Recently UOnline hosted a webinar for new students, featuring a panel of University of Miami alumni who were tasked with providing advice and tips for incoming students. New students asked questions ranging from the UOnline experience to tips for time management. Let’s recap the best pieces of advice our alumni had to offer.
What Is Your Advice For The First Few Weeks of Class?
Settle into what it means to be in school again and experiment with different routines to find out what works best for you. Front-load your first week and getting a head start on the course.
5 days before the session begins. This is a great time to review the syllabus, learn about the faculty, and review the classmates you will be interacting with. It is also a great time to join a group. I recommend pairing up for group projects early so you don’t get left out.
How Should I Manage My Time?
Find those pockets in the day where you can best get things done. Try finding one window of opportunity to study each and every day and set aside an hour or two for reading or assignments. It does get challenging and you will have to make sacrifices in terms of time. However once you get into a groove, you will find a lot of ways to make it work.
How Many Hours a Week Can You Expect to Study?
It is dependent on the course and the week. However, you can expect about 25-30 hours per week. Some courses may come to you more naturally than others or take more effort depending on the assignments.
What is Due Each Week?
What is due varies from program-to-program and class-to-class. However, all class weeks start on Saturday and ends a Sunday. It is always beneficial to get the reading out of the way first and then tackle assignments. Often you will have both reading and an assignment due each week.
If you have a project coming up, do not leave it to the last minute! The professors are always there to support you. If you are going to be late or cannot submit on the due date, reach out to your professor to figure out an alternative plan.
How Are Groups Determined?
This is also dependent on the class. Some professors start the program by choosing groups. However in many programs, you will be able to make groups yourself. I recommend finding groups with people you don’t already know. It will maximize your experience in the program and give you the opportunity to learn from students you would not be able to interact with in another setting.
What are your Tips for Working with Classmates?
Group assignments are challenging, but also some of the most rewarding experiences. This is one of the best opportunities to get to know your classmates and form relationships. It is important to remember that everyone comes from different backgrounds and has different schedules. Make sure that you are able to show the value in your contribution.
Where Did You Go For Help?
Peers and classmates are a great place to start. From the get-go, it is helpful to form a support group with other students. This will become a great resource when you have questions or need help. If you can’t find the answer from your classmates, the professors are also very helpful and understanding. In the first week of each course ask your professor how they want to communicate. Many have different preferences, but they are all available for support.
What Type of Networking Opportunities Did You Have
You will get opportunities to interact with classmates in weekly discussions and during group projects. You can also contact classmates directly through the blackboard platform. Many classes also hold weekly calls where you get a chance to interact directly with the professor and classmates.
