Online University

Hi, I'm currently in year 13 about to start my a levels shortly. Is there an advantage to going to university physically than doing it online? Would i get overlooked because I chose online uni?

Reply 1

Ereza_SOAS

Original post

by Anonymous

Hi, I'm currently in year 13 about to start my a levels shortly. Is there an advantage to going to university physically than doing it online? Would i get overlooked because I chose online uni?

Hi,

There are definitely many advantages to attending university in person compared to doing it online.

Networking and social experiences - attending university in person means you'll meet your lecturers and peers in person which makes it easier to establish relationships with them. This can help you with future career opportunities but also with making new friends. Forming relationships online can often be difficult.

Better learning environment - Being at university and experiencing face-to-face interactions makes it easier to stay engaged and on top of your work. It also tends to feel more natural asking questions in an in-person class.

Access to facilities - Using libraries, career services and different on campus activities can all enhance your learning experience at university.

If you are strongly considering online university, make sure your course qualifies as an online programme. Many degrees, including Dentistry, do not offer online programmes as the in-person training is a vital part of the course.

A well-known online degree from a reputable institution won't necessarily hold you back, but many employers prefer the tradition in-person degrees, especially in fields that require practical training.

Reply 2

PinkMobilePhone

Chat Forum Helper, Life & Style Forum Helper

On the flip side, if you want the pros of studying at an online university:

1) Tuition fees are usually lower, thus meaning you finish university with less of a debt than you would have if you'd gone to a brick uni.

2) By living at home again you are saving money on rent.

3) Many online university courses are much more flexible, so you can fit in work or other responsibilities around your studies more easily.

4) No commute as you're studying from home. Okay if you live on campus or near campus at a brick uni there's not much of a commute, but still more than just rolling out of bed and sitting at a desk.

6) if you have any sort of mental or physical disability, studying from home is so much easier to deal with than trying to study at a brick uni.

7) Studying at an online uni is just as valid as studying at a brick uni. You can still attend a graduation ceremony, and you can still go on and do a postgraduate qualification at any other uni as long as you meet their entry requirements (yes even Oxbridge).

Reply 3

PG Study Chester

Original post

by Anonymous

Hi, I'm currently in year 13 about to start my a levels shortly. Is there an advantage to going to university physically than doing it online? Would i get overlooked because I chose online uni?

Hello,
I studied a Masters degree in English with the Open University and I haven’t ever experienced any difference in the attitudes that employers and universities have had in relation to it, in comparison with the masters degree I took in a brick university. There are lots of advantages to studying online - the chief ones being the obvious cost savings and the flexibility to study around your lifestyle. I found the materials that the OU provided were amazing and all the software for the course as really easy to use. My tutor was fantastic too, we did have a couple of face to face tutorials, but it mainly consisted of emails (they were v quick replying!) and online seminars.

I was able to enrol at the local physical university library while I was an OU student too which was great. However, given how good tech is now ebooks and journals are probably enough.

One disadvantage is you miss the university social experience, but if you make sure you still have your hobbies and socialise to give you a break from studying, I think online learning can be equal to in person courses.

I hope this helps,
Jess
PhD English
University of Chester