When it comes to getting your undergraduate degree, should you choose an online course or go for the traditional on-campus uni experience? We investigate...
Updated: 15 Apr 2025
Almost everything in life is been taken over by screens and digital devices these days: shopping; reading books and listening to music; even keeping in touch with our mates...
And education is no different. In recent years, online studying has become more popular and many universities now offer their degrees online. But is it for you?
We look at the pros and cons of getting your degree online, through virtual classrooms and e-learning portals, versus the traditional lecture hall and uni campus experience.
Familiarity Any student under the age of 35 is probably more comfortable with staring at a screen and getting information from digital media than they are from dusty books in old-fashioned libraries.
Convenience No walking/bus journey to lectures; no carrying around heavy book; no changing out of pyjama pants and fuzzy slippers if you don't want to. When you study online, you can truly come as you are without going anywhere at all.
Flexible scheduling Do you want to be able to work and get an education? With online learning opportunities, you can study for a degree while you eat dinner, in the middle of the night, or over coffee the following morning. Unless you have concrete lectures or discussion groups, you control your own schedule.
Great education Properly designed degree programs offered online have all the information you need to succeed and no fluff or extras just to fill up classroom time. You get distilled information you can use.
Lower costs In most cases, online degree costs less than university classes at a physical campus. Not only can you get great deals on your credits, but you could save money on accommodation (if you choose to stay living at home with your parents) and other living expenses associated with physically going to university. All you need is an internet connection (and plenty of coffee to help keep you focused).
Motivation Some people simply function better in a more structured classroom environment. When you decide how to approach your higher education, you need to figure out if you are one of those people.
Even the best online course can fail to engage your mind if you work better with the guidance of a teacher and scheduled lectures.
Loneliness Some students need the face-to-face interaction and socialisation that comes with a more traditional university setting. The online world gives you less opportunity to network professionally and form friendships with fellow students.
And at the end of the day, university is so much more than gaining knowledge. It's about experiencing the social aspects too - the clubs and societies and. for many, learning how to live independently away from home for the first time.
1. Attention from the lecturer
Direct, hands-on, and face-to-face learning are the main benefits of studying on campus for your bachelor’s degree.
You can raise your hand in a classroom and ask a question. If you need additional explanations, you have the expert right there to help you. You can also lean over and whisper to the person sitting next to you to get their ideas about a topic.
2. Immediate answers to questions
That type of attention leads to fast answers and assistance. Instead of waiting 24 hours for an answer to your email or e-learning platform comment, you can stand there and wait for an immediate response. You also do not need to worry about whether your email or message went through.
3. Networking and socialisation
Being physically around other students provide opportunities for both professional and social networking. You may just make a business connection that helps you advance your career, or you may also get a hot date with the cute guy/girl sitting near you in the lecture theatre.
4. No slacking off
When you must show up in a classroom at a certain time, there is very little room for laziness. The act of getting dressed in real clothes, putting on your shoes, and travelling to the campus prepares you mentally to get serious about your education. It is far too easy to flop down on the couch and say, "I'll get to it tomorrow" when no one is waiting for you to show up online.
5. Access to specialised equipment
It goes without saying that some courses would not really work in an online setting - science subjects (which use scientific equipment in specialised labs) are a case in point. Being on campus gives you access to equipment you'll probably never afford yourself.
1. Social anxiety
If you want to obtain a degree but are not comfortable in group situations, online learning works great.
2. Burning the candle at both ends
If you need to work to support yourself while you study, having to attend lectures and go out to work can mean you are knackered by the end of the week
3. Higher costs
With higher overheads associated with running physical classes, universities have to charge extra for courses held on campus.
There are both pros and cons to studying online and on-campus. The most important thing to know is that both give you the chance to get a really great education and that whether you choose to study your degree online, or on campus, what you get out of it is down to what you put in.
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