7 tips for learning English online

Gemma Considine
A man sat at a laptop with headphones on

Learning English online is very different from studying in a physical classroom, and there is not always a teacher looking over your shoulder. And more often than not, you have to motivate yourself and keep yourself on track.

In this blog, we’ll share seven tips to help you learn English online – including how to set goals, create a study schedule, and stay focused. Let’s explore:

1. Set SMART goals

Lots of students wonder how to learn English online. And we know getting started is often the most challenging part. So before you begin studying English online, we recommend setting some SMART goals. These are goals that are:

  • Specific
  • Measurable
  • Achievable
  • Relevant
  • Time-bound

Let's say you:

  • Have an ultimate goal to get a high score in an English language exam (like ), so you can study abroad.

You’ll need to plan how to reach this. An excellent way to start is to begin planning your short and medium-term goals. For example:

  • Short-term goal: Learn ten words each day
  • Medium-term goal: Improve practice test scores by 5% over the next month

2. Make a study schedule

Creating a well-thought-out schedule will help you to study English online and stay organized. It’ll also mean you dedicate enough time to each language skill – speaking, reading, writing and listening:

  • Pick times that work best for you – You may prefer studying at certain times of the day when you have more energy, or after doing something energizing like working out.
  • Stick to it – Once you’ve set a regular fixed time, stay with it to ensure it becomes a routine habit.
  • Make time – Give yourself as much time as possible to finish each task (especially in case life gets in the way) and some time to relax.

3. Create a comfortable learning space

Where you study . For example, sunlight can lead to better learning outcomes. Temperature and noise can also affect the way you learn. If you can, make sure that your learning space is:

  • well-lit
  • temperate
  • quiet (and private if possible!)
  • relaxing
  • organized

You might also want to decorate your study space, perhaps with an indoor plant – they can !

Also, before you start, do you have everything at hand? Do you have water? Is your coursebook close by? And is your computer fully charged? Having all your supplies on hand will help you stay focused – and learn English online faster.

4. Eliminate distractions

To learn English online, you need to eliminate distractions. Logging off your social media accounts and anything else distracting you until you’re done studying is good practice. If you find yourself logging back in, you might want to use a focus app (like , which can block up to thirty websites).
If you can, turn off your phone altogether and put it away and out of sight. If you’re tempted to pick it up again, ask yourself why. Sometimes, there’s no good reason, and it’s best to keep studying.

5. Try the Pomodoro Technique

The Pomodoro Technique is a great way to break your studying into manageable chunks, which will also help you stay focused.

The technique:

  • Set a timer for 20 minutes
  • Each time the timer goes off, write a tick on a piece of paper
  • Take a five-minute break
  • Continue to set the timer for 20-minute intervals
  • When you've got four ticks, take a 20-minute break

This time management system works well because it gives you frequent breaks to look forward to and helps you concentrate. You can use this time to stretch, have a snack, take a walk – or do anything that gives your mind a rest.

6. Use self-study resources

There are lots of English learning materials available online – including worksheets, mock tests, games and grammar exercises. There are also various games and quizzes available online.

7. Find a study partner

We all know studying online can get lonely! That’s why we recommend you find a study partner. With a partner to work with, you can practice speaking and listening. You’ll have someone to check over your work. But most importantly – you’ll have someone to hold you accountable and help you stay motivated. Perhaps you know a friend or family member who is also studying English, and you can work with them. You can sometimes find local study groups or clubs depending on your location.

If you're unable to find a local study group or an in-person partner, there are many places to find a study partner online – for example, or dedicated social media groups. You might also want to try out silent Zoom meetings; students and professionals keep each other focused by simply working together on mute.

More blogs from ÃÛÌÒapp

  • Students sat in a library looking over a computer smiling

    Why students still choose the U.S. for their study dreams

    By Abi Fordham
    Reading time: 2 minutes

    In a world full of study destinations, the United States continues to stand out. Despite shifting visa policies and rising competition from other countries, students from around the globe still set their sights on the U.S. for one big reason, it offers more than just a degree. It offers a valuable launchpad.

    So, what keeps the U.S. at the top of students’ wish lists? And why should admissions teams continue to lean into this global interest?

    Prestige that opens doors

    The U.S. is home to some of the world’s most prestigious universities. From Ivy League institutions to top-ranked public colleges, the reputation of a U.S. degree carries weight. For many students, studying in the U.S. is not just about education, it is about opportunity. Employers around the world recognize the value of a U.S. degree, and that recognition can open doors to global careers. 

    Flexibility that fits ambition

    Unlike many other systems, U.S. universities allow students to explore. They can choose a major and a minor, or even switch paths as they discover new interests. This flexibility is a huge draw for students who are still figuring out their future or who want to combine passions, like pairing economics with environmental science, or computer science with music. 

