FAQs & Support

Who is who at ToU

You can find out a bit more about the team behind your support experience here.

To enable the right people in the team to give you the relevant support as quickly as possible, please follow the steps outlined here.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓I’m stressed about missing a class. What should I do?

It’s okay to miss a class sometimes; what matters is how you follow up.
👉 Check in with your Challenge Owner to make sure he/she know about the absence. Make sure to check the Slack channel and check in with a peer to discuss the session.

❓I feel disoriented. Who can I turn to?

Feeling lost or overwhelmed in a flexible, online program is common and nothing to be ashamed of.
👉 Start by reaching out to a mentor or attending a Learner Support office hours. They can help you prioritise, find the right resources and adjust your study plan. You can also connect with classmates and alumni in Slack to ask questions, share experiences, and get peer tips - often someone has faced a similar challenge recently.​

❓Where can I find mentors?

You don’t have to navigate your journey alone. Find a mentor, who will help you on your journey through the Community Mentoring Hub

❓How can I manage my time and balance studies with work or family?

Balancing multiple responsibilities is a skill you can learn and refine.
👉 Use a simple weekly planning ritual (blocking learning time, work, and rest), break challenges into small steps, and set realistic goals for each sprint. Tips for time management, productivity, and finding support can also be found in the onboarding journey in the app.

❓I’m struggling to stay motivated and disciplined.

Studying online can feel isolating, and it’s normal for motivation to fluctuate.
👉 Reconnect with your personal mission, set very small daily commitments (e.g., 20 focused minutes), and pair up with an accountability buddy or community circle. If you feel stuck, join Community events or office hours, or post in the wellbeing or cohort Slack channels to share where you are and ask for support - others can help you re-energise and find your next step.

❓I feel like I’m on a screen all day. What can I do?

Spending most of the day online can be draining for your body and mind.​
👉 Try small changes that protect your energy:

• Use a simple “focus–break” rhythm, like 50 minutes of focused work followed by a 10-minute off‑screen break (stretch, water, fresh air, or looking out of the window).​
• Create screen‑free pockets in your day (first 30 minutes after waking, mealtimes, and the last hour before bed).
• Whenever possible, switch tasks to offline mode (handwritten notes, printed readings, reflecting while walking).

❓How can I create a healthier digital environment for studying?

Your setup and habits can make a big difference to how you feel over time.​
👉 Support yourself by:

• Adjusting lighting and screen height to reduce eye, neck, and back strain.
• Turning off non‑essential notifications during focus time and batching messages instead of constantly reacting.​
• Using built‑in tools (focus modes, app limits) to keep distracting apps in check.

❓How does the Wellbeing Centre support digital wellbeing?

Digital wellbeing is a core part of studying sustainably in an online university.​
👉 In the Hub, you’ll find:

• Short guides on healthy screen habits, boundaries, and ergonomic tips.
• Audio-only or offline-friendly practices (e.g., journaling prompts, nature-based exercises) so you can step away from the screen.
• Ideas for digital-balance challenges and community initiatives that help you experiment with more mindful tech use together with others.