How online learning at UFred fits into a full life

Published on Apr 7, 2026

When work, family and everyday responsibilities already fill the calendar, flexibility is essential if you’re considering becoming a student again. The online campus at the University of Fredericton allows you to organize your study time in a way that works for your life.

Flexibility shows up in a few different ways. Sometimes it means slowing down when life gets busy. Other times it means accelerating when you have the time and momentum to move forward.

Pause when you need to

Hey, we get it. Life happens. If you need to take a break from your studies for whatever reason, we’ll help you put things on pause.

Whether it’s work, family responsibilities or something unexpected, our team will support you through the process. When you’re ready to return, we’ll be here cheering you on.

Ramp up when you want to

Most UFred programs follow a term-based model, which gives you options when it comes to pacing.

Some students choose to take two courses in a term to accelerate their progress. Others prefer to take a lighter course load when life is busy.

We encourage you to study at a pace that works for you. That flexibility allows many students to continue moving forward while balancing their careers and personal commitments.

Advice from real people who did it. You can too! 

Everyone’s routine looks different. The good news is that there is no single “right” way to do it. Here are a few strategies shared by students who successfully balanced their studies with busy professional lives.

Plan, then flow

“Write on a calendar the days and hours of the week you will commit to your studies, and stick to it! Allow a few hours a week for self-care. Remember life happens, so allow for fluidity in your calendar.” - Andrea Floyd (MBA ‘18)

Wake up nice and early

“I try and focus on my studies in the morning hours. I am an early riser and work best when my household is quiet. So I get up around 5 a.m. every day and work on assignments." - Chantalle Chiasson (COHSES ‘22)

Gamify it

“I break my work into smaller pieces and try to get as much done before the load of laundry is ready. It’s almost like a contest to see if I can get bigger sections finished each time.” - Dionne Quintin (EMBA ‘23)

End your day with learning

“Schedule homework one night a week and do readings nightly before bed to distribute the workload.” - Julia Spiegel (MBA ‘23)

A sample study week

Most students spend about 15–25 hours per week per course on their studies. That time can often be largely organized around your existing schedule, with the exception of some courses with mandatory live weekly classes.

Students often find success by spreading their study time across several shorter sessions. For example, instead of studying for four hours straight, dedicate an hour and a half before work, do a little on your lunch break and the rest before bed. You’re encouraged to break up time into manageable pockets.

Here’s what a 20-hour study week could look like:

Monday

2 hours

Reading, reviewing the syllabus and class schedule, planning the week

Tuesday

4 hours

Reading, attending a virtual class, group meeting and project planning

Wednesday

3 hours

Reading and working on papers or projects

Thursday

4 hours

Continue working on papers or assignments

Friday

3 hours

Focus on a large project

Saturday

Day off

Spend time recharging and reconnecting with your loved ones and interests

Sunday

4 hours

Wrap up coursework and get ahead for the coming week

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