Online vs In-Person Masters: Could I Save my Uni Live?
So I'm in the process of choosing my masters and it mainly comes down to two main choices, one of them is fully online at another uni, while the other is in-person at my current uni. For a fairly shy and awkward person like me the online seems like the much better option. Not having to show my face at all or be around people, plus other benefits like not having to take a bus to uni that only comes once every hour. However, I'm still somewhat drawn to the in-person option for one primary reason: to try and get at least a small taste of university.
I've completely hated my time at university. All 3 years were pretty depressing for me. Not for a single moment in these 3 years I've ever felt like an actual student, I was never involved in anything, haven't made even a single friend, etc. I've never felt like I belonged or felt like a part of my university. But I still have that tiny hope that maybe things could turn around in another 2 years. So could they? I'm not one to start conversations or talk to people, but would people on masters courses be more willing to give me a chance and talk to me, unlike in my undergrad when no one even attempted to start a convo with me even once? Would I have more opportunities to feel more like a part of the uni, or would professors also give me more opportunities to engange with the uni on a different level? Or is it just going to be the exact same thing that's been happening for the past 3 years? I have no idea how to make these kinds of things happen myself so my only hope is that things do just fall in place for me, and I don't want to spend another 2 years hoping things will improve. So what should I do?
I've completely hated my time at university. All 3 years were pretty depressing for me. Not for a single moment in these 3 years I've ever felt like an actual student, I was never involved in anything, haven't made even a single friend, etc. I've never felt like I belonged or felt like a part of my university. But I still have that tiny hope that maybe things could turn around in another 2 years. So could they? I'm not one to start conversations or talk to people, but would people on masters courses be more willing to give me a chance and talk to me, unlike in my undergrad when no one even attempted to start a convo with me even once? Would I have more opportunities to feel more like a part of the uni, or would professors also give me more opportunities to engange with the uni on a different level? Or is it just going to be the exact same thing that's been happening for the past 3 years? I have no idea how to make these kinds of things happen myself so my only hope is that things do just fall in place for me, and I don't want to spend another 2 years hoping things will improve. So what should I do?
I suggest you choose the masters degree with the course outline that appeals to you the most and suit your skillset the best. That course maybe online or part-time or full-time university attendants. I personally would focus on achieving a good academic result.
As for interaction with people with the meet up site or fellow students join clubs and societies. In addition bumble,bumble bff and deal with people on a one to one.I would not speculate just take things as their come.
https://bumble.com/
You don't mention your degree subject or your interests may look to them as pointer for meeting person with shared interest. Alternatively try doing something unconventional to bring different people into your sphere. There are around 8 billion people in this world aside from family there with be someone you get on with and accepts your person and likewise you do them.
Gates Notes:
https://www.gatesnotes.com/
New Thinking Allowed:
https://www.newthinkingallowed.org/
Mentalist
https://www.youtube.com/@TheDeductionist221
Empath
https://drjudithorloff.com/
https://www.drmonalisa.com/
Intuitive
https://lauraday.com/
Finding Comfort in a complex world by Darren Brown
All the best...
As for interaction with people with the meet up site or fellow students join clubs and societies. In addition bumble,bumble bff and deal with people on a one to one.I would not speculate just take things as their come.
https://bumble.com/
You don't mention your degree subject or your interests may look to them as pointer for meeting person with shared interest. Alternatively try doing something unconventional to bring different people into your sphere. There are around 8 billion people in this world aside from family there with be someone you get on with and accepts your person and likewise you do them.
Gates Notes:
https://www.gatesnotes.com/
New Thinking Allowed:
https://www.newthinkingallowed.org/
Mentalist
https://www.youtube.com/@TheDeductionist221
Empath
https://drjudithorloff.com/
https://www.drmonalisa.com/
Intuitive
https://lauraday.com/
Finding Comfort in a complex world by Darren Brown
All the best...
Taking a masters degree in an attempt to improve your social life is a silly choice.
If you want friends/social connections then you need to get involved in activities with people with similar interests. Whether that’s work, volunteering or clubs/societies/social events.
Why would a stranger start a conversation with you? If you wanted conversations then you need to start them yourself.
If you want friends/social connections then you need to get involved in activities with people with similar interests. Whether that’s work, volunteering or clubs/societies/social events.
