In this article, we have decided to focus on online study, also referred to as remote study, a model that many universities have adopted recently given the current climate and restrictions that international students are facing. This adoption has encouraged many students to commence their study promptly, without having to delay their initial study plans.

We will discuss about the pros and cons, as well as some common misconceptions related to studying online. Many students have expressed their concerns to us on whether online study is an effective way for them, or if it’s worth paying the money without the full student experience physically on campus. In this edition, we’ll address them all.

Pros of studying online

Flexibility

• While there are certainly live lectures that require punctual attendance, there are also some lectures that are pre-recorded which would allow students to watch and re-watch anytime. 
• This offers students some flexibility to set their own study schedule to fit their needs or at a time that can improve their study effectiveness. 
• This study model may particularly respond well to students who prefer less-rigid study timetables. 

Lower cost

• Some universities are also offering tuition fees at a reduced rate, which can help lessen the financial burden on students and parents. 
• On top of that, you can also save some money on your living expenses since there is no need to be physically on-campus for your study.

Interactivity and comfort

• Though there is no face-to-face interaction, this doesn't mean that interactivity is low. 
• Similar to on-campus teaching, there will be regular one-on-one sessions with the academics and tutors, and the institutions are also putting in extra measure through messaging tools, internal chat rooms and videoconferencing to maintain classroom engagement within and beyond class hours. 
• Best of all, students can study from the comfort of their own home.

Time-saving

• Last but not least, with the availability of remote study, students will be able to start their study as planned, and graduate at the same time as they would, on-campus.

Cons of studying online

Student Community 

• Some of the on-campus student life experience may be compromised when you’re not physically on-campus, including the lack of opportunities to mingle with students outside your own class, and not being able to participate in activities and events held by clubs and societies in-person.

Discipline

• Admittedly, remote learning requires some self-discipline, focus as well as good time management skills. 
• It’s very easy to lose focus when you’re studying at the comfort of your own home, or if the bed is just right next to your study table. But the great news is that self-discipline is not an innate skill. Practice self-discipline and it will improve over time.

Online and remote study may feel a little overwhelming to many, but if you have enrolled yourself at an esteemed university, you can definitely expect to receive the same standards as you’d typically expect from the usual on-campus learning environment. The syllabus, the instructor, the workload (assignments, project work, assessment method) are pretty much the same (with probably a bit more flexibility on the timing perspective). 
 

We hope this article has been a good read, and has tackled some of the doubts that you’ve had previously. 
 

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