Alexandra Markin

Alexandra is the founder of Online Student Life. Currently a Bachelor of Commerce student at Athabasca University, she helps other distance learning students navigate online higher education through her blog and social media accounts.

A photo of 3 graduation nail ideas: colour block halfsie, red and white and glazed donut french manicure

30 Best Graduation Nail Ideas to Elevate Your Cap and Gown

If you’re looking for inspiration in the way of graduation nail ideas at this point in your education journey, congratulations! 2025 has been quite the year, and it’s time to get ready to celebrate. Whether you’re walking the stage or celebrating virtually, your nails help make the moment special. I’ve rounded up the best graduation […]

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Open communication between two women talking at a table and holding coffee cups. Credit Alexander Suhorucov @pexels

How to Set Healthy Boundaries as a College Student

As an online college student, one of the hardest lessons I’ve had to learn isn’t how to build self-discipline or take effective notes – it’s how to set and maintain healthy boundaries needed to achieve my goals. Student stress is intensified when you let your school life blur between family, friends, roommates, work and relationships.

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Top view of four women sitting around a table in a cafe with a laptop, tablet and documents. Credit @jacoblund

How to Make Friends in Online College: A Detailed Guide

As an online undergraduate student I’ve had to get creative, intentional and a lot more courageous when learning how to make friends in online college. Unlike traditional college where social moments happen naturally during class and on campus, online learning requires you to put yourself out there in different ways. It’s a bit more challenging

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A woman sitting at a desk writing with an open laptop in front of her

How to Succeed in Online Classes: My Top 14 Tips as an Online Student

I know firsthand that the advantages of online learning make it sound like a dream: you can study from anywhere, set your own schedule and never have to pay the outrageous parking fees on campus. But once you’re actually in, it’s a bit of a different story. True, it’s one of the biggest blessings –

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How to Use the Feynman Technique to Study With More Clarity

I’ve spent countless hours reading my textbooks, reviewing pages and pages of notes and highlighting every word that felt important, but still walked away feeling like I didn’t actually get it. I would show up to exams thinking I had prepared enough, only to realize I could recognize the material but couldn’t fully apply it.

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View of a student from the back working on her laptop at her desk

The Ultimate Step-by-Step Guide to Study When You’re Tired

If you’re a student, you know how it goes. Sometimes there are days when you’re so tired that even thinking about studying feels impossible. Whether it’s after a long day, a poor night’s sleep, or just one of those weeks when life feels like too much, the course work doesn’t stop. You still have assignment

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