Doing homework at home is one thing (it’s implied in the word itself!), but doing entire classes at home is another. We are so accustomed to the separation between our school and home environments, and that wonderful feeling after a day of learning when the bell rings and we are free to do whatever we want. But what happens when school is home? When there are no bells to mark the end of a school day?

This school year is going to be undeniably different, which means that the ways in which we work towards our goals will also need to be a little bit different.

Here are 5 tips to help you ace online school in 2020.

1. Make your own schedule.

Haven’t you always wanted to get that perfect schedule, with classes and lunch breaks the same as your friends, and those harder classes perfectly spread out through the week? Well, now’s your chance! Work with friends to come up with a regular “class” schedule, as similar to school hours as possible. This will not only keep you on track, but will also enable you and your friends to keep each other accountable. No last-minute scrambles here!

2. Set up a “school” environment at home that works for you.

Designate an area of your home (preferably as far from your bed as possible) for school-related work only. Make an effort to keep it tidy, without distractions, supplied with all the study materials and stationery you need. Try your best to avoid doing anything else in this area (eating meals, gaming, sleeping). This will help to simulate a school environment and keep your focus and attention on the learning!

Have fun with it! We can’t really fool ourselves into believing that we’re at school, so take advantage of the perks. Allow yourself to include things like:

Printouts of frequently used info (formula sheets, periodic table, vocab lists, etc.)
Printouts of (un)ironic motivational quotes and memes
A stress ball and/or something to fidget with
A secret snack drawer
A plant

3. Take an outdoor break after “school”.

Ideally, go outside before “school” too. But if you can’t imagine why you would drag yourself out in the morning when you don’t have to, then just after “school” is the minimum. Not only will this give you a tangible separation between school and home, but it will also provide for a much-needed mental and physical break. What you do is up to you! Take a walk, go on a run, read on a bench, maybe do some gardening?

4. Stay connected with your teachers.

This is a big one. Make sure you continue to ask questions and communicate with your teachers, even if you won’t be seeing them in person. Note down their email, their office hours, and any other contact info they provide. At the end of the day, they still know best for doing well in their class, they are still the ones grading you, and they are still the ones to provide references when the time comes.

5. Keep a calendar, digitally or on paper.

Without the daily reminders from teachers and classmates, it can be difficult to keep track of all the assignments and evaluations coming your way. If you’re not the type to get started on something right away (a lot of us aren’t, it’s ok!), then it’s wise to note down when it’s due, so you don’t forget about it altogether. Not only will a calendar make sure you remember all the deadlines, but it will also help you visualize which weeks will be busier than others, and how much (or how little) time you have to get everything done.

There is no denying that this school year will bring with it a unique set of challenges. Prepare yourself the best you can, but also give yourself the leniency, flexibility, and kindness that you would give others during this time. Stay healthy, and happy studying!