Who to include in your study support network
Everyone needs support when pursuing something new, like studying. But you might not always know all the different kinds of support available to you. Here’s where to find your cheer squad.
When you make the decision to start studying, your loved ones will often be the people to cheer you on the loudest.
It’s exciting to take on a new challenge, and it’s especially wonderful to be able to lean on your friends and family when you need help to manage your work-study balance. But there are also other supports available for students learning online.
Read on to find out where you can look for help, advice and support, both at home, and online.
In-person support
Your friends and family
All of us need human contact, especially when things are busy or we’re tackling a new challenge like studying. Make sure your loved ones know that you’re enrolled in a course, and understand what that might mean for you.
They’ll be able to help you out with chores when you need to take time to study, celebrate your wins with you, and be there for you to talk when you need it.
Your workplace
If you’re planning to work and study at the same time, you might also need a hand managing your schedule to fit everything in. Your workplace may be able to help you with this more than you think.
For example, many workplaces provide study leave that you can apply for when you need to take time out during assessment periods. If your organisation has an Employee Assistance Program, you can use it to access free, anonymous counselling services–and you can talk to them about anything, not just work-related issues.
Your HR team can also chat to you about options for flexible work, to help you balance your studies with your work life.
Peer support
Student associations and clubs
Sometimes what we need the most is to connect with other people who are in the same boat as us. Finding a good peer support network is crucial when studying online.
Start by exploring your university’s student associations and clubs page, to see if any of them meet up virtually. This is a great way to find LGBTIQA+ groups and resources, cultural groups, and groups around shared interests. You could even start your own!
Your course
Remember, other students in your course will be eager to connect, so reach out to classmates where possible and build friendships. The easiest way to get in touch is through the class discussion forums in your Learning Management System—though people will likely set up group chats during your first few weeks.
Depending on your course, you may also be given the chance to connect through projects, study groups, or online networking events.
Social media groups
You can also broaden your support network through social media. Check out the Open Universities Australia Facebook page to find other students learning online in your faculty, or search for your university’s new students group. You can also ask specific questions and get input from the broader university community by going to Reddit discussion forums for your uni.
Read more about where to find friends when you study online.
Academic support
Your lecturers and tutors
If you’re finding studying challenging, need help with your assessments, or are looking for tutoring, your university will be able to help.
A good first port of call is your university teaching staff. Your lecturers or tutors will be able to assess your situation and connect you to the right support from your university, like study assistance or peer mentors.
Tutoring services
If you need some more targeted support, you can always connect with an academic tutor. There are online and in-person services you can use that are flexible and can be worked around your availability, such as Studiosity, which uses AI to help you learn, or Student VIP, which can help you find a tutor in your area.
Read about how to choose a university tutoring service.
Student support services
If you need help managing assessment deadlines, or coping with a particular study requirement, talk to your teaching staff in the first instance, or reach out to your university’s student support services for advice.
Study support
Open Universities Australia student advisors
Sometimes you need guidance on how to make study work for you.
Open Universities Australia has a dedicated team of student advisors who can help you select the right subjects and electives for you during each new term. They can also help you figure out a manageable study load, answer re-enrolment questions, and offer advice on funding your studies.
You can book a free consultation any time, even if you haven’t actually enrolled to study yet, to explore your options and get information.
You can also reach out via Messenger, SMS or WhatsApp, if that suits your schedule or communication style better.
Disability support services
If you live with a disability, you can also access specific support for your studies, including accessible materials and study support, through Open Universities Australia’s dedicated disability support services, and through your university.
Mental health support
Community resources
Sometimes things don’t always go to plan, and you might find yourself overwhelmed or in need of mental health support.
You can always use community support services like Lifeline, Beyond Blue and Headspace for counselling, mental health coaching and to connect with online peer groups.
Counselling services
You can also access free and confidential counselling through Open Universities Australia. This short-term service can help you with stress or issues that are affecting your studies, or that your studies may be causing, and link you to other support available if you need.
Setting up a support network is an important part of your learning journey, and can help you manage studying around the other priorities in your life.
If you're not sure what kind of support you need just yet and you'd like someone to steer you in the right direction, reach out to us. We can guide you!
