How to stay connected when you don’t study on campus

By Anna Craig 

Studying online comes with a different set of challenges compared to being on campus. Without those everyday interactions, it’s easy to feel a bit disconnected from the wider uni community. If you’re finding it hard to meet people or missing that sense of belonging, don’t worry, these are normal feelings. Better yet, there are things you can do that will help! 

“When you think about the experience of your average online student compared to an on-campus student, the most obvious difference is the social aspect. The lack of student clubs, hangouts at cafes and bars, or college events – even something as simple as studying in groups or chatting about your study experiences with fellow students can be far more difficult in remote study.” – Jacob Hunt, Student Engagement Coordinator 

This blog will run through some ways you can stay connected during your online studies at UNE. Step outside of your comfort zone and give one of these a try! 

Visit UNE Life Digital HQ 

The UNE Life Digital HQ is a unique and interactive platform just for UNE students. A virtual campus for UNE students, Digital HQ hosts regular events and competitions to keep you connected. Meet up with friends and explore the campus, hold a cosy study session or even just hop on to have a chat!

The Digital HQ consists of three programs: our MyLearn page, which is designed to be the hub for online students to communicate, organise events and get information that they might need; Gather Town, a virtual online space with meeting rooms, study areas and spaces to hang out and socialise; and HQ Now, a daily radio show targeted exclusively at online students, with everything they need to know.

Access the Digital HQ MyLearn site and engage with forums, stay up-to-date with our digital events calendar or join a group study session.  

“The goal is to give online students what they might have lacked before: connection to their fellow students. Whether you’re hoping to organise or attend a club event, study with some friends, or just hang out and chat to unwind between lectures, the Digital HQ is the place to be. We’ve got everything from virtual film clubs and pool clubs, to study sessions and club events planned, and you can attend them all from the comfort of your own home. It’s really the best way to make the most out of your university experience as an online student!”” – Jacob Hunt, Student Engagement Coordinator 

Take advantage of this online ecosystem designed specifically to keep you in touch with the UNE community. Hop on today and try it out!  

 Join a Club  

Club atmospheres are a great informal way of meeting new like-minded people. UNE is home to many clubs and societies. Our clubs and societies bring groups together based on united academic, sporting and social interests. No matter what you study or what you’re interested in, there’s a club for you.   

You might be thinking, “But I’m an online student, so I can’t participate.” Wrong!  Many of our clubs and societies run online events aimed at reaching the wider UNE community. Plus, if you can’t find exactly what you’re looking for, students can always apply to create a brand new club!

‘One of the greatest things about our Clubs program is the way it showcases a variety of student communities.  Not just those on-campus or within our colleges but also across our online space and academic networks.  Additionally, being a part of a club can break you out of that independent and sometimes isolated learning experience, demonstrating that you’re part of something bigger and connecting with students similar to yourself.” – Nick Troon, Student Programs Coordinator

So have a browse now and find a club that piques your curiosity.  

Attend your Zoom Lectures and Tutorials Live 

A good deal of university friendships are forged in lectures. Whilst you may not necessarily be walking to classes on a campus, online learning still occurs in a collaborative environment amongst people with similar interests to you. Attending your online Zoom lectures and tutorials live with your peers gives you the opportunity to socialise while you learn. Tutorials in particular often involve hands-on group work and discussions, breaking the ice between you and your classmates.  

Engage and ask questions, actively participate in online classes and add comments in the forums. You’ll be sure to meet a classmate you connect with. Even if strong friendships aren’t what you’re looking for, sometimes just conversing regularly with acquaintances is a good method for keeping loneliness at bay. And who knows, you might even find a new study buddy or a professional connection.  

Going to an Intensive School?  

Intensive schools are mandatory for some units, even if your study mode is online only. These are another great opportunity to meet your classmates, but this time in person. You may have met a few from your class already! Keep in mind that if you’re nervous, everyone else there is likely feeling the same way. It’s a new environment for everyone, so be kind to yourself.  

Looking to mingle outside your academic area? Each intensive period UNE Life hosts a series of events, most famously our free lunches. These events are exclusively for intensive students and give you the opportunity to meet other students visiting the campus (and get some free food!). So meet up, mingle and swap contact details with whoever you connect with. Follow UNE Life Events and Catering on social media to stay updated about events happening during your next intensive school.  

Resources

Next time you’re feeling isolated during your studies, give one of these methods a try. However, if feelings of loneliness are severely impacting you and your ability to function in daily life, there is more support available. Reachout Australia has some great self-help resources you can try implementing to overcome these feelings.  

If you require more help, Advocacy and Welfare can point you to the right services. Book a free and confidential consultation here or call (02) 6773 3116. Studying online doesn’t have to be isolating. Take the steps you need to connect and thrive with the UNE community.