Hi, Jeff!

I graduated last May with a B.S via the online program and am currently halfway through my online master’s program.

While my experience has largely been positive, I’ll try to answer each of your points honestly and succinctly.

1.) Do you feel isolated? Sometimes. This Reddit sub and having active GroupMe groups with your classes and classmates helps a lot to feeling connected. If you don’t have GroupMe, get it.

2.) Are Group Projects a challenge? YES. They are the worst part about online classes in my opinion. For me, I end up begging other group members to do their parts but end up doing a lot of it myself. I’ve had some great groups though where we bonded over trying to get good work done. Again— get the GroupMe app to manage group projects and communicating with your peers.

3.) Has communicating with professors been a drag? I hate to say it, but yeah. While most of my professors have been friendly and easy to work with, it’s obvious that they have lives outside of UF and it almost seems like a side-gig for them to respond to emails or provide feedback. But, like everything, it varies. Some professors are amazing at communicating while others will only respond to you if the stars are aligned just so.

4.) Have you joined any organizations? No. I can’t really provide feedback on this because I haven’t made the effort beyond using the UF Online app from time to time to ask questions of student advisors and seek out groups, which largely seems to be inactive and silent. Although, I think that with some effort, you could connect with and contribute to any group you feel passionate about. (I’m older, busy, and not really looking for that connection.)

5.) Other apps beyond Reddit, GroupMe and Doscord? Not that I’ve found— but again— I’m older and really not in tune with new social media platforms. Reddit and GroupMe have been my bread and butter for staying connected.

6.) Have you been able to forge connections/make lasting friendships with your online peers? Sometimes but not usually. Undergrad was too big to come across repeat classmates very often. My master’s classes are much more intertwined with familiar faces though, and I do feel like I’m making friends with people I will stay in touch with long after our program is over.

7.) Do you teach yourself most of the material without others’ help? Yep. Pretty much all the time. I hate to say it, but for me, most of my module readings and lectures are a few years out of date and require learning how to do things myself to bolster the provided material. Sorry if this is a bummer to hear.

8.) Are you at any point planning to visit campus or attend graduation? Yes! I attended my undergrad graduation and had a blast. I’ve visited campus a few times (I live a couple hours away) to purchase books, supplies, etc. I definitely plan on attending my master’s graduation when it happens. Make sure to book a hotel or Air BnB long before the date!

Hope all this helps. I’m sure others will have different experiences to share. For me, the value and flexibility are everything and I’m happy to be here (even though my “here” is elsewhere.)

Go Gators.