How similar is online college to the on-campus experience?

I'm getting some conflicting info about online college and how it measures up to actual campus life. Could someone who's done both share their experiences? I'm trying to figure out if the online route can give me at least a semblance of the 'real' college vibe, especially with how classes and clubs work.

Hey there! I completely get your curiosity about online versus on-campus experiences. I did my undergrad on campus and recently finished an online master's program.

While nothing can fully replicate the buzz of campus life, my online experience was more engaging than I expected. For classes, platforms like Zoom and discussion boards facilitated real-time conversations and debates, pretty much like a physical classroom, minus the running to classes part. Clubs and organizations were also active online, with regular virtual meet-ups and events. It helped create a sense of community, though it was different from on-campus energy. We had digital clubs fair and social media groups, making it easier to connect with peers with shared interests.

If you're disciplined and proactive, you can absolutely make the most of the online experience and form meaningful connections. It's a different vibe for sure, but you can still feel very much a part of the college community. Focus on engaging with the content and your peers, and you'll find that you can get quite a lot out of the online setting!