Getting a tertiary education in the 21st century has become far easier than it was in the past, and with technology advancing, it will only get easier, especially for those who want to study online. That begs the question: Is it better to study online, or does studying at a physical institution still have some value to it? Join us as we compare studying online versus in-person.
The move to online learning
Since the pandemic in 2020, much of the world has moved to the online sector, from working to socialising. Since 2020, a study done by Forbes showed that almost 63% in the UK alone were working remotely, let alone Australia or the rest of the world. Since this was a good few years ago, you can bet that this number has shot up. With that in mind, it makes sense why the education sector would follow.
The pros of studying online
Studying online allows you to study from anywhere
Your study space can be a kitchen table, a café, your bedroom, a library or even a completely different country. You are not tied to any particular campus, and that opens the door to opportunities you might not have had access to otherwise. The idea that you can build a career from anywhere in the world is, honestly, a huge advantage.
It can be more cost-friendly
Moving to a new city for university is exciting, but it can also be expensive. When you study online, you avoid paying rent in a new area, commuting costs, and often have fewer textbook expenses since most resources are digital. For students managing loans or working while studying, the savings can be substantial.
You get flexibility
Studying online offers so much more flexibility. If you cannot attend a live lecture, you can simply replay it at a later time. There is no rushing across town or juggling travel time. You can sit down and study at a time that works for you and your routine. For anyone managing work, kids or limited free time, that flexibility makes all the difference.
You have all the resources at your disposal
Gone are the days when you had to lug around a heavy bag of textbooks with you, or borrow a textbook from your friend because you couldn’t find yours. With online learning, you usually have access to an e-library packed with everything you need. There’s no need to get on a waiting list if the books are sold out, or race home to fetch it because you forgot it. Just a click of a button and you have access to all the resources you need.
It’s more accessible
Lastly, studying online is far more accessible, granted you have access to the internet. For many people, the nearest university may be hundreds of kilometres away in another town, making online learning the only viable option for them to pursue higher education. Likewise, for many online universities, the admission requirements for courses may not be as stringent as those of physical universities, making it easier for people to get accepted and pursue the course they want.
The cons of studying online
You need strong discipline
With online learning, there is no one watching over your shoulder or reminding you to join class. You need to manage your time effectively and stay motivated. That can be tough, especially during busier weeks. Some students thrive with this freedom, while others find it challenging to stay on track without the structure of a physical classroom.
It can feel isolating
While some online programs offer great community spaces, webinars and discussion boards, the experience is still different from being on a campus. If you love the energy of classmates around you, the day-to-day interaction and the feeling of being part of a physical community, online study may feel a little quiet.
Technical issues can slow you down
Let’s be honest. A slow laptop or patchy internet can turn a simple study session into a headache. You need decent technology to make online learning smooth. The good news is that recorded sessions help when your connection acts up, but it is still something to consider.
The pros of studying in person
You can get more direct feedback
Being physically present gives you more opportunities to get quick responses from lecturers. You can ask questions right after class, drop into their office and build a stronger connection simply by showing up.
Stronger personal interactions
Campus life brings a sense of community that is hard to replicate online. You meet people in your classes, your accommodation, your clubs and your workspace. Those connections often last far beyond your degree and can play a big role in your future network.
You can get hands-on experience
Some subjects benefit from physical demonstrations, fieldwork, lab time or group activities. Being on campus means you can participate in those experiences more easily and often more frequently.
The cons of studying in person
It’s more expensive
When comparing the expenses of online studying and in-person studying, universities require students to purchase textbooks, commute to campus, pay campus fees, tuition, and rent a room on campus, among other costs. There’s a lot more that requires you to spend money, making it far more expensive.
Your schedule is less flexible
At a university, you will be given a schedule for lectures that you are required to attend. They aren’t flexible, and you can’t go and rewatch them. If you miss a lecture, then your best chances to catch up on it are to get notes from a friend.
Some people may find it hard to concentrate
This doesn’t apply to everyone, but for those who are easily stimulated by a crowd, being in a classroom with a bunch of people might make it difficult for you to concentrate. Some people simply learn better when they are by themselves.
Where to study online
Taking an online course is definitely the way to go if you’re working, have a family, or can’t commit to the commute to and from university. If you want to study online, check out the course offered by Victoria University. Their courses are designed for busy students who need a good balance between structure and flexibility, offering you a means to further your career without putting anything on hold.
Final thoughts
In the end, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to online versus in-person studying. They both have their pros and cons. It comes down to what you prefer and what you can afford. Some people love the independence of online learning, while others thrive in the structure and social environment of a physical campus. The most important thing is choosing the option that supports your growth, fits your routine and helps you stay motivated from day one to graduation day.
