Although you may want to sign up for as many classes as possible, taking only one or two in the beginning is the best way to go. That way you’ll be able get a feel for how many hours you need to dedicate to your classes each week. By starting slow, you’ll learn to pace yourself without being overwhelmed as well as what other life commitments will just have to go in order for your online learning experience to be a success.

It’s easier to add additional courses the next semester than it is to drop or fail out of one now. Remember, online college classes are just as challenging and time consuming as the classes at a campus university. It definitely won’t be a walk in the park.

Source: Education.org

Tell your family and friends about your decision to take online classes. This built-in support system will help you tremendously since there will be times you’ll need someone to cover your commitments at home or work. It’s important that you take the appropriate time to study and finish your assignments without feeling frazzled or overwhelmed with an increased workload. Good family and friends will understand that unnecessary distractions will only hurt the quality of your work and your ability to get things done.

Also, having a “go-to” support network gives you the chance to talk about what you’re going through with your classes. Whether it’s an assignment you don’t understand, or an unrelenting professor, in the end it will strengthen your commitment and focus for finishing the degree program.

Source: degreesandtraining.com