How to make the most of your first semester in college if you're starting virtually

• Many incoming freshmen will begin their college educations virtually this fall rather than attending in-person classes.
• To help students make the most of their virtual semesters, Insider spoke with two former students about their tips and tricks for managing online school.
• Emily Stancil Martinez and Zachary Hall recommend that those taking virtual courses should follow a daily routine, hone their time-management skills, and invest in equipment to make learning easier.
• Socializing is also possible online, from attending virtual coffee meetings to joining digital Greek life.

To keep students and educators safe from the coronavirus pandemic, some colleges across the US are hosting online classes this fall.

Learning virtually can be a big adjustment after spending more than a decade in actual classrooms. To help students make the most of their online semesters, Insider spoke with two graduates about the tips and tricks they learned after years of taking virtual classes.

Here's what they recommend, from socializing online to honing your time-management skills.

Get into a routine the same way you would if attending school on campus

Attending college from home might inspire you to work in your pajamas while stationed on your couch. But according to Emily Stancil Martinez — who earned two graduate degrees through online courses — you might want to rethink that plan.

Instead, she recommends "getting into a routine" and "getting dressed for class."

"Don't stay in bed in your pajamas," Martinez told Insider. "Get dressed as if you were going to in-person classes."

In doing so, you'll be able to create a structured mindset that has you focused more on learning than lounging.

Martinez, who now works as the chief of staff to IBM President Jim Whitehurst, said it's also important to "have a space in your home that is for school only." That could be a desk where you do most of your work, or an entire room where you'll spend the "school day."

Regardless of where you choose, you'll want to make sure the space is relaxing, comfortable, and free of distractions.

Hone your time-management skills

Zachary Hall earned his graduate degree online while working as the mascot for the Arizona Diamondbacks baseball team. Speaking to Insider, he said his commitment to school is what helped him balance assignments with work, family time, and his social life.

"At first I thought I would be able to do school anytime, but I quickly learned I was most productive getting my coursework done at the start of the day," Hall told Insider. "I committed to waking up early when possible so it was off my plate."

He added that it's "very easy to get sidetracked with social media" when learning online, but that creating a schedule and managing your time can help you beat that temptation — especially when working on group assignments.

"You're on your own time to get these things done, and while you may not interact in person with your classmates, they're still counting on you to get your end done," Hall said.

Make sure you have a comfortable chair, high-speed internet, and school gear

Hall told Insider that high-speed internet and a great computer were extremely helpful to him when completing his online courses. He also found over time that he could "retain more" by actually writing his notes in physical books rather than typing them out.

Martinez, on the other hand, said students should prioritize getting a comfortable chair and desk, as well as a quality webcam and headset. Once you have those, she recommends decorating your space with "swag" and photos from your school.

"It will help you feel like you're there in spirit, even if you can't be there physically," Martinez said.

Remember that socializing is possible, even if you can't meet your classmates in person

"It may seem more difficult to build real connections online, but the truth is, younger generations know how to do so better than anyone," Martinez said.

She specifically suggests "connecting with folks after class through social media" and "creating a social routine."

"For my Columbia program, we put together a Facebook group that everyone in my cohort was a member of," she said of her online-school experience. "Even if we couldn't connect directly with each other every day, we could post and share things on our group page and stay connected that way."

Hall agreed, and said it ultimately comes down to "making yourself available" and being "willing to connect."

When participating in online chats, coffee meetings, or happy hours with classmates, Martinez says it's a good idea to have an area of your home where you don't usually complete schoolwork.

"Much like you probably wouldn't do a coffee break or happy hour in a classroom, you shouldn't make a habit of doing your social, online calls in the space where you do the majority of your class work," she said. "Keep them separate and distinct if you can."

If you're looking to get even more involved in traditionally on-campus activities like Greek life, for example, check what options are available through your school. Getting involved in such programs might be easier than you'd think.

Towson University detailed on its website how sororities and fraternities have created Zoom events — including yoga classes, crafting lessons, and more — for its members throughout the pandemic. Florida State University has also designated a page of its website to helping students navigate Greek life online.

It's important to embrace your online education, even if it's not ideal

Many freshmen students attending online classes this fall might not necessarily have planned on doing so when they applied to school. Still, Hall says it helps to look at the bright side and "remind yourself that you're still learning."

"There are so many resources available online today, and the world is your oyster," he said. "My favorite part of doing online school was that you can learn from anywhere. I completed course work in Central Park, numerous MLB ballparks, and at the Sydney Opera House in Australia!"

Martinez added that virtual classes might better prepare students for their futures than in-person courses.

"We live in a globally connected world, so it's likely that as students enter the workforce, they'll be working with distributed team members that they'll see over the computer more than in-person," she said. "Getting used to working and collaborating that way will be essential for this next generation."

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