By Laura Woo, Marketing Intern Summer break doesn’t have to slow down your goals — it can be a chance to explore something new, stay on track, or even get ahead. Running May 18 through August 6, 2026, Summer Session includes a variety of course formats, with 4, 6, 8 and 12-week options. This flexibility allows […]
Author: Laura Woo
How to Make the Most of Your Summer (Without Burning Out)
By Laura Woo, Marketing Intern With summer just around the corner, many online students are starting to think about how to use the upcoming break. After balancing coursework, jobs and other responsibilities, summer can feel like a chance to catch up – get ahead. But without a plan, it is easy for the weeks to […]
Not Ready for a Master’s Degree? A Graduate Certificate Might Be the Perfect Next Step
By Laura Woo, Marketing Intern The modern workforce is evolving quickly. New technologies, data, artificial intelligence and global collaboration continue to reshape industries, and professionals across many fields are expected to update their skills more frequently than in the past. At the same time, many people are balancing full-time jobs, family responsibilities and other commitments. […]
How to Make Friends in Online Grad School
By Laura Woo, Marketing Intern One of the most common things online graduate students say is that they didn’t expect grad school to feel isolating. You log in, watch lectures, submit assignments and log out — sometimes without ever having a real conversation with a classmate. Making friends can feel awkward – or even unnecessary […]
New Year, New You: Goal-Setting for Online Grad Success
By Laura Woo, Marketing Intern January often feels like a reset. For online graduate students, it’s also a time where flexibility and responsibility meet head-on. Without fixed class times or in-person reminders, staying on track depends largely on how well your goals fit into your actual routine. That’s why goal-setting for online graduate study works best when […]
Winter Break Reset: How to Recharge Without Losing Momentum
By Laura Woo, Marketing Intern Winter break is finally here — a rare stretch of calm after a demanding semester. But slowing down doesn’t have to mean losing the momentum you’ve built. A thoughtful reset can help you rest, get organized and step into spring feeling steadier and more prepared. Below are a few practical […]
Make Your Winter Count: 10 Courses to Spark Your Curiosity This Break
By Laura Woo, Marketing Intern Winter break doesn’t have to mean pressing pause on your goals. Whether you want to boost your GPA, knock out a Gen Ed course or explore a brand-new subject, the University of Illinois’ Winter Session term gives you the flexibility to take an online course from anywhere in the world. […]
Mastering Your Time: 6 Planning & Study Tools for Online Grad Students
By. Laura Woo, Marketing Intern Balancing grad school with the rest of your life isn’t easy. Between work, family, and everything else, it can feel like there just aren’t enough hours in the day. That’s where the right tools can step in—not to add more to your plate, but to make things a little smoother. […]
Impostor Syndrome in Grad School: Reclaiming Your Identity as a Student
By. Laura Woo, Marketing Intern Starting grad school after being out of school for a while can feel… strange. On one hand, you’re excited for what’s ahead. On the other, you might catch yourself wondering, “Do I really belong here?” That creeping doubt is often called impostor syndrome – a very real experience where capable […]
Your First 30 Days as an Online Grad Student: What to Expect
By Laura Woo, Marketing Intern Starting something new always comes with a mix of excitement and uncertainty – especially when you’re balancing school with work, family, or other responsibilities. If you’re beginning your journey as an online graduate student at #ILLINOIS, you’re not alone. These first 30 days lay the groundwork for your success, and […]