“Focus on getting into a routine.  Now with remote work (and working pacific hours) I take advantage of my mornings to go for a run.  In terms of online learning, I’d tell myself to set aside a routine like I would on campus – try to add as much structure to my day so that once it starts, I’m active the whole time whether it’s in meetings or working on projects.  And of course, take meaningful breaks!  Going for a walk around the block or just getting up to stand every hour makes a huge difference to my productivity.” 

Sophia Moses, University of Pennsylvania, Class of 2020 

Make an active effort getting to know classmates, TAs, professors, etc. 

The biggest difference I've noticed between remote and in-person is that remote tends to make academic/professional experiences all about getting things done, and less about the organic social interaction that occurs when doing so. During the last few months of my senior year, the Zoom meetings dedicated to group projects became all about finishing the work; similarly, my only time interacting with coworkers now is to discuss projects. I believe that one of the most valuable aspects of school/work is the relationships one builds, and remote makes it much harder for those relationships to organically grow.

Remember to schedule breaks throughout the day. 

Remote learning/work removes all the time previously spent on commute and other physical logistics. It's easy to stay in one's desk all day without taking breaks, and those breaks are often needed to make one more productive while working.

Invest in a home office. 

I've found that my productivity increased significantly once I had a proper office setup - a bigger monitor, an ergonomic keyboard/chair, etc. On a similar vein, I've also found it important to have a dedicated room for work and a dedicated room for sleep/leisure. I've found that physically separating those two spaces, even if they're just down the hall from each other, allows for better sleep and better focus during work.

Jimmy Xue, University of Pennsylvania, Class of 2020