Why would a stranger start a conversation with you? If you wanted conversations then you need to start them yourself.
Original post by PQ
Taking a masters degree in an attempt to improve your social life is a silly choice.
If you want friends/social connections then you need to get involved in activities with people with similar interests. Whether that’s work, volunteering or clubs/societies/social events.
Why would a stranger start a conversation with you? If you wanted conversations then you need to start them yourself.
If you want friends/social connections then you need to get involved in activities with people with similar interests. Whether that’s work, volunteering or clubs/societies/social events.
Why would a stranger start a conversation with you? If you wanted conversations then you need to start them yourself.
I don't know how to start conversation with strangers, it's just something I've never done, so that's not really an option sadly. So if it's just going to be another 2 years of no one to talk to I'd rather take the online one.
Original post by Anonymous
So I'm in the process of choosing my masters and it mainly comes down to two main choices, one of them is fully online at another uni, while the other is in-person at my current uni. For a fairly shy and awkward person like me the online seems like the much better option. Not having to show my face at all or be around people, plus other benefits like not having to take a bus to uni that only comes once every hour. However, I'm still somewhat drawn to the in-person option for one primary reason: to try and get at least a small taste of university.
I've completely hated my time at university. All 3 years were pretty depressing for me. Not for a single moment in these 3 years I've ever felt like an actual student, I was never involved in anything, haven't made even a single friend, etc. I've never felt like I belonged or felt like a part of my university. But I still have that tiny hope that maybe things could turn around in another 2 years. So could they? I'm not one to start conversations or talk to people, but would people on masters courses be more willing to give me a chance and talk to me, unlike in my undergrad when no one even attempted to start a convo with me even once? Would I have more opportunities to feel more like a part of the uni, or would professors also give me more opportunities to engange with the uni on a different level? Or is it just going to be the exact same thing that's been happening for the past 3 years? I have no idea how to make these kinds of things happen myself so my only hope is that things do just fall in place for me, and I don't want to spend another 2 years hoping things will improve. So what should I do?
I've completely hated my time at university. All 3 years were pretty depressing for me. Not for a single moment in these 3 years I've ever felt like an actual student, I was never involved in anything, haven't made even a single friend, etc. I've never felt like I belonged or felt like a part of my university. But I still have that tiny hope that maybe things could turn around in another 2 years. So could they? I'm not one to start conversations or talk to people, but would people on masters courses be more willing to give me a chance and talk to me, unlike in my undergrad when no one even attempted to start a convo with me even once? Would I have more opportunities to feel more like a part of the uni, or would professors also give me more opportunities to engange with the uni on a different level? Or is it just going to be the exact same thing that's been happening for the past 3 years? I have no idea how to make these kinds of things happen myself so my only hope is that things do just fall in place for me, and I don't want to spend another 2 years hoping things will improve. So what should I do?
Hello,
I'm sorry to hear that you've been struggling with socialising at University! I had the same problem at first, in part due to COVID, but I do have some suggestions if you want to 'get out there' more and take a stab at making friends on the in-person course.
For Masters courses, the cohort is typically smaller and you'll have maybe 20 or so people, so you'll likely be seeing the same familiar faces throughout your course in the modules. This can make it a bit easier to talk to people, and you may have some group work to do or seminars where your expected to discuss, this can be a good way to get to know people!
Even though it is scary, if you want to make friends you have to put yourself out there, go to societies and sports, go to the lectures and seminars, put yourself in situations to make friends. I never thought I would join pole-dance, but I thought 'why not, I'm in my final year, if I don't do it now I never will have a chance' and I did go, and met one of my closest friends there. And if you hate that society or sport so much, you can always leave!
Same goes for work, try and find some work opportunities at university (Student Ambassador, catering, etc), they can help find people you may befriend since you'll need to get along with them for work.
If you want to be within your comfort zone, then do online. If you want to get out there and challenge yourself, do the in-person course.
Feel the fear and do it anyway, I wish you the best of luck in deciding and that whatever path you choose is best for you. There are no wrong or right paths, only different ones.
- Essex Rep, Megan
Original post by Anonymous
I don't know how to start conversation with strangers, it's just something I've never done, so that's not really an option sadly. So if it's just going to be another 2 years of no one to talk to I'd rather take the online one.
