When classes were first announced to go online due to COVID-19, my initial thought was that I was getting off easy this semester. But, after my third week of completing online classes, I have finally concluded that online school is surprisingly no better, dare I say it’s actually worse than attending regular classes. 

Since school has gone online, I’ve struggled with staying focused and keeping motivated especially with so much tragedy and fear in the News surrounding COVID-19. But, as I’m writing this, I have three assignments, three group projects, and six exams coming up in the next few weeks before the term ends. In light of this, I thought I’d research and share a few ways to stay focused while working remotely. 

The first way to maintain productivity while studying at home is to find a workspace that is clear of any distractions. Changing up your workspace from time to time is also helpful if you often get stuck in mid-day slumps. 

Next, try to structure your day-to-day life similar to what a regular day at university would have looked like for you. For example, if you woke up early during the regular semester, try to carry this throughout the remainder of the online semester. Maintaining your old routines will limit the number of disruptions that you may be experiencing in your workflow while transitioning to online school.  

Lastly, maintaining support systems during this time is probably one of the best ways to stay on track. Don’t be afraid to contact your professors or classmates online if you feel stuck on class material or need additional guidance through this challenging time.