Campus vs. Online

In this digital age it can be easier than ever to do your studies, but which classroom style is the best for you? Below, we’ve weighed out the pros and cons of each so you can decide which one fits your needs. Neither type is without its challenges, but hopefully this list helps you get an idea of which challenges fit your lifestyle better. Many schools offer both local campus classes and online classes, so you can always try both out and see which one works best.


Online

Pros:

  • Flexibility to do lessons and homework on your own timeline.
  • Don’t have to stress about transportation issues like traffic, campus parking, or car breakdowns.
  • Have more independence regarding your learning process.

Cons:

  • Need a fair amount of self-discipline; it can be hard to set time aside to focus on completing lessons.
  • Don’t get face-to-face interactions with professor or classmates.
  • Can be easier to be lazy and not learn as much.

Campus

Pros:

  • Undivided attention from a professor on a consistent schedule. Makes it easy to get help with questions and have access to resources on-demand.
  • Caters to more types of learners (i.e. visual, physical, verbal, social).
  • Get the “university experience.” Physical campuses have activities, are more social, and have ways to get involved in campus life and extracurriculars.

Cons:

  • Campuses can feel crowded– especially when looking for a parking spot or trying to walk from one building to the next.
  • Need a consistent schedule and sometimes classes aren’t offered at a time that is convenient.
  • Susceptible to transportation issues like gas money and traffic.