If you have decided to get your next university degree online, then you’ve definitely made a great choice. Online degree courses widen your opportunities by providing you with the option to study at universities that you might not have been able to attend without relocating in the past. They also provide you with a higher degree of flexibility when it comes to when you study and how you fit your education around your work and personal life, rather than things being the other way around when you have classes and lectures to attend at set times.
However, one of the downsides of studying online is that unless you’re getting an online degree from a local university and have access to the facilities, you’re in charge of finding somewhere suitable for you to study. Although you can easily study from your sofa or even while lying in bed when your degree is online, this might not always be the most motivating option, and it can be hard to get yourself focused on something. With that in mind, here are some of the best options to consider if you are looking for somewhere to study for your online degree.
The Library
Most places have a local library nearby, and this can be an ideal option for you if you need somewhere quiet and free to spend time studying for your online DBA from Aston University. Libraries are quiet, making them a great place to stay focused, and you can also look through the books to see if there is anything interesting that might complement your course. You can sit in the library to read a book or get yourself a library membership and take them home to read. Plus, it’s a great place to find interesting new reads to enjoy in your downtime if you like. Modern libraries today are usually set up to be comfortable with quiet working areas, sofas, and tables that you can make full use of as a student. They also usually have free Wi-Fi or even access to computers and laptops if you don’t have yours with you. You’ll also find facilities like printers and photocopiers that you can use for a small fee.
Coffee Shops
If you need a cup of coffee or two to help you get through a long study session, then choosing a coffee shop as your study space of choice might be ideal for you. However, bear in mind that compared to libraries, coffee shops tend to be noisier, especially if you’re visiting at the peak time like the early morning. But if you tend to focus better when you have some ambient noise around you rather than deathly silence, then this might actually work in your favor. Coffee shops tend to have free Wi-Fi, although it’s worth investing in a VPN to log on since these networks are often not the most secure. And the best part is that you can get access to as much coffee as you want – maybe it is time to sign up for that loyalty card!
A Park
If it’s a nice day and you’ve been cooped up inside studying, there’s no need to miss out on the sunshine and fresh air. An outdoor study session in the park can be a great way to soak up some vitamin D and study in nature, which can help you feel more focused and refreshed. Some parks even have cafés and coffee shops that offer free Wi-Fi that you can take advantage of if you are close enough. Or, if your phone contract allows, you can simply tether from your 4G or 5G to get a connection on your laptop. However, the park can still be a good choice even if you’re not going to be able to get an internet connection. Make sure that you have downloaded all the resources that you need to access them offline, lay out your picnic blanket and snacks, and enjoy your time outdoors reading over your notes and resources or working on an assignment.
A Book Shop
If you have a local book shop that has some space for sitting and reading, this could make a perfect study space if the owners don’t mind. Book shops are a great source of information with lots of perfectly organized books and magazines that you can search through to find anything that might be relevant to what you are studying. Lots of book shops have an on-site café, which can be an ideal choice if you want to sit at a table and enjoy some good food and drink while taking advantage of the free Wi-Fi for studying.
Co-Working Spaces
Co-working spaces are becoming more and more popular as a larger percentage of the workforce is now working remotely or freelancing. These are designed to work in a similar way to an office where anybody can come to get some work done, which can also make them perfect for students. You will usually need to pay a fee to use the space, which will give you access to high-speed internet connections and any other facilities on offer. Studying in a co-working space can be an ideal choice for students who want the chance to network outside of their degree course, as it gives you the chance to mingle with people working in a wide range of careers.
Your Home Office
Last but not least, setting up a home office or a study is definitely recommended if you are embarking on an online degree course, as there are always going to be times when you don’t want to leave the house and want to get some work done. Having somewhere in your home that is set up for studying can help you focus better compared to working on the sofa. If you have a spare room in your home, this is an ideal place to set up an organized study space that is well-lit and comfortable. But if you don’t, then a quiet corner of your room or your kitchen can also work just as well.
Online degree courses are a great option for students who want more flexibility. But without classrooms or access to campus libraries, it’s important to find places around you that are ideal for getting work done.
