Welcome! Welcome to all our new online postgraduate students! We are delighted that you are joining Edinburgh, one of the world’s leading universities. Hear from our wonderful online learning alumni community, sharing insights and advice on starting your online learning journey. View media transcript It comes with a lot of self drive. It comes with a lot of sacrifices. If you're going to get the most out of an online programme, you have to go an extra mile. Definitely take advantage of the office hours. Even I was like, I wish I'd done it more. Talking to your profs about the readings you're doing and, like, about what to expect for assignments is hugely beneficial. They're so willing to help. Like when I did go through them, I found them so helpful. Particularly if you're coming in online, I would not be shy about reaching out to people and making connections. I ended up forming these relationships with people. Is it worth as much as an on campus degree? Absolutely. It's exactly the same. It doesn't say anything different on your degree manuscript to say that you've done it online. You're not going to get any less teaching by doing it online. And as I say, there's the bonus of being able to decide when you can listen to your lectures. And so you find that one week, if we're doing something like, um, For example, surgical emergencies, the likelihood that the next week I'm actually going to be able to practically implement what I've learned online is very high. Studying and also working, and I also run my own business, so there's all of that going on, and it was definitely challenging. It really does require you to have some thought management and to have accountability partners, and to really I think just have a conversation with yourself and really see what are the different resources that you would need in thinking about all the other commitments that you have available it's been a wild ride over the past two years, but thankfully, with the support of my family, I managed to graduate, you know, after you've done all your hard work and you sit there in the graduation hall and they call out a name. It is the best experience ever. Essential Tasks to do before you start online Register as an online studentRegister how to pay your feesComplete your pre-arrival reviewApply for your University student cardConnect with your virtual learning environmentManage your student inbox Prepare for online study Hear from our online learning students and alumni about time management tips. Plus, discover our range of online events, courses, resources, and support for academic and personal growth.Academic supportProfessional developmentDigital safety and skills Get support from the Disability and Learning Support Service If you have a disability, learning difference, health or neurodiverse condition that impacts your studies please get in touch with the Disability and Learning Support Service (DLSS) as soon as possible before your studies start. Watch recordings of our 'How to' Q&A sessions Watch the recordings of our online Q&A sessions where staff and current students share helpful advice about starting university. The sessions cover a range of topics, from money management to looking after yourself. Library resources As an online student you will have remote access to one of the world's biggest academic libraries. Your wellbeing Find tips, advice, and resources to help you adjust to university life and support you as an online student Technical Support Contact our helpline 7 days a week or access our extensive IT and computing help section on the website. Visiting Edinburgh You may be studying online but you are still very welcome to visit the campus in Edinburgh. This article was published on 2025-06-27