Online study success: Top 10 challenges and how to tackle them

Online learning offers unmatched flexibility, making it an increasingly popular choice for students from all walks of life. Whether you're a working professional aiming to advance your career, a career changer exploring a new field or a lifelong learner pursuing personal growth, online education allows you to balance study with work, family and other commitments. However, with this flexibility comes a unique set of challenges that can trip up even the most motivated students.

The good news is that challenges are a normal part of the learning process and they don’t have to derail your success. By understanding the common pitfalls of online learning and equipping yourself with the right strategies, tools and support, you can navigate your learning journey with confidence.

At UTS Online, we’re committed to helping students like you thrive, offering resources and programs tailored to meet your needs every step of the way.

Whether you’ve just started considering an online course or are already enrolled in one, this guide will help you avoid the most common pitfalls and achieve your educational goals.

1. Procrastinating and losing momentum

One of the biggest advantages of online learning—flexibility—is also its greatest challenge. Without a set class schedule, you might think, “I’ll get to it later.” But before you know it, deadlines are approaching and your workload feels overwhelming.

How to stay on track:

• Create a schedule: Set specific times each week for studying and stick to them.
• Break tasks into smaller chunks: Tackle assignments in manageable portions rather than leaving everything to the last minute.
• Use productivity tools: Apps like Google Calendar, Trello or Notion can help you track deadlines and prioritise tasks.

2. Missing out on interaction with classmates and the teaching team

Many students overlook the importance of building connections in online courses. Without face-to-face interactions, it can be easy to feel disconnected, potentially missing valuable discussions and networking opportunities. However, these connections are still available—even when studying online—through discussion forums, virtual events and peer collaboration tools designed to keep you engaged.

How to stay engaged:

• Participate in discussion forums: Engage in conversations with classmates, ask questions and share your thoughts.
• Attend live sessions: If your course offers live webinars or Q&A sessions, make the effort to join and interact.
• Email or message instructors: Don’t hesitate to reach out to your teachers or subject coordinators for guidance or clarification—they’re there to help!

3. Underestimating the workload

It’s easy to assume that online courses are less demanding than traditional ones. However, they often require the same, if not more, discipline and dedication. Underestimating the workload can lead to incomplete assignments and missed deadlines.

How to manage it:

• Read the course outline carefully: Take note of the workload, assessments and weekly expectations.
• Allocate extra time for learning: Plan for additional hours to review material, complete assignments and prepare for exams.
• Stay realistic: Treat online learning with the same seriousness as you would an in-person course.

4. Not creating a dedicated study environment

Studying from the comfort of your home can sometimes lead to distractions, such as a ringing phone, social media notifications, children needing attention or pets demanding playtime—not to mention the temptation to binge-watch television. Without a designated workspace, focus and motivation can quickly wane.

How to stay focused:

• Set up a distraction-free zone: Choose a quiet area, equipped with the supplies you need (laptop, notebooks, etc.).
• Set boundaries: Inform family or housemates about your study times to avoid interruptions.
• Switch off distractions: Disable social media notifications and limit screen time unrelated to your course.

5. Struggling with organisation 

Online courses often involve multiple modules, assignments and deadlines that can feel overwhelming if you’re not properly organised. 

How to stay organised: 

• Track everything: Use a planner or digital tool to keep track of all upcoming deadlines and tasks. 
• Organise your materials: Create folders on your computer to store lectures, notes and assignments by topic or module. 
• Regularly review your progress: Take time each week to evaluate whether you’re on track or need to adjust your schedule. 

6. Relying too heavily on technology 

While technology enables online learning, over-reliance on it can be problematic. From Wi-Fi interruptions to website crashes, technical hiccups can throw off your workflow. 

How to prepare: 

• Have a backup plan: Save copies of important files and ensure you have access to alternative devices like a tablet or smartphone. 
• Learn basic troubleshooting: Familiarise yourself with common technical issues related to your learning platform. 

7. Overlooking feedback 

Constructive feedback is a key part of academic and professional development, but students sometimes skim over it or hesitate to ask for clarification. This can delay personal improvement and hamper academic growth. 

How to use feedback: 

• Read all feedback carefully: Understand what your facilitators are pointing out and implement their suggestions into future assignments. 
• Ask for clarification: If the feedback is unclear, reach out to your facilitators or peers for more details. 
• Create a plan for improvement: Identify one or two areas of feedback and look for ways to apply them to upcoming assessment tasks in the subject to strengthen your skills over time. 

8. Neglecting self-care 

Studying online often blurs the boundaries between work, life and learning. Long hours in front of screens can lead to burnout if self-care is ignored. 

How to maintain balance: 

• Take regular breaks: Follow the Pomodoro Technique or take a 10-minute walk after every hour of study. 
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle: Eat balanced meals, get enough sleep and find time for exercise. 
• Set realistic expectations: Don’t overcommit by taking on too many courses or extracurricular responsibilities. 

9. Skipping the review process 

A common obstacle is completing assignments and immediately submitting them without reviewing work for errors or potential improvements. 

How to improve: 

• Proofread your work: Double-check for spelling, grammar or formatting errors. 
• Use tools: Writing assistants like Grammarly or Outwrite can help enhance clarity and correctness. 
• Revisit instructions: Ensure your assignment meets all the requirements outlined by your instructor. 

10. Not leveraging available resources 

Many online learners don’t always make full use of the extensive resources available in their courses, such as additional readings, practice quizzes and academic support services. 

How to leverage support: 

• Explore resources: Make an effort to use supplementary materials, webinars and academic tools provided by your platform. 
• Ask for support: If you’re finding things challenging, reach out early. UTS offers a range of support services including library resources, academic writing support and peer programs. You can also contact your subject coordinator or course team for guidance. 
• Stay curious: Follow related articles, podcasts or videos to deepen your understanding of course content. 

Strategies for success in online learning

Now that you’ve seen the common challenges in online learning, it’s time to focus on what you can do to thrive and make the most of your learning experience.

Create a study space

Having a dedicated study area helps create a separation between your study time and other activities. Choose a quiet, distraction-free space with good lighting and an ergonomic setup. Add motivational elements like inspiring quotes, plants or organisation tools to keep your space positive and organised.

Use the right tools

Equip yourself with tools to streamline your studies and maximise productivity. Trello or Asana can help with project management, Grammarly can improve your writing and Quizlet can make revision fun and effective. Experiment to find the tools that best suit your learning style.

Establish a routine

Consistency is key to balancing online learning with other responsibilities. Set aside specific times each day or week for studying and stick to this schedule as much as possible. This helps build good habits and makes it easier to manage your time effectively.

Leverage support systems

Take full advantage of the support systems available through UTS Online. Whether it’s reaching out to your Student Success Advisor, engaging in academic discussions or accessing library services, these resources are designed to help you succeed.

Stay connected

It’s easy to feel isolated during online learning, but actively engaging with others can make a world of difference. Participate in UTS Online’s peer forums, group discussions or virtual events to foster a sense of community and collaboration. Connecting with peers and instructors not only enhances your learning experience but also helps build valuable professional relationships.

Start Strong, Stay Ahead

Online study comes with its own unique set of challenges, but every challenge is an opportunity to help you succeed. By staying organised, using support resources and maintaining a proactive mindset, you’ll set yourself up for success.

At UTS Online, we’re here to help you thrive, every step of the way.