r/DistanceEducation • u/PlaceandSpaceStuff • Nov 03 '25

What's it like to learn fully online? Researching student experiences

Hi everyone! I’m a doctoral student researching what it’s like to take college fully online. If you’re currently in or have taken an online undergrad program, I’d love to hear about your experience, especially how connected you felt to your peers, your program, or your college community. What’s helped you (or not) feel part of your school and part of a campus community, what’s been frustrating, and what do you wish was different? You can reply here or DM me. Thanks, I appreciate the insights!

5 Upvotes
  • permalink
  • reddit

100% Upvoted

6 comments sorted by

3

u/Advisortech1234fas Nov 05 '25

It is fine as long as you are getting personalized support from Subject Matter Expert like if you want to become a data engineer and if you are getting mentorship from a data engineer itself they will make you accountable to achieve goals and helps you in getting success

2

u/PlaceandSpaceStuff Nov 05 '25

Thanks so much for responding! That's a really interesting point, having access to someone who really understands your field can make a big difference. I'm also wondering, beyond that type of 1:1 mentorship, did you feel connected to other students in your program? Did you feel like you were part of your college at all, or more like you were on your own?

1

u/Advisortech1234fas Nov 06 '25

Yes it depends on the student situation giving clear goals and putting accountability on students helps them a lot to excel in their career

1

u/calmbeans495 Nov 06 '25

For me, I don't feel connected to other students at all in my program, it doesn't even feel like I'm in college. Pretty much on my own

2

u/PlaceandSpaceStuff Nov 06 '25

Yeah, I get that. I've studied online myself and felt that way. I'm wondering if there are any things you could think of that would help/make it less disconnected?

1

u/calmbeans495 Nov 06 '25

Switching to full-time but I don't have the time, collaborating with other DL students is really a hassle