6 Common Mistakes Online Students Make (and How to Avoid Them)

Online learning hit an important milestone in 2025: It was the first time in the U.S. that more college students learned entirely online than fully in person.

With that kind of accessibility, some common pitfalls have emerged. Here are six mistakes online students make that could affect their success.

1. Underestimating the Time and Effort Required

Some people mistakenly believe that online courses are easier than in-person ones. Don’t let the added flexibility or lack of a physical classroom fool you — online college is just as rigorous as its on-the-ground counterpart, with one important caveat: if the school is accredited.

As long as the institution holds proper accreditation, it doesn’t matter whether the program is online or on-campus — degree programs must meet the same curriculum requirements and levels of quality, regardless of how the information is delivered. Purdue Global, for example, is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

How much time and effort you need to put into your online education will depend more on the institution’s general academic standards and how organized and motivated you are.

Try This Instead:

Online learning requires self-discipline and good time management skills. Without these, you may be surprised at how demanding it can be. Get in good study habits now:

• Plan a weekly schedule with dedicated study blocks.
• Set daily goals for assignments, studying, and participating in group projects or discussions.
• Use whatever system works for you (project management software, digital or hard-copy calendars, alerts, time-blocking apps) to stay on track.

>>Read More: Overcoming Procrastination as a College Student

2. Not Checking the Technology Requirements

Every online college has an overarching set of technology (hardware, software, and connectivity) requirements, and individual courses may have additional technology requirements as well. Most schools’ basic tech requirements will look similar to Purdue Global’s technology requirements:

• A desktop computer or laptop (PC or Mac)
• High-speed internet connection with a minimum bandwidth of 8 Mbps
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google Workspace
• Ability to browse the web using Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari; download and install common plug-ins; and configure common browser options
• Ability to configure and run apps (including antivirus software, Acrobat Reader, Oracle Java, and Zoom, all of which come with free downloads)

Don’t wait until the first day of class to find out your audio doesn’t work or the Wi-Fi is spotty.

Try This Instead:

Check all technology requirements early. Particularly:

• Become familiar with the online learning platform (demos and tutorials are helpful).
• Know your backup connectivity options (go to the library, use a mobile hotspot, etc.).
• Find out if there are any additional tech requirements for every class you plan to enroll in.

3. Lacking Engagement

Some students feel isolated when they begin online college. If you’ve only known the in-person interaction of traditional classrooms, it might take some getting used to.

Recognize now that simply logging in isn’t enough. To be successful in online college, you’ll have to make a concerted effort to engage meaningfully with your teacher and classmates.

Try This Instead:

The good news is online learning can be just as interesting and vibrant as in-person education, with numerous opportunities to interact and develop relationships. This is one of those cases where you will get out of it what you put into it. To that end:

• Actively participate in online discussions.
• Use discussion boards, video chats, and email.
• Schedule virtual study groups with peers.
• Reach out to your instructors as needed.

>>Learn More: 5 Tips to Build Relationships With Faculty and Peers as an Online Student

4. Not Establishing a Dedicated Study Environment

While the flexibility to study where and when you want is likely part of the reason you chose online college, don’t be too unconventional about it all. Trying to study at a dining room table while the kids are in and out and the dog is howling isn’t exactly conducive to focus and productivity.

Try This Instead:

Create a dedicated study space free from distractions, with all your course materials and tools in one place. If you live with others, ask for their support (and quiet) during study time. Sit upright or use a standing desk, and make sure the lighting and temperature are comfortable.

5. Ignoring Academic Integrity

Do not assume that online learning makes it easier to circumvent academic integrity policies. This is false.

Every reputable institution will have an academic integrity policy, which is backed by advanced proctoring tools and academic integrity checkers. Cheating, plagiarism, or knowingly giving false information can lead to academic penalties and expulsion.

Try This Instead:

The easiest way to avoid this mistake is to act with integrity. You can assume your work will be run through plagiarism and AI detectors, and trying to get around that — or any other aspect of academic integrity — just isn’t worth it.

6. Not Believing in Themselves

If you’ve ever doubted your abilities and aptitude to succeed, welcome to the human race. It happens. But be wary of the perpetually negative self-talk. As the saying goes, “Be careful how you speak to yourself because you're listening.”

Yes, you can do this. You can juggle the demands of work, life, and school. Be intentional about it — plan, engage, nurture smart habits, and stay organized. Your career goals await.

>>Related Reading: How to Overcome Imposter Syndrome as an Adult Learner

Purdue Global: Dedicated to Our Students’ Success

You have career goals, and we want to help you get there. Purdue Global offers more than 175 online programs, along with robust academic support and online learning resources.

Request more information today to get started.

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