If you find yourself taking online courses or working remotely for the first time, it could be challenging to get into a routine. Luckily, our JWU Online students are pros at staying focused and getting their work done on time – no matter where they are. So, we asked them for their best advice for completing work at a distance, and we think these tips could apply to anyone who is working remotely for the time being, whether for school or their job.

Here’s what they said:

1. Plan your week. “Take the time at the beginning of each week to review your work and make a plan to complete based on due dates. Being organized will go a long way.”

— Angela Brady, MS – Hospitality Management

2. Write down tasks. “Utilize a physical calendar. Write down your due dates and what you need to do each day to stay on track or ahead of the game. [Mapping things out] keeps me focused, and I don’t have to worry about last minute assignments or papers.”

— Jennifer Styburski, MBA – Hospitality Management

3. Designate a space for work. “Be conscious of your space...make it a space conducive for learning and working. It’s an excellent opportunity to develop a different kind of discipline.”

— Kyle Ashton, MS – Sport Leadership

4. Get away from distractions, if you can. “If the public library is open go there to work. There is a lot less distraction there than home or at a cafe.”

— Chris Chi, BS – Hospitality Management

If this isn’t possible these days, try to find a quiet place in your home to work instead.

5. Manage your time effectively. “Set aside time on specific days free of your cellphone and TV so you can focus.”

— Kadija Fran, MBA – Information Security/Assurance

6. Work ahead if possible. “Get work done early. I stay up the extra hours during the week so I can have Sundays off to relax.”

— Ally Dolan, MBA

7. Give yourself enough time. “Plan ahead and review what is expected. Keep track of your tasks and due dates. Allow yourself time to accomplish your tasks rather than rushing through them - this saves you from technical difficulties too.”

— Gayle Fortune, MS – Nonprofit Management 

8. Keep communicating. “Talk to the people around you about the topics [you are working on] so you still get that sense of interaction.”

— Jenna Dawson, MS – Hospitality Management

9. Lean on your support system. “When things get hard, it is up to you to dig deep and get it done. Without having a strong support system behind me, I think finding the motivation for myself would be challenging. Knowing that my family believes in me and is cheering me on is huge.”

— Abby Cogan, MPA