the “real-world” are all vying for your attention. To keep your sanity, establishing a routine is almost as important to your success as an online student as studying. Establishing a routine can be as simple as setting aside time every day or every week that’s specifically for school. But for many of you, establishing an actual schedule may be even more important. Try these few steps:
- Think about what you do on a daily basis. Do you work out every morning? Do you make meals for your family? Do you go to work? Do you attend any other activities?
- Look at how much of those things you can make a daily routine. The more that you can build into habits, the better. What do you want to do more frequently in your schedule?
- Write it down. Take some time to look at the time in your week that isn’t flexible. I’ll bet you have more time left over for school and fun than you thought. Then pencil in school as much as possible.
- Buy a calendar! I can’t emphasize this enough. It doesn’t matter if it’s a planner, a weekly calendar, a daily journal—whatever it is, it needs to be able to help you and your family keep the routine straight. Consider whether it will be most helpful to post a schedule or calendar where the family can see it, or do you just need to keep a personal planner?
Then finally, be prepared to let it slip every once and awhile. I might have been a boring undergrad most of the time, but I certainly enjoyed myself and took time for friends and fun. Do the same. Routine will keep you sane, but being prepared to let it go now and again will make it worthwhile.
