3 Tips For Making the Most Of Your College Experience Online

If you’re like most students across the country, you’re probably getting a good portion of your arts degree online.

Huh... how do we even do that in the performing arts?

That was my first question when the pandemic hit and I was forced to become a member of “Zoom University.” My school, Long Island University-Post offered in-person classes this school year (2020-2021), but for the fall semester it turned out to be more of a hybrid than full in-person learning.

In the spring of 2020, we went fully remote just like everyone else.

Now I am a rising second semester junior and have had, “all three versions” as I like to say. I’ve experienced fully remote learning, learning with students in a classroom and the professor online, and everyone in-person. There are some key differences. For instance, the biggest difference is the energy shifts within the room versus online. That directs me to my first point.

1. Always prepare as if you would be in-person.

This will keep you present and your energy higher than if you were to just get by and get through.

If you prepare as if you were to be in-person you are preparing yourself to have more motivation and energy online. Examples of this include having your hair neat for ballet class, (just like you would in-person) or eating breakfast before your early morning class instead of skipping it. These are things that as time goes on you may become a bit more relaxed about.

If you keep up your routine you’ll find more motivation and a higher energy in the zoom-sphere.

2. Take time for yourself.

Getting a degree in musical theatre or any type of arts online is not what we are meant to do. It is more draining than being in-person in a lot of ways.

Schedule time for yourself that has nothing to do with any of your classes or the arts. The only way to be present in your classes is if you have the fuel to begin with. Burnout is very real, especially online. Set aside hours each week that you know you will not be working on anything related to school or the arts. This has been one of my biggest coping mechanisms throughout this pandemic. It forced me to find other things I enjoy, even if that is just watching Netflix on the weekend. You will definitely thank yourself later.

3. Utilize office hours and email.

Your professors are there for you.

Use this time to open communication with them even further and discuss where you are, where you want to be, and how to get there. The times where I grew the most were the times I met with my professors over zoom to get feedback. They want to help you; especially during this uncertain time. Further your connection with them and you might be surprised at how much more motivated you become and how much more you grow.

My school is a huge fan of process papers and journaling where the professors write back and give you individual notes and feedback. This has been one of the biggest influences on my education and has only developed more throughout this time on “Zoom University.”

These are only just a few ways to help with your online college experience in the performing arts. I challenge you to make the most of this crazy, unpredictable, yet inventive time, so that when we do come back you’re on top!

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Danielle Burman (She/Her) is a current junior BFA Musical Theatre major at LIU Post who will be graduating a semester early in the fall of 2021. Favorite credits include, Heathers(Priscilla Beach Theatre), Once More From The Top: Dance Cabaret (LIU Post), and West Side Story (MC Summer Dinner Theatre). In addition to performing Danielle is passionate about arts education. Over the pandemic she began teaching online private lessons in voice, acting, and dance all geared towards kids. For more visit danielleburman.com