Things you may not have expected about studying online

As I began to prepare to start my studies through Open Universities Australia (OUA), I formed a mental image of what I'd be doing for the next three years. Once I received some course materials and welcome letters, this mental image started to change. Once I got access to the "student portals," it shattered completely. So to share the knowledge, here are six things you may not have known about studying online.

1. Not all units have audio lectures
   This little detail surprised me more than anything else I discovered. I had assumed that I would be downloading weekly audio lectures for each unit but in reality, only one of my classes for the entire first year of study has a lecture. Instead, learning is managed through readings, exercises and tasks and discussion forums (much like tutorials).
2. Your course will not be purely "online"
   The obvious exception to this rule is the textbooks you'll need to purchase but you can also expect a heavy study guide and dossier of readings to show up in the mail. Some courses also have invigilated exams that you'll be required to travel to. Don't worry, most offer exam locations in multiple states and even countries. 
3. Forum participation is often graded
   Every comment, every post, every response you make to someone else may make up part of your grade. This inspires a level of paranoia you may never have experienced before. You will craft the most exquisitely worded sentences of your life in search of the perfect grade. 
4. Your units may not all be from the same university
   There are typically limitations on how many elective units you may select from other universities but it may surprise you to learn that some of your required core units are only offered from other institutes. It is never a large number but check in advance if you have any as you'll need to adjust to using a different student portal. 
5. Facebook is suddenly going to become a key part of your study routine
   Social media is your new best friend. Make sure you search for facebook groups for you degree and for individual classes. These are often more lively and open than the formal discussion boards and students are far more honest. It's also worth asking someone who has taken your courses before if they will mentor you and keep you motivated. 
6. You might be better at studying than you think you are
   The majority of people studying online are mature aged students (which in these circumstances just means over 20). Most haven't studied in some time and it doesn't take long to realise you've forgotten most of the studying techniques you had previously. This is a blessing in disguise. I was pants at focussing when I was in my teens. As an adult, it is much easier to develop a decent routine, to stay motivated and to complete all your weekly work. You will probably be better at this than you expected.