An Oregon State Ecampus Student Advisory Board member offers practical tips to help you ‘feel more connected, supported and successful’
Being an online student with Oregon State University comes with many advantages. The flexibility to learn from anywhere means you don’t have to uproot your life — your job, your family or your children’s schooling, in my case. As my fellow Ecampus Student Advisory Board member Levi Daniels beautifully captured in his reflection, “A student in South Africa, like me, can pursue a degree from a university in Oregon without ever setting foot on campus. It’s a form of academic teleportation — a marvel of modern technology that eliminates a plethora of barriers to education.”
The asynchronous nature of Oregon State Ecampus classes means you can learn on your schedule — studying and taking quizzes at times that fit your unique circumstances. That freedom is empowering. However, there are also real challenges that come with learning online — especially when it comes to connection and belonging.
Unlike on-campus students, Ecampus students miss out on the spontaneous parts of student life: attending mixers, seeing posters around campus, or forming relationships with classmates they in person see daily. These everyday experiences matter more than we realize. Without them, it’s easy to feel isolated or even question if you truly belong.
Overcoming the challenge of loneliness
One of the biggest struggles Ecampus students face is a lack of social connection. Building meaningful peer relationships is more difficult when your only interactions happen online. As a result, feelings of loneliness or questioning your place at Oregon State University can creep in.
If you’ve ever found yourself feeling this way, you’re not alone — and more importantly, you’re not stuck. Below are five practical strategies that can help you feel more connected, supported and successful on your journey.
1. Connect with your Ecampus success coach
Every Ecampus student is paired with a success coach, a personal guide to help you navigate the Oregon State online learning experience. Unlike academic advisors who focus on course selection, success coaches help you with the whole student experience — finding balance, managing time, setting goals and overcoming challenges.
Curious about research opportunities? Ask your coach to connect you with faculty or lab programs. Want to study abroad as an online student? Your coach can help you explore options.
Sometimes just talking things through with someone who understands the Ecampus experience can be the first step to feeling more grounded and supported.
2. Get involved — even from a distance
Getting involved as an online student takes intention, but it’s worth the effort. Explore virtual clubs, student groups or volunteer opportunities that align with your interests and values. If you’re unsure where to start, reach out to your professors or success coach to ask about research projects or events tied to your field.
You’ll be surprised how many ways there are to connect with fellow students, instructors, and campus resources — even virtually. These shared experiences can help you build friendships and grow your professional network.
3. Be personal in course discussions
Discussion boards aren’t just for answering prompts — they’re a chance to share who you are. When appropriate, include personal stories, reflections, or examples from your life in your posts. Vulnerability builds connection, and often, your classmates will relate more than you expect.
Will this turn into lifelong friendships? Maybe, maybe not. But these small social risks open the door to real conversations — and sometimes, those conversations are exactly what we need to feel seen.
4. Learn more about Oregon State student life
Even if you’re not on campus, you’re still a part of Beaver Nation. Dive into the Oregon State experience by watching campus videos, tuning into podcasts, or following OSU social media accounts.
You’ll gain insight into the culture, traditions and voices that shape the university.
Take it one step further: Grab an OSU hoodie, T-shirt or hat. You might be surprised how many people in your community have a connection to Oregon State University — those chance conversations can turn into meaningful ones.
5. Talk with your instructors
Your instructors are more than names on a screen—they’re educators who care about your success. Make the most of their virtual office hours to ask questions, discuss assignments, or just say hello. You don’t need to wait until you’re struggling to reach out.
Want to connect with others interested in your field? Ask your instructor if they know of students or faculty doing related work. Often, instructors are happy to make introductions or point you toward academic and professional opportunities.
Final thought: Reflect and reach out
Lastly, make time to reflect on your journey. Journaling weekly can help you track progress, process your experiences, and recognize how far you’ve come. If you’re struggling to find direction or want help setting personal goals, reach out to your success coach or any member of the Oregon State support team.
You don’t have to figure it out alone.
You can also connect with the Ecampus Student Advisory Board — a group of students like me who’ve walked this path and want to help others thrive. Ask them what worked for them, or share your own story and let them support you.
The road may feel quiet at times, but you are never walking it alone. Your experience matters. You belong at Oregon State University — and the more you take steps to connect, the more you’ll feel it.
Discover how Ray and other members of the Ecampus Student Advisory Board impact the online student experience at Oregon State University, and read about eligibility and participation requirements.
