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As you may have already guessed, I’m an online student at CSU! After graduating high school in 2013 I wasn’t quite sure what I wanted to study. That was until I found a double degree in a Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology) / Bachelor of Business (Human Resource Management) offered by CSU, available both on campus and online.
After my high school years and a few attempts studying face-to-face, I knew it wasn’t for me. I’ve always found it hard to sit still for more than 30 minutes while listening to someone talk! However, just like most, I had my worries about studying online too. Until my sister (also a CSU online student) told me about the positive experiences that she has had with CSU. So I decided to check out CSU and found the course (or should I say courses) that was right for me.
It was quite nerve racking, especially when I attended my first online meeting! Until I realised that I wasn’t alone! Most of the students who were attending the online meeting were also first time online students, which is something that we bonded over (and I even became Facebook friends with some of them!).
After my first online meeting for each subject, which became a weekly meeting, I knew that I would be okay. My lecturers and classmates were all very polite, interactive and helpful. Every time I have a question for my lecturer, a response is there within a day from both my lecturer and other students who have figured out the answer. Or sometimes, someone else has already asked the same question, and I can just read the conversation thread! The lecturers without a doubt help as much as they can. One of my lecturers even provides a PDF for each topic to further explain what we’ll be learning about!
My favourite thing about being an online student is that I get the same opportunities as students who are studying on campus. As an online student you still have the opportunity to participate in short-term overseas programs that are being offered by CSU Global. I had my doubts that I would get accepted into a CSU global program, but I decided to put in an application anyway. And I was wrong! Soon enough I’ll be travelling to China to learn and experience amazing things that I would have never done if it wasn’t for this opportunity!
I’m not saying it’s easy; there are definitely challenges. You have to be organised, do a LOT of reading, and be independent at times. But CSU offers multiple online workshops covering most topics you can think of, as well as face-to-face workshops that can be attended at a CSU study centre!
If you’re thinking of studying, then go ahead! What are you waiting for?
By Charize Santiago
Image: kaplanprofessional
