One of the biggest selling points of college is the student life experience: the parties, extracurriculars, and long-lasting friendships.
However, it’s an entirely different experience when you’re studying online and not interacting with classmates, peers, or professors in the physical sphere.
So, how do you get the best of both worlds and maintain the social side of your life with the educational side? Let’s find out:
Reach out to your online classmates and professors
One of the easiest things to do to build lasting friendships and social relationships is to reach out to your online classmates and professors. You might be able to find common ground and develop virtual friendships that can be carried forward beyond classes too.
Connect via social media and virtual interaction spaces
Once you get to know people in your classes, you can connect via social media and virtual spaces such as video call platforms, chatrooms, and others. These virtual hangs can be pretty exciting and bring a fresh new aspect to your interactions and student life experience.
Join private clubs and university-based student organizations
You can join different clubs, organizations, and activities outside of the university too. If you’re eligible for the organizations at Lakewood University, you can connect with other like-minded students from your cohort.
There are different types of clubs and organizations independent of your college, such as book clubs, gardening clubs, adventure clubs, and more. You may even play sports, join a band, or learn a new skill through different local organizations—just keep an eye out for activities that pique your interest.
Make time on weekends and days off to do something fun
Finding a balance between school and student life experience is key, so you need to make time to have fun and let loose too. Plan fun things with your friends on weekends when you’re free or during days off. It’s healthy to meet people, attend parties, and engage in fun social activities regularly, especially when studying online.
With online university, you have more time to yourself. You cut down on commuting, watch recorded lectures on your schedule, and avoid crowded dorms and campuses. Thus, online students often have more free time than their traditional counterparts, improving their work-life balance. It’s part of why people with pre-existing careers and families choose to attend online college.
Just because you’re enrolled at our fully online, accredited university doesn’t mean you can’t make friends or enjoy a fulfilling student life experience. You can explore various options locally and online and always connect with classmates and peers here at Lakewood University. Reach out to us if you’d like to know more about our student organizations and other details.