    A campus experience like no other

    American campus life is iconic for a reason, made famous from movie scenes seen across the world. From sports and clubs to dorm life and student unions, the sense of community is strong. For international students, this can make all the difference. It is not just about the academic life, it is about belonging. And for many, that community becomes a second home. 

    Career-boosting extras

    Internships, research opportunities, and strong alumni networks are all part of the U.S. university experience. Students are not just learning in the classroom, they are building resumes, making connections, and preparing for the job market.Ìý

    The American dream still inspires

    For many, the U.S. represents possibility. It is a place where ambition is welcomed, where diversity is celebrated, and where students can imagine a future that feels bigger than their present. That dream still resonates, and it is one that admissions teams can help bring to life.Ìý

  • uni students stood in a hallway together looking over books and notes

    Rethinking access: How at-home English testing Is reshaping global admissions

    By Abi Fordham
    Reading time: 2 minutes

    When I think about the students we serve, those dreaming of studying in the U.S., sometimes from places far from test centers or perhaps with limited resources, I’m reminded why we do what we do and why, as a company, we evolve. Access to education shouldn’t depend on geography, cost, or circumstance. However, for some international students, proving their English proficiency has long been an extra hurdle to jump.

    That is changing. And it is changing fast.

    A new kind of test for a new kind of student

    The ÃÛÌÒapp English Express Test was built with flexibility and accessibility at its foundations. It is available 24/7, can be taken from anywhere quiet and secure with a stable internet connection, and delivers results in minutes, with certification in under 48 hours.

    That means no more waiting weeks for a test date or traveling hours across land (and sometimes sea!) to a test center. For students juggling work, family, or unpredictable schedules, this is a game-changer.

    And it is not just about convenience. It is about equity.

    Fairness, built in

    One of the most exciting things about ÃÛÌÒapp English Express Test is how it levels the playing field. The test uses AI scoring that has been rigorously developed and validated by human experts. This reduces bias and ensures that every student is assessed consistently, no matter where they are from or what accent they have.

    We’ve also built in overÌý90 security features including dual-camera proctoring, ID and speaker verification. So, institutions can trust the results, and students can trust the process.Ìý

    Meeting students where they are

    Today’s learners are digital experts. They expect speed, flexibility, and transparency. ÃÛÌÒapp English Express Test meets them where they are, both literally and figuratively! It is a test that fits into their lives, not the other way around.

    And institutions are taking notice, with universities and institutions joining the list to accept the test for their future admissions windows. At NAFSA, we heard again and again how refreshing it was to see a trusted name like ÃÛÌÒapp offering a modern, student-friendly alternative.

    This is just the beginning

    At-home testing is not a trend. It is a transformation. It is about removing barriers and opening doors. And while ÃÛÌÒapp English Express Test is still new, to be launched to test takers in certain markets later in 2025, it is already moving towards helping students take that first step toward their academic dreams.

  • A university teacher stood in front of a class, responding to a student thats sat with their hand up

    Choosing the right English test is like hiring the perfect tour guide

    By Abi Fordham
    Reading time: 2 minutes

    Imagine planning a trip to a new city. Sure, you could wander around on your own, relying on internet reviews and vague directions, or you could hire a tour guide... someone who knows the streets, understands the landmarks, and can give you a genuine and knowledge-filled experience.Ìý

    Now, would you pick a tour guide who just started last week, or would you look to one who has been showing people around for decades, refining their approach and knowing all the ins and outs of the landscape?Ìý

    That’s the difference experience makes.Ìý

    Why experience in testing matters

    Just like an expert guide ensures you experience the best parts of a city because they’ve explored every corner before, a test backed by years of research and constant refinement delivers reliable, accurate results for international admissions teams. ÃÛÌÒapp has spent years perfecting its approach to language assessment, not only through research but also by learning from every test taken.

    Each test provides valuable data, feeding into ongoing improvements, ensuring that assessments remain fair, precise, and aligned with real-world English proficiency needs.Ìý

    The result? Universities can trust they’re admitting students based on a system that gets smarter with every exam, reducing unpredictability and reinforcing reliability.

    English Tests designed by experts

    Both PTE Academic and ÃÛÌÒapp English Express Test benefit from ÃÛÌÒapp’s expertise:Ìý

    • PTE Academic: A globally trusted exam designed to measure real-world English proficiency with precision.Ìý
    • ÃÛÌÒapp English Express Test: Fast and convenient skills assessment, backed by the same deep research ensuring fairness and accuracy.

    Final thought: Choose experience

    When you pick the right guide who is backed with expertise, it can transform your experience from ordinary to unforgettable. Likewise, choosing a well-established proficiency test, refined through years of experience, gives universities the confidence to make informed admissions decisions.Ìý

    ÃÛÌÒapp has spent decades perfecting the science of language assessment—so why leave such a critical choice to uncertainty?