A day in the life of a distance learning student at Huddersfield

What's it like studying online?

Juggling my studies, running my own business, and managing personal responsibilities with a one-year-old from home requires motivation, discipline, and adaptability. Every distance learning student’s schedule is different, however, I fit in around two days of study per week for the online, part-time Management MSc. The time in between is devoted to my family and work commitments. Here’s a glimpse into my daily routine on a study day - sunrise to sunset.

7 AM:

The sound of the alarm clock buzzing or sometimes my one-year-old rouses me from a deep sleep. The early hours are crucial, as they set the tone for the entire day. I make a cup of tea and take a moment to check my phone for any urgent emails or notifications from my tutors or classmates whilst also catching up on social media.  

8 AM:

After breakfast, I ensure my son is ready to be dropped off at my mum's and then I head to my desk. As a distance learning student, my workspace is crucial - it needs to be quiet, free from distractions, and comfortable enough to keep me productive. I take a few moments to plan my schedule for the day. This usually consists of self-study, multiple-choice question tests and independent reading. On the Management MSc, I have one lecture online every month, which allows students to benefit from peer-to-peer interaction and ask lecturers questions to fully understand the course content.

9 AM:

With my desk set up and my materials ready, I log into the online learning platform. The virtual lecture begins with a click of a button. Distance learning doesn’t have the same social dynamics as in-person classes, but the lecturer is engaging, and the material is fascinating. There are also people on the course from all over the world with different experiences, so it is very interesting to learn from others and engage in conversations. There’s a level of self-reliance that comes with online education. It’s up to me to remain focused and manage my time effectively without the physical presence of a classroom to keep me on track. I’m used to it now, but at first, it was difficult. The beauty of distance learning is that I can manage several tasks at once, though it requires a fine balance to avoid overloading myself.

11 AM:

After the lecture ends, I take a short break. I walk around the house, stretch my legs, and grab a quick snack. It’s important to step away from the screen, every so often, to prevent burnout. The break allows me to recharge and clear my mind before diving into more academic work. It’s challenging to focus for extended periods, but I’ve learned to break my study sessions into manageable chunks with frequent short breaks in between.

Online learning gives me the flexibility to structure my day but also means I must be self-motivated.

1 PM:

At this point in the day, I’m likely to catch up with my business. I own a Kumon Maths and English centre, so I’m busy responding to emails, answering phone calls, or planning for upcoming enrolments.

3 PM:

Writing can be one of the most challenging aspects of completing an MSc, as it requires deep concentration and a lot of time spent refining ideas. I’m often surprised at how productive I can be when I eliminate distractions. There’s a certain satisfaction in completing a paragraph and feeling like I’ve made significant progress toward my deadline.

5 PM:

Being a distance learner means I spend a lot of time in front of a screen, and I’ve learned that regular physical activity is essential to staying healthy. I do a short workout or go for a brisk walk to clear my mind and release any built-up tension.

6 PM:

I prepare dinner, which is usually something quick and healthy. After eating, I take time to unwind, watch a show, read a book, or even engage in a hobby like online shopping. It’s important to balance my studies with time for relaxation. Distance learning allows for flexibility, but without downtime, the pressure can build up quickly.

8 PM:

As the evening winds down, my son comes back home, and I spend some time with him. We read books together and he loves cuddling up with me. After his bottle of milk and his nap, I review the work I’ve completed that day and set goals for the next day. I double-check my assignment deadlines, review upcoming lectures, and make sure I’ve completed everything I need for the day. Before heading to bed, I look at my to-do list and organise my workspace ready for the morning ahead. Online learning can sometimes feel isolating, but the flexibility and self-discipline it fosters have made me a more focused and capable student.

10 PM:

I end my day by unwinding and heading to bed. Distance learning isn’t always easy, but it offers the freedom to study on my terms. I find this very useful as a business owner and a new mum. Each day is different, yet it’s always filled with the pursuit of knowledge and personal growth. I would recommend distance learning study for these reasons and more.

To wrap up

My days vary quite a lot. Whenever my husband has a day off work, we head out and make sure we spend time together as a family. I absolutely love being a distance learning student as I can balance everything accordingly while doing the things I love the most.

So, that was what a typical study day looks like for me. Thank you for reading and I hope you have a blessed day! 😊

If you have a query, please contact the Distance Learning team.

Please read this helpful blog to find out the differences between on-campus and online study.