Hello there! My name is Audrey Ziemke, and I’m a sophomore communication major. If you didn’t catch it from the title, I was a Cedarville Online student last year who transferred to living on campus this fall.
From learning through a screen to learning in a classroom, here’s the deal on Cedarville life from both sides.
It’s the Social Life for Me
Without a doubt, my social landscape was night-and-day different when I came to campus.
Social Life as an Online Student
My online social life featured discussion boards and projects that helped me interact with my fellow classmates.
This current year, a group has been put together for all online students to connect with each other, and I am so happy for everyone who gets to engage in that community.
But online school did not mean that all my society was online.
Another year at home gave me the priceless opportunity to deepen my connection with my family, and my siblings became my best friends.
Additionally, online schooling provides you with countless chances to join young adult groups in your area, be involved in your church, and volunteer in your free time.
Social Life as an On-Campus Student
Contrast this with life on campus!
A social life comes very easily to a residential student. In just the first few hours of being on campus, I had introduced myself what felt like a thousand times, and the next few weeks were no different.
From the people in your dorm, your bro-sis, your classmates, and that one random person you see everywhere, friendships aren’t hard to find.
Cedarville is great about creating opportunities for students to meet each other, and if you put in the time, you can come away with awesome friends a few days into campus life.
Take advantage of where you are! You never know what God has planned for you.
Quality Academics Online and On-Campus
The easiest part about my transition from online schooling was the academics.
Online or in-person, Cedarville remains true to the principles of quality, intensity, and spiritual growth. The content of my classes does not feel harder or easier than they did during my online year.
One thing that continues to blow my mind this year is the access I have to my professors. What do you mean, I can just walk up and ask a question? I don’t have to play email tag or schedule a Zoom meeting a few days in advance? Nice!
However, online learning is far more flexible, and you structure your learning around your existing life.
My work schedule took over my mornings — I took the quiz after work. My family planned a surprise outing — I did my reading the day before.
I have noticed that my residential schooling has required less coursework since more of my grade depends on in-class discussion or group presentations than on extra papers or submitted projects. (And let me tell you, group projects are way more fun in person than over Zoom!)
I do miss some of my flexibility, but the benefits of in-person learning are incomparable. It’s been a big adjustment, but Cedarville’s core academic values have supported me throughout.
Opportunities or … More Opportunities
The very first thing that I knew when coming to campus was that I wanted to join one or more of the student orgs.
At the Involvement Fair, I filled my pockets with pamphlets and handouts from dozens of tables and signed up for way too many email lists.
There are a host of ways to get involved on campus, whether through student-led orgs, discipleship groups, or by joining an intramural.
In addition to fun activities, residential life offers countless chances to meet future employers or people knowledgeable in their field.
For the student willing to break out of their comfort zone, this is a priceless opportunity to network and make connections that will serve you well after graduation.
However, this doesn’t mean that online school means no involvement!
I wrote a piece for the Student Life Blog while I was an online student, and if you reach out, you are sure to find multiple ways to connect to the student body.
One of these ways is by taking advantage of Cedarville’s invites. Online students get regular emails from Cedarville with opportunities to spend time on campus.
If you’re local, you can come to campus for plenty of events that interest you, such as informational meetings or fun nights like Elliv (Cedarville’s end-of-year student-led performance).
And, since all chapel services are live streamed, you can participate in the “heartbeat of campus” wherever you are!
Since your diploma will not specify that you were an online student, you are also welcome to come to the in-person graduation ceremony! The Cedarville family would love to celebrate your accomplishments with you.
Online school also offers the chance to have a full, busy life wherever you are.
While I was doing online coursework, I worked two different jobs and stayed involved with my family. There are definite plus sides to remaining where you are while getting a Cedarville education.
Online was more limited in involvement than residential life, but that didn’t mean there were no opportunities. There are plenty of ways you can get plugged in wherever you are.
No Matter What
Switching from online to residential has been a huge growing moment for me, but I have enjoyed the new experiences and opportunities that have come with the change.
I miss online school’s flexibility and the way I could stay just as involved with my family, but I love the connections I have made with the girls in my hall, my professors, and the friends from student orgs.
No matter where God calls you, Cedarville’s academics and biblical guidance are there for you. If you’re wondering what making the switch would be like, take my story as encouragement — it’s more than possible!
Class: 2028
Hometown: Toledo, Ohio
Major: Communication
Favorite Book of the Bible: Psalms
Go-to Coffee Shop Drink: Hot chocolate
Favorite Vacation Spot: Red River Gorge, Kentucky
Favorite Thing About Being a Cedarville Student: I love Cedarville’s friendly, welcoming community, and how my fellow students genuinely care for each other.
Posted in: Education, Experience, Information, Lifestyle, Student Life