Welcome to Online Student Life!
I’m Alexandra Markin, online graduate and the sole creator of this blog. I’m happy to have you here!
I hold a Diploma in Management Studies from Thompson Rivers University, an accredited open university headquartered in British Columbia, Canada.
Along the way, I’ve completed thousands of hours of non-formal online courses that have contributed to my success as an entrepreneur, writer and content creator.
I truly believe that online learning is the key to success for those who embrace it. Best of all, it doesn’t have to mean feeling isolated just because you’re sitting behind a screen. Online Student Life has grown into a support community of like-minded students and professionals alike.
About Online Student Life
I started this website in 2021 because I couldn’t find a place that catered to distance learning students and the unique lifestyle it comes with.
Although I love learning, I’ve always preferred not being in class in favour of learning on my own schedule. After years of many abandoned attempts to complete any post-secondary education in the traditional classroom format, discovering online learning at 33 years old was like a shining beacon of hope.
It offered me the freedom and flexibility I needed to finally complete my Diploma in Management Studies, which has taught me valuable skills I use in my business every day.
You can read my full story in the post How I Became an Online Student: My Journey Through Formal Education. If you’re feeling lost or disheartened, I hope reading my story gives you some comfort that you’re not alone. Warning – it’s a long read!
At Online Student Life, you’ll find study skills, money saving tips, lifestyle hacks and student resources specifically tailored to help you succeed in the online learning environment and ultimately, achieve study-life balance.
Not sure where to start? Check out the main blog categories:
- Are you considering doing an online certificate, diploma or degree but aren’t sure if it’s right for you? Check out the posts for prospective online students
- Being a student is expensive, so check out these money saving tips to help make the most out of student life (while still having a little fun!)
- From college essentials to graduation to study skills, I’ve got you covered to make the most of student life, online!
Thousands of people visit this site every month and put my blog posts into practice every day. I’m passionate about helping online students do their best and it’s a responsibility I take seriously.
It’s Never Too Late to Start
I hope that by sharing my experience and expertise I can help and inspire others to achieve their goals by taking full advantage of the online learning world, no matter what your age or where you are in life.
I believe in lifelong learning, and one of my life goals is to become multilingual. I’m currently teaching myself French through Duolingo alongside taking online university level languages courses.
The Online Student Life Shop
Organization is the number one skill you must master as a distance learning student. From printable checklists to my signature course study planner, shop the essentials in the Online Student Life Store.
Alexandra Markin + Online Student Life in the Press
I’ve been interviewed by Accredited Schools Online about the value of online learning and my biggest piece of advice to prospective students considering online education. Read my full interview in their post Best Accredited Online Colleges and Universities of 2023.
Keep in Contact
Do you have any questions, comments or ideas for future blog posts? Please let me know! One of my favourite parts about blogging is connecting with my readers, and there are many ways we can keep in touch.
- Email me directly at hello@onlinestudentlife.com
- Join the online student community on Instagram and send me a message
- See what I’m sharing on Pinterest
Wishing you all the best on your study journey – you got this!
