The first day of school can be nerve-wracking, what with finding your way around and meeting new people. And while distance learning may reduce some of these stresses, online students have their own concerns. Most important, they might be wondering how to make the most of this unique learning experience.

Being a successful student in or out of the classroom means working hard, keeping up with assignments, and asking for help.

Here are 5 tips that will put students on the path to distance-learning success when starting an online course:

1. E-mail the teacher beforehand and introduce yourself. It’s important to develop this relationship right from the beginning, especially since you might not meet your professor face-to-face. Being enthusiastic initially will show the teacher that you are invested in your education.
2. Set up a study environment. Walking into a classroom trains your mind to get into study mode. Create a similar study space in your home or office that your mind can associate with class time.
3. Read over the syllabus beforehand and write all due dates on a calendar. The temptation to procrastinate is usually greater with distance learning. Preparing ahead and having the dates in front of you will ensure you don’t fall behind.
4. Tell people around you that you’re enrolled in the class. Being able to talk to your colleagues, friends, and family about what you’re learning will make you more likely to stay on track and may even connect you to other people in your area of study.
5. Make sure your equipment meets the technical requirements of the class. The last thing you want to happen is to miss out on the first few lessons because of computer issues.