Looking Back on the Year: 3 Tips I Would Give to an Off-Campus Asynchronous Student

This year has taught me so much about myself, especially being a Lasell Works student. In short, Lasell University has a program where, in a student’s sophomore year, they will learn from home and do all of their classes asynchronously. At first, it was scary to think about. I’ll be away from campus, and how will I get everything done? Here are three tips I’d give to someone going into their relative sophomore experience.  

1.  Join clubs… no, like seriously. 

It may sound like it makes no sense, but trust me it’s possible. If you would like to join a club, ask their Executive Board if there’s any chance they can Zoom you in for club meetings, or if you can be partnered up with someone on campus that can go over the meeting’s key points with you. I was fortunately still able to be on my Her Campus Executive Board while I was off-campus. So, pick a club, work out your situation with the Executive Board, and get to meet some new people!

2. Make friends with people in your circumstances.

It may sound weird to direct message someone that you think looks cool on Canvas, but trust me it’s not! I have met a few good friends through direct messages on Canvas, and they thought it was pretty cool of me to gather up the courage and text random people. It doesn’t have to be anything crazy. Start with a “your profile picture looks so cool, where are you in that photo?” or “I like your responses to the group chats” or a simple “hey!”. Anything to open up communication to people in similar circumstances to you.

3. Maintain a presence!

This can depend on your circumstance, but make sure you’re still seen! If you can take an hour’s drive to campus, do it! Hang out with old and new friends and maintain those bonds. Make sure you’re still Snapchatting, texting, and Facetiming whenever possible. Use that time to also check out the scene on campus and see what’s new! If you aren’t able to go physically on campus, make friends of friends! Asking around and seeing who your friends are hanging out with on campus and being friendly with them can take you a long way.

There you have it! Being away from campus sounds tough, but if you can persevere through it and make yourself committed to your goals, there’s nothing you can’t do!