10 Things You Need To Know Before Beginning Your Studies at UoPeople

Congratulations on your decision to study at University of the People! Before you dive in there are a few things you can do to make the most of your time with us. In this post, we’ll look at the 10 actions you should take before starting classes to give yourself the best shot at success at UoPeople.   

By mastering these, you’ll be able to take charge of your academic achievement here, putting you in the best possible position for long-term success in the virtual classroom. 

Set Yourself Up for Success

Ensure you have the right computer and a strong internet connection. Don’t just buy the most expensive gear though. Instead, focus on choosing the tools that work best for you and your goals. 

Setting aside a regular, quiet workspace can also be helpful. One of the advantages of UoPeople is that you can complete your work from anywhere in the world, but having a regular office or desk set aside for your studies can help minimize distractions and put you in a better mindset to learn.  

Learn About UoPeople 

You’ll want to take a closer look at the programs UoPeople offers as you begin your journey with us. Visit our website and take the time to learn about each program by reading through their mission statements and course lists.  

Once you’ve done that, take a look at our University Catalog to see which program is the right fit for you. You’ll find various courses in multiple disciplines that can yield fulfilling and high-paying careers.  

Prepare for a Unique Experience 

UoPeople is NOT like any other online education program. Our virtual classes are made up of around 20-30 students led by experienced UoPeople instructors. Together, they work through the course material to study and understand its core concepts. However, you should also be prepared for an independent learning experience. You’ll be responsible for keeping up with course materials, reading assignments, and watching video lectures. 

We find this mixed learning model allows our students to study in the way that works best for them while also providing the necessary direction required to understand the material.  

Understanding this unique structure will help prime you for success on day one, cutting down the time it takes you to adjust to UoPeople’s approach. 

Recognize the Importance of Deadlines 

While independent study is a great way to learn, it also involves being responsible for your own academic workload. Mastering good study habits early on will set you up for success later.  

UoPeople recognizes how important these habits are and has provided a powerful resource to help you get started. If you need help keeping track of your critical deadlines, check out UoPeople’s Academic Calendar. It includes key dates such as the first day of your term, the course withdrawal period, the final exam period, and other important milestones. It will help to familiarize yourself with these dates so bookmark the site and return to it as a reference throughout the term. 

Check Your Email 

UoPeople’s virtual environment means you’ll need to be adapted to virtual forms of communication such as email. A majority of communications sent from our university are sent electronically. You’ll need to get used to checking your email frequently. 

If you don’t speak English well, use Google Translate or another translation tool to help you communicate effectively with your fellow students. 

Be an Explorer 

When you start your studies at UoPeople, you’ll have a lot to explore. Between our robust UoPeople platform and our diverse, growing community of students and faculty, there’s so much to see and do. We also encourage students to explore and participate in online forums and chat rooms. 

As an online student, you will learn how to be self-sufficient and resourceful in a way that many traditional college students never receive training in—and this will help make you more competitive when it comes time to pursue your dream job. 

Be Ready for a Challenge  

Be ready for an academic challenge that will be well worth the effort. UoPeople will expose you to a curriculum developed by top academic leadership and industry leaders, which means you’ll have to put in work if you want to succeed. You’ll need to be flexible, open-minded, and organized. 

Good study habits are essential, but so are positive health habits. Eating right, getting plenty of sleep, and setting aside time for coursework before you begin your studies at UoPeople can help you succeed once you’ve started.  

If you’re looking for ways to build good habits, check out this New York Times piece for helpful tips.   

Know What to Expect 

The best way to learn how to navigate the UoPeople platform is by using it. The UoPeople platform is simple, but it helps to know a few things before you dive in. Get a jump start with the Student Portal.  

You also might want to learn more about UoPeople from a student’s perspective. Check out some of our student stories to hear from people like you about what studying with us is like. You’ll see how students have been able to navigate UoPeople and leverage their education for rewarding careers. 

Reach Out to Your Peers 

Communication with your fellow students is a critical aspect of your UoPeople experience. You can ask other students questions, comment on their posts, provide feedback on their work, and share any valuable resources you have found. It is also common for students to exchange time management tips and learning strategies that have worked well for them.  

Consult our Ask a Student resource for more on how to connect with others. 

Verify Your Eligibility 

Before applying to UoPeople, make sure you’ve resolved any potential issues related to your specific country and academic background that may affect your enrollment process and transfer options.  

Double-check that your country of citizenship/permanent residence is on the list of countries eligible to study with us. Additionally, ensure that your academic background is on the list of eligible educational backgrounds.

Follow the steps outlined above and you can set yourself up for success at UoPeople. By understanding how our university works and preparing for your learning experience, you’ll leverage a unique online learning experience into unique and extraordinary results.