It’s been almost a year since our lives have been upended by a global pandemic. Like many students all over the world, you may have found yourself thrust into online learning overnight, which can be fraught with challenges.

As you reminisce about the great times of being in an actual classroom with your best mates, you may have inadvertently forgotten all the annoyances of going to school and being in class.

Well, it’s time to take off your rose-tinted glasses. Here are 7 ways online learning can be a great reprieve from the annoyances of physical school.

#1. You don’t have to battle traffic congestion and rush hour traffic

Nothing is more irritating than having timed your journey to school to perfection, only to encounter bumper-to-bumper traffic because a lorry broke down on the highway. Not cool.

With online classes, all you need to do is roll out of bed and log on to your laptop. No traffic, no drama. The worst thing that could happen is if your sibling beats you to the bathroom, not an insurmountable problem if you relentlessly bang on the door while screaming at the top of your lungs.

#2. No more long lines of queue

Whether it’s queueing up for lunch or waiting for your turn at the printing shop, there’s always a long queue. No matter how early you get there or how late you go, somehow you’re always left waiting for your turn. It’s like everyone functions under one time zone.

Now that you’re home, you can finally live life on the fast lane. Assignments are all done digitally so there’s no need to rush to the print shop. Food is a short walk away and you don’t have to stand around awkwardly while the student in front of you spends hours mulling over what they want to eat. Online school can be a bit dull but at least you’re not stuck in a queue somewhere.

#3. Weekend classes aren’t such a drag anymore

There’s truly nothing more disappointing than having your weekends planned out (hello, Netflix) only to have to cancel everything because your teacher decides to hold an additional class. It’s even worse when that class is set for 8am. The pain of having to set an alarm and actually wake up to it sucks.

While you can’t avoid weekend classes even with online learning, at least don’t have to leave the warmth of your bed. You may want to have a quick shower and a light breakfast. But even if you choose to attend class without doing any of these, it’s not like anyone would know. With online classes, a weekend class is just another class you have to attend online.

#4. You can eat without judgement

You’re in the middle of a lesson and your stomach won’t stop grumbling. In a typical class, you’ll have to be really subtle about snacking. Yes, some teachers may be okay with it but most have strict rules about bringing in food and drinks.

Now that you’re hidden behind a screen with your camera turned off, you can sneak in whatever you want, even bringing in plates of sushi or a big juicy burger. There are certain etiquette rules you still need to watch out for but it’s a lot easier to sneak in a snack or two in an online class than it is in a physical class.

#5. You can spend less time worrying about what to wear

Picking the right outfit for college on a daily basis can be such a hassle. You want to be comfy yet not look sloppy, stylish yet not too dressed up. Let’s not even get started if you’re still in secondary school — uniforms must be crisp and ironed not to mention proper white or black socks must be worn.

With the shift to online class, this is one annoying thing about physical learning you can say goodbye to. Now, you no longer have to think about what to wear. You don’t even have to change out of your pyjamas if you’re too lazy to (but we still think you should at least shower).

#6. No more lugging a heavy bag everywhere you go

Physical classes often require you to lug an inhuman amount of weight wherever you go. In fact, this has become a long-standing problem for many school students. On top of the thick textbooks, you have to carry your notebooks, stationery and other miscellaneous items. It all just adds up to an annoyingly heavy backpack.

With online class, you can wish this all away. Since all your classes take place online, you don’t have to carry anything anywhere and you can finally give your back some needed rest. Heavy bags begone!

#7. You can skip awkward small talk

At school, you’re bound to meet people on your way to class, cafeteria or wherever. While a familiar face could be a welcomed sight, it can get annoying pretty quickly when you have to stop and make small talk with various people out of common courtesy, especially if it’s someone you’re less fond of.

Now that you’re home, you no longer have to worry about bumping into a familiar face wherever you go, removing numerous pointless conversations from your daily routine. For introverts, this is probably heaven-sent.

Here’s the reality — digital is here to stay

Face-to-face learning has its benefits but like it or not, this is our new normal. While the pandemic won’t last forever, the same can’t be said for online learning. Education, with or without your approval, has gone virtual and online learning will continue to play a big role in the future of education.

Instead of waiting this period out, why not take this time to adapt and evolve? Learn more about how colleges are taking online learning to the next level at our Virtual Education Fair. Don’t let the pandemic jeopardise your future and start planning for your education today.