Have you tried? If you don’t practice a skill then you’ll never get better. If you want conversation and social interaction then it won’t just fall in your lap - you have to try to find it!
Original post by PQ
Have you tried? If you don’t practice a skill then you’ll never get better. If you want conversation and social interaction then it won’t just fall in your lap - you have to try to find it!
How can I try if I don't even know the basics of how or what to do?
Anon #1
What Masters are you planning to do?
Perhaps it's best to focus on the modules involved and which course is most suited to your interests.
If you are planning to do a full-time Masters then it will be pretty intense.
If you do an in-person course, you are likely to be in for 2-3 days a week and they might not be full days, so might not get to socialise so much.
This might be something to find out about e.g. how many hours of teaching will you receive?
Masters generally attract older (mid-20s upwards) and international students.
International students tend to be more open towards friendship as they are far from home and keen to build community so it might be easier to get to know people.
If there is a small number of people on the course, you might also find it easier to build friendships.
How many people are on the in-person course this year?
It is not easy to build friendships, but small talk about the weather, sport, the weekend, studies or your interests is one way to get a conversation going.
The more you talk to different people, the easier it gets!
All the best,
Oluwatosin – 2nd year podiatry student – University of Huddersfield
What Masters are you planning to do?
Perhaps it's best to focus on the modules involved and which course is most suited to your interests.
If you are planning to do a full-time Masters then it will be pretty intense.
If you do an in-person course, you are likely to be in for 2-3 days a week and they might not be full days, so might not get to socialise so much.
This might be something to find out about e.g. how many hours of teaching will you receive?
Masters generally attract older (mid-20s upwards) and international students.
International students tend to be more open towards friendship as they are far from home and keen to build community so it might be easier to get to know people.
If there is a small number of people on the course, you might also find it easier to build friendships.
How many people are on the in-person course this year?
It is not easy to build friendships, but small talk about the weather, sport, the weekend, studies or your interests is one way to get a conversation going.
The more you talk to different people, the easier it gets!
All the best,
Oluwatosin – 2nd year podiatry student – University of Huddersfield
Original post by University of Huddersfield
Anon #1
What Masters are you planning to do?
Perhaps it's best to focus on the modules involved and which course is most suited to your interests.
If you are planning to do a full-time Masters then it will be pretty intense.
If you do an in-person course, you are likely to be in for 2-3 days a week and they might not be full days, so might not get to socialise so much.
This might be something to find out about e.g. how many hours of teaching will you receive?
Masters generally attract older (mid-20s upwards) and international students.
International students tend to be more open towards friendship as they are far from home and keen to build community so it might be easier to get to know people.
If there is a small number of people on the course, you might also find it easier to build friendships.
How many people are on the in-person course this year?
It is not easy to build friendships, but small talk about the weather, sport, the weekend, studies or your interests is one way to get a conversation going.
The more you talk to different people, the easier it gets!
All the best,
Oluwatosin – 2nd year podiatry student – University of Huddersfield
What Masters are you planning to do?
Perhaps it's best to focus on the modules involved and which course is most suited to your interests.
If you are planning to do a full-time Masters then it will be pretty intense.
If you do an in-person course, you are likely to be in for 2-3 days a week and they might not be full days, so might not get to socialise so much.
This might be something to find out about e.g. how many hours of teaching will you receive?
Masters generally attract older (mid-20s upwards) and international students.
International students tend to be more open towards friendship as they are far from home and keen to build community so it might be easier to get to know people.
If there is a small number of people on the course, you might also find it easier to build friendships.
How many people are on the in-person course this year?
It is not easy to build friendships, but small talk about the weather, sport, the weekend, studies or your interests is one way to get a conversation going.
The more you talk to different people, the easier it gets!
All the best,
Oluwatosin – 2nd year podiatry student – University of Huddersfield
Issue is in terms of the actual content, neither of the courses appeal more to me. I haven't found one that sits perfectly with me so it's just choosing the lesser evil, hence why I'm focusing on other thing such as this to make my decision.
Anon #1
Perhaps it might be an idea to leave the Masters for now and to consider looking for work next year.
You might find that after you've gained more experience in the world of work that you have a better idea of what kind of Masters you would like to do.
All the best,
Oluwatosin – 2nd year podiatry student – University of Huddersfield
Perhaps it might be an idea to leave the Masters for now and to consider looking for work next year.
