In-person, combined, or online? Find the study form that fits your life

Studying at university today does not have to mean putting your career or business plans on hold. More and more students combine education with work, their own projects, or living abroad and look for ways to balance entrepreneurship and studies without compromising the quality of their education.

The key is not to find the easiest form of study, but the one that matches your lifestyle and long-term goals. In-person, blended, and online study formats each offer different possibilities for managing time, building connections, and developing study discipline.

Studying as part of your career, not an obstacle

Studying is no longer the only activity of university students. Many students work, run businesses, or gain their first professional experience during their studies. According to the EUROSTUDENT 8 survey, an average of 59% of students in participating European countries work during the teaching period.

Many applicants today are looking for ways to manage studying alongside work without slowing down their professional growth or postponing career opportunities.

Combining studies and work, however, requires good time management and clear priorities. When choosing a university, it is therefore important not only to consider the content of the programme but also the format and the way studies can be aligned with professional and personal life.

Differences between in-person, combined, and online study 

Choosing a study format is not only about how often you will attend classes. In-person, distance, and combined forms of study differ mainly in the way time is organised and how much independence they require.

According to Act No. 111/1998 Coll., on Higher Education Institutions, studies can be delivered in an in-person, distance, or combined form. Each option has its own advantages and is suitable for a different lifestyle.

• In-person study offers regular contact with the university, lecturers, and classmates. Students have a more structured weekly schedule and a natural environment for networking.
• Blended study combines independent preparation with regular sessions at the university. It is a suitable choice for students who want to study while working or running a business.
• Distance study provides the highest level of flexibility in terms of location and time. However, it requires a higher level of self-management, as part of the responsibility for organising studies shifts to the student.

The important thing is choosing a format that matches your way of working, your life situation, and where you want to move professionally.

Time management: Flexibility does not mean fewer responsibilities

Online study often attracts students precisely because of its flexibility. However, flexibility does not mean that studying automatically takes less time. The difference is that students gain greater control over when and where they study while also taking more responsibility for organising their own learning.

Research in the field of time management shows that the ability to effectively plan and manage one’s own time is linked not only to performance but also to satisfaction and stress management. A meta-analysis published in PLOS ONE confirms the importance of time management not only for better results but also for overall well-being.

Time management when combining study and work often determines whether it is possible to balance education with other responsibilities in the long term. A well-designed system does not only help manage more tasks, but also helps maintain energy, motivation, and balance between studies, work, and personal life.

How to create space for work, study, and rest

When combining studies with work or entrepreneurship, it is not enough to plan only exam dates and assignment deadlines. It is important to divide your time according to different types of activities:

• Work and entrepreneurship: Time dedicated to professional responsibilities, meetings, or developing your own project.
• Teaching and preparation: Not only lectures themselves, but also working with study materials, preparing assignments, and revision.
• Deep learning: Focused time without distractions that allows you to truly understand topics and connect them with practical experience.
• Recovery: Rest, exercise, and time away from work and study responsibilities. This is often the first area students reduce when their workload increases, yet it has a long-term impact on their ability to perform at a high level.

Effective time management is not about filling every free minute. It is about creating a system that allows you to combine studies, work, and personal life sustainably without compromising quality.

When to change your study format and when to simply adjust your priorities?

Sometimes it may seem that the problem lies in the study format itself. In reality, the cause is often the way time is planned and priorities are set.

Online study does not replace the discipline that is naturally created by a fixed schedule and university environment in in-person study. Students must actively plan, track deadlines, and create their own study routine. On the other hand, regular classes alone do not automatically guarantee success.

Each study format requires a system that matches the student’s specific life situation and goals.

Online study is not easier

One of the most common misconceptions about online education is the idea that it is a more convenient option with fewer requirements. When you are not physically present in a classroom every week, you need to create part of the structure that is usually provided by a timetable and university environment yourself.

A successful online student therefore needs more than just access to materials. They need the ability to plan, monitor their own progress, and actively use the support provided by the university.

Self-discipline as a key skill of the modern student

In education, this approach is known as self-regulated learning, meaning the ability to manage your own learning process.

It includes several key areas:

• Planning: Setting goals, breaking larger tasks into smaller steps, and creating a realistic schedule.
• Monitoring your own progress: Regularly checking whether you truly understand the material or are simply postponing responsibilities.
• Working with motivation: The ability to continue even in situations where there is no immediate external pressure.
• Actively seeking support: Communicating with lecturers, classmates, or student support services whenever a problem arises.

