How to juggle work, life and online study

Studying online while working? Here's how to make it work.

Returning to study while managing the demands of work and personal life can feel daunting. It's a significant transition, and academic success hinges on more than just intellectual capability. This article provides practical strategies to help you navigate the complexities of balancing your various commitments, from effective time management techniques to leveraging available support resources. Whether you're embarking on your academic journey for the first time or returning after a period away, these insights will empower you to flourish in your studies.

Take time to adjust

Whether this is your first time at university, or you’re coming back after some time in the workforce, it can be a bit of a mental adjustment to go back into a learning environment. It can be challenging balancing tutorials, assignments, weekly tasks and lectures all surrounding content that could be quite different to what you’re used to dealing with every day. Give yourself some time to get used to an academic environment and make use of the orientation resources where you can. For example, the University of New England (UNE) has an Academic Skills Office that is designed to help you become an independent and confident learner. They have resources on how to write assignments and references, develop your study skills, and refresh your study, writing and mathematics skills. These tools will help you quickly thrive in your new studies, so make sure you make good use of them!

Planning is your friend

One of the more challenging aspects of balancing life, work and study is time management. The great thing about university is that the course structures and requirements are typically laid out at the beginning of the study period, including upcoming exams, assignments, class timetables and more. At the start of your study period, take the time to put all your assessment due dates and exams in your calendar. This will help you smooth out your workload and avoid unnecessary stress.

As a rule of thumb, allow 12–15 hours a week for each unit of study — whether that’s listening to lectures, revising content, preparing for the next week, or completing assessments.

Consider creating a weekly or fortnightly timetable with all your lectures, pracs, tutorials and other commitments laid out, including setting time aside to practice self care such as exercise or rest. It might seem restrictive at first, but it can be an incredible mental relief to firmly set aside time for specific activities rather than being pulled in two directions.

Learn how to fit study around your life, rather than the other way around

Going to a university that prioritises distance and online education creates a level of flexibility in your learning schedule which was unheard of in most major universities just a few years ago. You could listen to a lecture on your commute, at the gym or while you do the dishes, convert course materials to eBooks, or fit in a quick study session on your lunch break. UNE has delivered online study for over 70 years – so the systems are built for people like you. Just be smart about multitasking. Use small windows of time wisely, but also protect blocks of time where you can focus properly.

Ask for help when you need it

Just because you may be studying online does not mean that you’re studying alone. At UNE, you get access to 24/7 tutor support, so you don’t need to worry about contact hours. If you need a draft assignment looked at, you can receive detailed feedback in less than 24 hours. You’ll also have access to services such as academic literacy and assignment support, as well as after-hours support (3pm–12am) for foundational skills in areas such as maths, science, business studies, accounting, economics and statistics.

You have access to faculty, classmates, group pages, support services and more that can help you get the information and help you need, when you need it. Faculty members are there to help you do the best that you can, and can help you clarify course content, gain additional context for assignments and discuss results to help you improve for next time.

If you’re feeling significant levels of stress, you can also get in touch with UNE’s Student Counselling and Psychological Services, who can offer you professional support at any stage of your academic journey. They’ll be able to offer you professional support.

Balancing life, work, and study is a challenge, but it's absolutely doable. By taking the time to adjust, planning effectively, utilising flexible learning options, and reaching out for help when needed, you can set yourself up for success. Remember, you're not alone in this journey. Universities like UNE are equipped with resources and support systems designed specifically to help students like you thrive. Embrace the challenge, utilise the tools available, and you'll be well on your way to achieving your academic and career goals.