Studying Online;Succeeding through Distance Learning at University

Online well-being 219 
often at a time of some difculty or an emergency. Ten there is a 
fnal group of students who never approach their Personal Tutors 
and never respond to meeting requests. Tis is a shame because it 
appears that some of these students struggle with a variety of dif-
culties but do not seek the help that is available to them. 
Because online students have limited support available to them 
at home, forming a good relationship with a tutor will be of sig-
nifcant help. So, at the outset of your studies, make sure you get 
in touch with your Personal Tutor and maintain that relationship 
throughout your degree. You will be able to get plenty of help 
and advice, making your study at a distance more manageable 
and more enjoyable. In fact, research shows that the provision 
of tutors for online students is a critical component in helping 
them learn (McPherson and Nunes, 2004). While this research 
was considering subject-specifc learning, it does point the way to 
the fact that distance learning students beneft from a relationship 
with academics. It shows you cannot just “get on with it” when 
studying online. It is worthwhile accepting from the outset that 
you need the support of your Personal Tutor so that you can use 
the system to its full advantage. 
QUICK TIP: Get in touch with your Personal Tutor at the outset 
of your studies and stay in touch throughout your degree. 
Use the university well-being department 
Every university has a well-being department. It might have an-
other name, such as Student Support or Student Services, but 
there is always a team of people available to provide students 
with a range of support. Tis can range from physical and mental 
health issues to personal problems, relationship breakdowns, and 
disputes with friends. Tese well-being departments have coun-
sellors, therapists, and specialists who can help support students 
with special needs such as dyslexia or ADHD (Attention Defcit 
Hyperactivity Disorder). Whatever this department is called at 

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