The Essential Back-to-School Survival Guide: Online-Student Edition
Joel Milani, Copywriter, YouShouldGoToSchool.com

Back to school season is in full swing—which is great news if you plan to attend a traditional college. Every retail outlet in the country is hawking cheap dorm room furniture, mini refrigerators and designer clothes to students preparing to make transition from home to college. Unfortunately, despite all of the back to school sales, tips and guides out there, the online student is often overlooked.

The New Student

In the fall of 2008, over 25% of students took at least one class online. That number will continue to grow as non-traditional education becomes an integral part of the college experience. Making the switch from learning in a classroom to learning online will take some getting used to. Over time, you'll figure out what works best, but knowing a bit about what to expect can greatly improve your chances for success.

Stay Productive and Motivated

One of the most difficult obstacles online students face is the necessity for self-motivation. It's easy to conjure a romantic idea of online education —you get to sleep in, create your own schedule and (barring webcams) take tests in your underwear. However, when you're taking classes at a college campus, motivation comes more easily, since studying is what the space was intended for. When it comes to studying at home, the relaxing environment and tempting distractions can be hard to ignore. It's important to realize that early on, and take steps to stay focused. Find a place to study regularly, whether it's your living room, the public library or a local coffee shop. 

Stay Awake

An important rule for any online student is do not study in bed! The bed is for sleeping, and your body knows that. You'll waste a lot of time fighting to stay awake, and a lot of money on coffee and energy drinks if you use your bed as a study spot. Buy a desk. Study there. Better still, put the desk in a ‘study,' which can be any room you don't sleep in. Separating your school life and home life can be a challenge, but will help you focus and stay motivated.

Stay Informed

Going to school online usually means limited contact with the professor and classmates. You'll have to make an extra effort to stay on top of assignment due dates, test dates and when course material is covered—use a day planner or keep one on your computer. Since lectures will also occur less frequently, if they happen at all, you'll have to rely on a certain amount of self-teaching. Knowing where to go and who to ask when you have questions is very important. Participate in class message boards if available, and reach out to the professor or other students when you need help with coursework.

Stay Fed

Although you'll be spared the greasy vats of processed cafeteria food, you still have to eat. As a poor college student without 24 hour cafeteria access, you'll want to make a list of inexpensive, healthy, meals (ramen instant noodles doesn't count). Here are a few suggestions to get you started: beans (baked, or in burrito form), bananas, tuna, pasta, corn, eggs and potatoes. Buy ingredients rather than processed meals to eat better for less, and remember to be creative—it's the hungry college student's secret weapon. Cliff bars, Odwalla bars, trail mix or other natural snacks can be an inexpensive, healthy source of quick energy. Also, save money by brewing your own coffee. Try a French press coffee maker for an easy, inexpensive and delicious caffeine fix.

Stay Comfortable

After all, online education is also about comfort—a comfortable learning environment, comfortable clothes and, above all, a comfortable chair. You'll be sitting a lot, so invest in a chair that you can sit in for hours on end—it may be the most powerful study tool you have.