By Laura Woo, Marketing Intern
One of the most common things online graduate students say is that they didn’t expect grad school to feel isolating. You log in, watch lectures, submit assignments and log out — sometimes without ever having a real conversation with a classmate. Making friends can feel awkward – or even unnecessary – when everything happens through a screen.
But having people you recognize, talk to and check in with can make online grad school feel a lot more manageable. It doesn’t have to look like traditional friendships. In many cases, it starts with small, practical interactions that build over time.
1. Treat discussion boards like networking spaces, not just assignments
Discussion boards don’t have to be robotic. When someone posts something you genuinely relate to, say so — and be specific. Instead of “Great point,” try mentioning why it resonated with you or how it connects to your work or experience.
If the platform allows it, replying to the same classmates consistently makes names familiar. Over time, those repeated interactions are often what turn into private messages, study partners or group chats.
2. Take initiative during group work (even just once)
Group projects are one of the easiest ways to build connections — not because they’re fun, but because they create a reason to talk. Starting a shared Google Doc, suggesting Slack or GroupMe or proposing a short kickoff call can immediately shift the tone from transactional to collaborative.
Students who take small leadership roles during group work are often the ones classmates remember and reach out to later — even after the project ends.
3. Use LinkedIn as an extension of the classroom
If a classmate mentions their job, industry or interests in a discussion post and it genuinely aligns with yours, it’s okay to connect on LinkedIn. Sending a short note like, “We’re in the same online grad program and I enjoyed your post on [topic]” keeps it professional and low-pressure.
This is one of the most common ways online grad students stay connected beyond a single course — especially when schedules don’t allow for casual conversations.
4. Lower the bar for what “connection” means
Making friends online doesn’t always mean messaging every week or becoming close outside of class. Sometimes it’s just having one or two people you recognize, exchange quick check-ins with or collaborate with during busy weeks.
These light connections still matter. They make courses feel less anonymous and can lead to support, encouragement or professional opportunities down the line.
Online graduate school requires a different approach to building relationships. The connections may start slower and look different than they do on campus, but they often grow out of practical, everyday interactions rather than planned social events.
Check out more posts on the Illinois Online blog for real student perspectives on online learning, connection and navigating graduate school in a flexible environment.