Lifestyle Factors to Consider

In addition to the personal qualities you must have, you may also have to make adjustments to your lifestyle if you expect to succeed at your distance degree. Consider the following factors:

Family - Are your family members "on side"? Without their understanding and support, this learning adventure could quickly deteriorate into a source of resentment and lost opportunity

Friends - Are your friends aware of what you are doing? Like your family, your friends need to understand that you will not always be available to participate in the activities you usually share.
Spare time - Are you prepared to devote most of your spare time to your studies? Evenings, weekends, and vacations will likely be limited by your need to work on your degree. You must be prepared for having less free time than you are used to, and so do your family and friends. Beware, though, of going overboard and shutting yourself away for long periods; be sure to maintain a valance between work and play, and schedule sufficient time for relaxation and recreation.

Space - Do you have a place in your home that is only for studying? It is essential that this place is not used for eating, sleeping, working, or entertaining. A small desk in a corner of a room will do, but you must make whatever sacrifice is necessary to create a space where your only focus is on your studies. It is vital to your success.