You might find that after you've gained more experience in the world of work that you have a better idea of what kind of Masters you would like to do.
All the best,
Oluwatosin – 2nd year podiatry student – University of Huddersfield
Original post by University of Huddersfield
Anon #1
Perhaps it might be an idea to leave the Masters for now and to consider looking for work next year.
You might find that after you've gained more experience in the world of work that you have a better idea of what kind of Masters you would like to do.
All the best,
Oluwatosin – 2nd year podiatry student – University of Huddersfield
Perhaps it might be an idea to leave the Masters for now and to consider looking for work next year.
You might find that after you've gained more experience in the world of work that you have a better idea of what kind of Masters you would like to do.
All the best,
Oluwatosin – 2nd year podiatry student – University of Huddersfield
I do already work, besides taking a year off won't do much as there's simply no masters I "feel" like doing more than another. It will always be about choosing the least bad one for me.
Original post by Anonymous
I do already work, besides taking a year off won't do much as there's simply no masters I "feel" like doing more than another. It will always be about choosing the least bad one for me.
Then you’ll be wasting your money and time
Original post by Anonymous
I do already work, besides taking a year off won't do much as there's simply no masters I "feel" like doing more than another. It will always be about choosing the least bad one for me.
#Anon1
Why do you want to do a Masters? If none of them really appeal to you, why commit a year/ two years to studying?
If you are looking for a change, you could always travel or help with a project abroad.
Do something you will enjoy!
All the best,
Oluwatosin – 2nd year student – University of Huddersfield
Original post by University of Huddersfield
#Anon1
Why do you want to do a Masters? If none of them really appeal to you, why commit a year/ two years to studying?
If you are looking for a change, you could always travel or help with a project abroad.
Do something you will enjoy!
All the best,
Oluwatosin – 2nd year student – University of Huddersfield
Why do you want to do a Masters? If none of them really appeal to you, why commit a year/ two years to studying?
If you are looking for a change, you could always travel or help with a project abroad.
Do something you will enjoy!
All the best,
Oluwatosin – 2nd year student – University of Huddersfield
Why wouldn't I do masters? Besides what is the alternative? I would love to have the money to just travel abroad if I could though.
Original post by Anonymous
Why wouldn't I do masters? Besides what is the alternative? I would love to have the money to just travel abroad if I could though.
Hiya,
There's many reasons you might not do a masters, unless it is required for your career field its not necessary. You can do them to put off working, improve your skills, or improve your prospects, but those things can be done through online short courses and taking some time off from work and study! Maybe take some time to really find something your passionate about instead of potentially going into a job or career field you don't enjoy. Masters are difficult and you will struggle more with no motivation and no passion in it. So please do take some time and think about it, do not feel compelled to do one!
- Essex Rep, Megan
Anon 1,
I agree with Megan (Essex Student Rep), but you have to do what you think is best.
Maybe talk it through with friends/family before making a commitment.
All the best,
Oluwatosin – 2nd year student – University of Huddersfield
I agree with Megan (Essex Student Rep), but you have to do what you think is best.
Maybe talk it through with friends/family before making a commitment.
All the best,
Oluwatosin – 2nd year student – University of Huddersfield
(edited 1 year ago)
Original post by EssexStudentRep
Hiya,
There's many reasons you might not do a masters, unless it is required for your career field its not necessary. You can do them to put off working, improve your skills, or improve your prospects, but those things can be done through online short courses and taking some time off from work and study! Maybe take some time to really find something your passionate about instead of potentially going into a job or career field you don't enjoy. Masters are difficult and you will struggle more with no motivation and no passion in it. So please do take some time and think about it, do not feel compelled to do one!
- Essex Rep, Megan
There's many reasons you might not do a masters, unless it is required for your career field its not necessary. You can do them to put off working, improve your skills, or improve your prospects, but those things can be done through online short courses and taking some time off from work and study! Maybe take some time to really find something your passionate about instead of potentially going into a job or career field you don't enjoy. Masters are difficult and you will struggle more with no motivation and no passion in it. So please do take some time and think about it, do not feel compelled to do one!
- Essex Rep, Megan
Taking time off wouldn't really help with anything as there just never would be any masters course that wouldn't feel like a pain to get through or that I'm really passionate about. But again, I really have no reason not to do a masters.
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