OPINION: long-distant institutions: Notes to consider before enrolling

First-year probably looks something like fun, making new memories, probably even having res stories about the horrible food and the crazy shenanigans you get up to. Well, that is not the case for students in long-distant institutions. A typical day in a life of a UNISA student looks less hectic from the outside, I mean, you are not rushing to classes and waking up early but with the assignments they give you and all the material you must go through, it’s not so easy. Here are some of the things you need to know before enrolling in a long distant institution.

No supervision does not mean no work

Being a student in a long-distance institution means that you have nothing that is forcing you to commit to your studies, and it makes it easy for you and people around you to think you have a lot of free time. It is very easy to put off your assignments and tasks for the last minute, and that my friends, is how many part-time students fail to get great marks. Not having anyone to push you and remind you to do your assignments seems cool, but it can be your way to failure. No supervision does not mean no work.

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Making campus friends?

How, when you are always cooped to the four walls of your house. The only social life that you are guaranteed to get is from your old classmates and friends. That does not mean you won’t make new friends, but you probably won’t them at school. You have no classes; your exams are online, and people go to the Campus library to study, not to make friends. So, try your best to maintain the friendships and social life you already have.

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You might feel alone

Being in a long distant institution means you don’t know your lectures unless there is some recording of a zoom class somewhere or you send and enquiry to them (and they actually respond). You always feel alone when in a long distant institution hence it is important to be the first person to avail yourself to you and your studies. Though it gets lonely, telegram groups and Facebook groups are ready to offer you the support you need and remember to prioritize your mental health.

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