Solved: How to Find a Study Partner as an Online Student

Enrolling in an online school can have a lot of benefits. Flexible classes allow you to balance all the responsibilities you have in your life, like your job and family obligations, while still earning a degree. Online discussion boards and regularly communicating with your instructor can help you stay on top of assignments and make sure you’re learning key skills but having one classmate to count on can help make studying easier. Finding an online study buddy is the key.

A study buddy is someone who can help you stay focused, share notes with you, prepare for tests with you or help you understand difficult concepts. Finding a study buddy when you’re taking classes online might not seem possible, but it is! Taking advantage of available technology like email, instant messaging or video chatting can help you make a connection with your classmates. There are several things to consider when looking for a study partner.

How to Find a Study Partner

1. Monitor online discussions

In a traditional class you might look for a study buddy who sits in the front row, adds frequently to class discussions and can be seen scribbling notes throughout class. Those can be difficult observations to make in online courses. But, carefully monitoring online discussion boards can be a good way of seeing who shares your level of commitment to a class.

2. Use Social Media

Many colleges engage with existing students through Facebook groups, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and other channels. While they may share study tips and tricks, career information, and other helpful resources, you can also connect with others who attend the same college!

3.Think about your needs

Everyone needs a study buddy for different reasons, so think about what you might need and what you can offer. Sometimes it’s helpful to look for someone who has the same career interests or study preferences as you. Or you can try to find someone who excels in the parts of a class where you don’t. Also, don’t forget that you’ll be a study buddy too so knowing what help you can offer the other person is important.

4. Ensure they are Dependable

No matter what you decide, you need to make sure you pick a study buddy who is dependable and will help you focus instead of being a distraction. Having someone flake when you’re counting on them to study for a test or compare notes can not only be a disappointment but could set you back in your studies. Additionally, getting along and becoming friends with a study buddy is great – just make sure he or she is someone who also can concentrate well so you can stay focused on what’s most important. Ultimately, a study buddy should help provide motivation to do better in a class. If they don’t, it may be time to find someone new.

Once you find a study buddy, you’ll need to get their contact information and use online platforms such as Zoom in order to communicate, study, and ask questions. Once you have found the best
communication methods for collaborative learning, you can also use shared file tools such as OneDrive or Google docs to have study information in one place.

Earning a degree is a big commitment and a good step to advancing or changing your career. Finding someone that is just as dedicated and can help you reach your goal can go a long way in helping you earn a degree! Bryant & Stratton College is committed to helping its students succeed. For more information about available online degree programs at the College, please call 1.888.447.3528 to speak with an admissions representative or check out our online learning pages.