It’s natural to feel some anxiety as you embark on any new journey, and many new students are nervous before starting courses at Penn State World Campus. We reached out to a group of current World Campus students to find out what they were most worried about when preparing for their first semester — and to get their tips for managing that anxiety.
Students reveal their first-semester fears
“As a new student starting at Penn State World Campus, I was most nervous about balancing my course work with other responsibilities. The idea of managing my time effectively in an online learning environment, without the traditional structure of in-person classes, was daunting. I worried about staying motivated and ensuring that I didn’t fall behind in my studies. Additionally, I was concerned about building connections with professors and peers, fearing that the online format might limit my opportunities for meaningful interactions.
Looking back, I wish I had known how essential it is to establish a routine and stick to it. Setting specific study hours and adhering to a schedule would have helped me manage my time more effectively from the start. I also learned that actively participating in discussion forums and reaching out to professors via email can significantly enhance the online learning experience. Building a network of fellow students through group projects and online study groups proved invaluable for support and collaboration. Understanding these aspects earlier would have alleviated much of the initial anxiety and made the transition to online learning smoother.”
—Deja Bryant, Bachelor of Science in Political Science
“I was nervous about setting everything up and staying organized. If you’re going to take math classes, try and reach out early to see if you can start the semester ahead of time to keep on pace. Math can be overwhelming online, so stay consistent.”
—Ryan Bitner, Bachelor of Science in Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management
“When I began at World Campus, I was nervous about starting college. I worried about the course load, the assignments, and whether I had the right materials, computer, and applications. What I wish I had known then is that there was much more support available than I realized. I had access to resources like New Student Orientation and Smart Track, and if I had any questions or needed guidance, I could (and should) have reached out more. Understanding and utilizing these support systems would have made my transition much smoother.”
—Kaitlyn Casagrande, Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
“I was nervous about balancing two jobs and school and being a mom. I had some setbacks, but I did not let that stop me with support from World Campus and my family. If you need a break, it’s okay to take one. There’s no time limit for a degree.”
—Christina Aviles, Bachelor of Arts in Digital Journalism and Media
“As a new student, I think I was most nervous about if I would be able to have the same Penn State experience as my brother did. He completed his degree program at University Park and had a great experience. There is nothing like going up to State College, but what new students should realize is that we have the same opportunities as residential students. We have online clubs/organizations to meet new people, career services, and the same academic support, if not more, at World Campus.”
—Gina Bakey, Bachelor of Science in Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management
“When I started out, I was nervous that if I had a question, how would I get a fast answer from the professor? In all of my classes, there have been discussion boards for questions that anyone in class could answer. Or if you were not comfortable doing that, you could email the professor.”
—Christopher Witthaut, Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering
“Overcoming the technology initially made me nervous. Yes, we have the orientation, which is very thorough, but applying that information was a bit overwhelming. However, we have a great IT team who’s always willing to help. Things that I wish I knew when I first started with the campus would be that I (along with every student) have what it takes to excel without any doubt. We have a great educational system to flourish in.”
—Conette Burney, Bachelor of Science in Integrated Social Sciences
Related resources:
- Preparing for and Attending Courses — we’ve compiled some resources to help you get ready for a new semester
- Starting Strong: Tips from One New Student to the Next — a former World Campus student shared tips for starting the semester on the right foot
