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How to succeed in online school if you’re an introvert

Written by Nicole Krempasky on Wednesday, 14 September 2022. Posted in Life Hacks

Person laying on the ground between water and grass, reading a book.

If you’re an introvert, you may have found that traditional, in-person school wasn’t a good fit for you. Often, introverts struggle in this brick-and-mortar setting, finding themselves feeling overwhelmed and uncomfortable. This discomfort can lead to distraction, as well as lower grades for those who feel inadequate socially or don’t like participating out loud. An unpleasant learning environment negatively impacts studies, so you may find yourself drawn to the idea of online education. With a legitimate, accredited online school, you can set your own pace and schedule, working in the environment that supports you the best. There are a few key ways you can start on your path to success, and we’ve listed them here.

1. Connect with Others

Connecting with others may immediately seem like a crazy idea if you’re an introvert. Coupled with being enrolled in online school, it could even seem completely impossible. But neither your introversion nor going to school online should prevent you from building relationships with your peers on your terms.

The Ashworth Student Community is a great place to meet others, some of whom have similar experiences and interests as you, and many who don’t. Reaching out and meeting people with common interests can help make you feel more comfortable, and meeting those who are different can open you up to new ideas and experiences. In fact, it could be very helpful for you professionally, also. It’s precisely these interactions that can help you build the social skills that many employers look for and it can create networking opportunities, too.

And, if you are extremely shy or introverted, interacting online is a great way to ease you into speaking to new people for the first time.

2. Go at your own pace

Another perk of online programs like those offered at Ashworth is that everything is self-paced. Don’t feel rushed to get through things on anyone’s timetable but your own. If you feel like you’ve mastered a subject even after only a few days or weeks, go ahead and move onto the next class. If you need more time to really absorb all the information, take your time! As long as you are moving forward, that’s the most important thing.

If you’re not sure where to start, that’s ok! There are a few things to think about as you get started. First, it’s important to make sure you have a tidy, disruption-free study space in which you’re comfortable. Next, figure out your learning style. Then, set a schedule for yourself. Start out by allotting yourself a specific amount of time on certain days to do your schoolwork. Finally, set some goals. Pick out small things you’d like to accomplish each week and then something a little larger for the month. These can help keep you motivated and push you forward. Remember, though, design these milestones for you, not what someone else thinks you should do.

Learn more: How to Learn More About Ashworth’s Online Classes

3. Ask for help

While we’re talking about pace, introverts sometimes struggle with the pace of traditional schools because the idea of speaking up can be frightening. If that sounds like you, online school might present a great solution. Most of the time, you can work on your courses totally on your own. But that doesn’t mean you can’t - or shouldn’t - ask for help when you need it. Everyone needs help every now and then. You can ask instructors for help through email and sometimes you may even speak to them on the phone or over a video chat. Take comfort in the fact that you don’t have to get up in a room full of people to seek the help you need.

The ability to ask for help is another great career-building skill as well. Most jobs require a level of teamwork, so think of your instructors or your peers in the Community as teammates who are there to help you reach a common goal.

Learn more: Tips for Surviving Your Hardest Courses

Succeed with Ashworth College

If you’re an introvert looking for a comfortable learning environment and affordable education, Ashworth College can help. If you’re ready to learn more about our online programs, call an Admission Advisor at or enroll online today to get started.

Let's talk about your educational goals. Call 1-800-957-5412