What does it take to thrive as an online student? As part of an Open University study exploring what helps distance learners succeed, experienced students were invited to reflect on their ‘student superpowers’ – the strengths, habits and circumstances that supported them throughout their studies.

While there is no single formula for success, their experiences reveal valuable lessons about the habits and mindsets that help online learners adapt, achieve and flourish.

The superpower of self-management

The most common theme was not intelligence or prior knowledge. It was the skill of organisation.

Students described carefully planning their studies around work, family and other commitments. Some use colour-coded calendars, whiteboards and study planners to keep track of deadlines, tutorials and assignments. Others allocate specific study periods each week and build routines that make progress feel manageable.

For online learners, self-management is often the foundation of success. Balancing study with work, family and other responsibilities means making the most of available time. Students repeatedly highlighted the value of clear schedules, consistent routines and realistic study goals.

Several also emphasised getting ahead wherever possible. Reading module materials early, starting assignments in advance and keeping a few weeks ahead helped reduce stress when unexpected life events occurred.

Determination beats perfection

Another recurring superpower was perseverance.

Students spoke about "stickability", determination and the refusal to give up when things became difficult. Some were balancing full-time employment, caring responsibilities, health challenges or military family life alongside their studies.

One student described perseverance as their "greatest strength", explaining that it helps them stay focused on long-term goals even when life becomes hectic. Others noted that they often discover their strongest motivation when the pressure is on and deadlines are approaching.

These responses highlight an important truth about online learning: success is not about never facing challenges. It is about continuing despite them.

The ability to recover from setbacks, adapt to changing circumstances and keep moving forward may be one of the most valuable skills students develop during their studies. Sometimes, keeping going also means knowing when to ask for support, adjust a study plan or give yourself time to recover.

Turning small steps into big achievements

Successful students also understand the power of breaking things down.

Rather than trying to tackle an entire module or assignment at once, many respondents focus on smaller, achievable goals. They study little and often, work through materials in manageable chunks and create daily targets.

This approach helps make learning feel less overwhelming. It also builds momentum. Completing a small task creates a sense of progress, which can boost confidence and motivation.

Several students described reading smaller amounts during the week before reviewing and consolidating their learning at weekends. Others spoke about dividing assignments into stages and setting deadlines for themselves.

These strategies demonstrate that sustainable progress is often more effective than bursts of intense effort.

Finding motivation through human connection

While online learning offers flexibility, students also recognised the importance of staying connected.

Many identified tutorials, online events and communications with tutors as valuable sources of motivation and support. Attending live sessions, watching recordings and asking questions helped them stay engaged with their studies and feel part of a learning community.

Peer support also emerged as a powerful resource. Students mentioned participating in forums, joining WhatsApp groups and studying alongside fellow learners. These connections helped maintain motivation, provided opportunities to discuss difficult concepts and reduced feelings of isolation.

Online learning may be flexible and independent, but it does not have to be lonely.

Knowing how you learn best

One of the most striking aspects of the responses was students' self-awareness.

Many had developed a clear understanding of when, where and how they learn most effectively. Some preferred studying early in the morning when their minds felt freshest. Others performed best when rested and relaxed. A few discovered that pressure helped them focus, while others needed calm, distraction-free environments.

Students also described adapting their study methods to suit their needs. They used mind maps, note-taking systems, whiteboards and repeated reading to reinforce learning. Some deliberately varied their study location to stay motivated, while others integrated learning with everyday life by applying course concepts to real-world situations.

This ability to reflect, experiment and adapt is itself a powerful superpower. Effective learners are often those who understand their own strengths and create conditions that help them flourish.

The hidden superpower: love of learning

The experiences shared by these Open University students show that successful online learners are not defined by a single trait. Their superpowers come in many forms: organisation, perseverance, motivation, adaptability, curiosity and self-awareness.

What unites them is a willingness to take responsibility for their learning and to keep going when challenges arise.

For anyone studying online, these lessons are encouraging. You do not need extraordinary talent to succeed. Often, success comes from ordinary actions repeated consistently: planning ahead, asking for help, staying organised, learning from feedback and taking one step at a time.

The most powerful student superpower may simply be believing that progress is possible and showing up, day after day, to make it happen.

NOTE: initial findings were presented at the following conference:  
Roy, James and McDowell, Nicola (2025). Reimagining the Future of Online Distance Learning: an appreciative inquiry into what works for online distance learning students using experienced students' storytelling about their student superpowers. In: Teaching and Learning Conference 2025: Future-focused education: Ensuring successful student outcomes for all AdvanceHE Teaching and Learning, 01-03 Jul 2025, The Wave, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK.