5 Things Every First-Time Online Student Should Do to Start the School Year Strong
Starting school online can feel different from what you expected. Online learning offers a lot of flexibility, but you are in charge of creating a structure that works for you.
It may seem daunting at first, but that’s why we put together these tips to help
you build habits you can use to set yourself up for success.
1. Get Familiar with eCampus Before Classes Begin
At WVU, eCampus is where you will access your courses and complete much of your coursework. While navigating eCampus will become second nature once you’re more familiar, you shouldn’t wait until your first assignment is due to figure out where everything lives.
Walk through the platform using our “Intro to eCampus” checklist:
- Log in to eCampus
- Open each course
- Read the syllabus
- Check assignment due dates
- Review required materials
- Look for any instructor announcements
- Identify and resolve technology or access issues before classes begin.
Key Takeaway: Log in early, explore your courses, and work out issues with access or technology before your first day of class.
2. Put School on Your Calendar
One of the biggest aspects of time management for new online students is effectively structuring your time without physically going to class.
Review your syllabi and create a weekly schedule that includes time for reading, assignments, studying, and participation. It should be deeper than just due dates. If you work or have family responsibilities, include all of that to help you decide when schoolwork will fit into your existing routine.
From talking with online students, many have shared that creating recurring blocks of time on their calendars helps them carve out consistent time every week for coursework.
The goal isn’t to follow your schedule perfectly, but rather to create a realistic starting point and adjust it as you get comfortable balancing classwork and real-life responsibilities.
As you continue your journey, you’ll see what works for you and what doesn’t. There is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ solution, so don’t be afraid to make changes to your workflow if it will make things easier on you.
Key Takeaway: Keeping an up-to-date calendar will help you stay on top of your assignments and responsibilities.
3. Treat Online Coursework Like a Real Class
The flexibility of online learning doesn't mean there is less work. It means you have more freedom to decide when and where that work gets done.
The goals of your program are simple: Complete your assignments on time while absorbing as much information as possible. How you accomplish those goals, in a lot of cases, is up to you.
Whether you’re in school full-time or completing your education around a 40+ hour workweek, it’s important to be as involved as you can to ensure your success.
Check eCampus and your WVU email regularly. Start assignments before the deadline when possible and participate in discussions. Those discussions are also a great place to connect with your peers and build community.
An overlooked part of online learning is visibility. Your instructor may not know you're struggling unless you communicate. There is no such thing as a dumb question, and remember that your professors are there to help. Reach out when something isn't clear.
Key Takeaway: Be a proactive communicator. Stay on top of your email and participate however you can. Don't wait until you're behind to ask for help.
Photo: WVU students catch up on a bench near the Mountainlair on campus at the start of the school year.
4. Know Where to Find Help Before You Need It
You don't have to figure out online college on your own. WVU Online's Student Experience page is a good starting point for learning more about the support available to online students.
You can also bookmark the Student Success Resources page, which brings together a robust list of resources offered to students. Some of the standout Student Services are:
- Mental Health Resources: You have access to 6 free online therapy sessions from BetterMynd through the WVU Carruth Center
- WVU Libraries: The library staff is available to help you with research, as well as give you access to a wide collection of digital materials. There are also distance services where the library will ship needed materials to your home. For a full list of services and resources offered by the libraries, check out our dedicated article.
- Eberly Writing Studio: All WVU students have access to peer consultants who can help you improve your writing.
- StudentLingo Workshops: You have access to 50 different workshops that will help you develop important skills, like effective studying strategies, tips for work-life balance, or how to better understand class material all in an effort to help you excel in your academics.
- Tutoring: If you need extra help with some of your classwork, student tutoring is available in several different areas.
Outside of these resources, you can always access the ITS Help Desk for technical assistance or access the WVU Hub for help with any administrative needs.
Take a few minutes to explore these resources before you need them. Knowing where to turn for academic, technical, or other support can make it easier to act when a problem comes up.
Key Takeaway: Keep important resources accessible so you can quickly reference them whenever needed.
5. Plan for the Problems You Don't Expect
Your internet connection might fail or your computer could have an issue. A work shift or family emergency could suddenly change your plans.
You don't need a backup plan for every possibility, but knowing what you would do can prevent a small problem from becoming a missed deadline. Here are a few common scenarios that you may run into and some recommendations of how to handle them:
- What will you do if your internet goes out?
- Keep your instructor's contact information on your phone so you can communicate and keep them informed of your situation.
- Where could you work if you can’t study at home?
- Identify local coffee shops, libraries, or other community spaces where you feel comfortable as a 3rd place for completing coursework.
- What if you can't submit an assignment on time?
- Many courses have late work policies. Be sure to know what the specific policies are in your courses and communicate with your instructor as soon as possible. Have any relevant information available when that need arises.
Your first-semester routine probably won't be perfect from day one. Make small adjustments to your workflow as you go to make online learning more manageable.
Key Takeaway: Expect the unexpected, but don’t beat yourself up if things go wrong.
Your First Semester Doesn't Have to Be Perfect
Being prepared isn't about knowing everything before your first class. It's about knowing how to find information, managing your time, and asking for help when you need it.
Before the semester begins, take one practical step: log in to eCampus, review your courses, and explore WVU's student success resources. You don't need to have online college figured out. You just need to know where to start and where to go when you need help.