Written by Sunny Stubbs
I have worked and studied throughout my entire degree while living in very remote or rural communities (apart from one metro placement). If you’re starting your degree or need some inspiration, here are some of my tips for studying in these areas while being an online student (or anywhere, really!).
Find somewhere other than your house to study!!!
This could be a local library (if you are lucky to have one!!!), cafe or community space like a nearby park, river or source of water (like the old res in Cobar!). I’ve found that when I’m most unmotivated, leaving my house is the best medicine, and it makes going home sweeter. I’ve even sat at the local pool for a few hours on free days!!
Find the people you need!
Studying online is isolating, and I have found that the best source for motivation is to talk with someone in that field! I’ve put out lots of feelers for anyone with knowledge of the topic I was studying at the time. I’d reach out to the lawyer in town for insight into a concept I wasn’t quite understanding while doing a law unit, or have a conversation with the local environmental impact worker about climate change for an ecological social work unit. Community helps community, and it’s always a blessing to share knowledge to assist others – and you never know what you’ll find out!!
A lil study trip away
If you were like me and lived three hours from the nearest Woolworths, you’d find yourself going into town a few times a month for appointments, groceries or a nice trip. Use this time! Go check out a library, community centre or cafe, have a lil study sesh before the drive home! There’s something extra satisfying about treating yourself to something a little more interesting after a study sesh when you’re somewhere with more options.
Resources!
I think everyone has heard this a few times, but utilise some of the fantastic mentoring programs Charles Sturt offers😊 I was paired with a mentor a few years into my degree through a program I enrolled myself in, and Diane was a great source of motivation for my studies!! I still speak with her on and off, and I’m grateful for our catch-ups during the three-month program I connected with her through! You never know, you may find a new study motivation. I want to be as cool as Diane one day!
Overall, these tips are just things that I found helpful. Hopefully they spark some motivation to connect with your community and embrace studying in it! Your education matters!! Enjoy it!!
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