High-quality online study is therefore not built only on providing videos and study materials. Technology itself does not improve education. What matters is the environment that provides students with structure, feedback, and opportunities to connect with others.

Connections can also be built online

One of the arguments in favour of in-person study is the opportunity to build relationships directly at university. Personal contact undoubtedly has its value, but networking today is not limited only to physical presence in a classroom.

A professional network is built through regular contact with people who can inspire you, help you grow, or connect you with new opportunities.

This includes, for example:

• classmates who may later become colleagues or business partners,
• lecturers with practical industry experience,
• graduates and the alumni community,
• mentors and professionals from the field,
• expert projects and networking events.

In online study, however, these connections need to be created actively

The Community of Inquiry model describes quality online education through three interconnected areas:

• Social presence: A sense of connection with other students and the ability to build relationships.
• Teaching presence: Active guidance from lecturers, feedback, and a clear learning structure.
• Cognitive presence: Space for reflection, discussion, and genuine understanding of topics.

Well-designed online study is therefore an educational environment where students remain part of a community.

How NEWTON supports students who want to study while building their careers

Many students today do not see university as a period separate from their professional life. They want to gain practical experience, develop their own projects, build connections, and prepare for their future careers while studying.

That is why it is important for education not to become an obstacle to professional development, but rather a part of it.

NEWTON University connects education with the practical application of knowledge and offers students opportunities to combine their studies with professional and entrepreneurial activities.

In addition to teaching, the university provides students with networking events, mandatory internships, opportunities to participate in the Business Acceleratoru, and the chance to present their projects to investors through NEWTON Angels.

Online study from anywhere

Distance study allows students to study from anywhere and adapt their education to their individual situation. Live online classes are combined with recorded sessions, allowing students in different time zones or with demanding work schedules to participate.

Included are online consultations, a digital library, and the option to complete most exams online.

Flexibility, however, does not mean lower requirements. Successful online study is built on a strong system, support, and an active approach from the student.

Premium Care: Support that helps manage studies in challenging periods

Combining university, work, and personal life can be demanding, especially during periods when multiple responsibilities accumulate at the same time.

That is why NEWTON offers students the Premium Care service, which provides support not only throughout their studies but also with organisation and planning.

Students can use, for example:

• priority course schedule selection,
• study and career coaching,
• administrative support,
• revision sessions,
• Writing Bootcamp,
• support from ambassadors and a dedicated contact person.

The goal is to create an environment where students have access to the tools and support needed to successfully complete their studies.

When to choose in-person, online, or combined study?

There is no single study format that is ideal for everyone. The right choice depends on your goals, work schedule, and personal preferences.

Choose in-person study if you:

• want regular contact with the university environment,
• prefer a fixed structure and face-to-face teaching,
• want to actively build connections directly on campus,
• have the opportunity to dedicate a larger part of your week to studying.

Choose combined study if you:

• work or run a business and need to balance multiple responsibilities,
• want to combine independent preparation with personal contact,
• are looking for a balance between flexibility and structure.

At NEWTON, for example, programmes such as Global Business Management, or Economics and Sustainable Management can also be studied in a combined format. Teaching takes place during six selected weekends per semester, allowing students to better combine their studies with their professional life.

Choose distance study if you:

• work abroad or travel frequently,
• need to study from anywhere,
• are able to plan your own time independently,
• want to combine education with entrepreneurship or your career.

Online study is suitable for students who want flexibility but are also prepared to take an active role in their own education.

Frequently asked questions

Can I manage studying while working full-time?

Yes, but it requires good time management, realistic planning, and choosing the right study format. The key is creating a routine that allows you to balance professional responsibilities with your studies.

Is online study suitable for entrepreneurs?

Yes. Distance study can be a suitable choice for entrepreneurs and busy students who need greater flexibility. At the same time, it requires independence, discipline, and an active approach to learning.

How can I combine entrepreneurship and studies without burning out?

The foundation is setting priorities, planning time for both work and study, and not neglecting recovery. In the long term, a sustainable system is one that considers not only performance but also a realistic pace.

Can I study from abroad or from a different time zone?

Yes. Distance study at NEWTON allows students to study from anywhere thanks to a combination of live online classes, recorded sessions, online consultations, and digital study tools.

What is the difference between in-person, combined, and distance study?

In-person study is based on regular face-to-face teaching, combined study connects independent preparation with teaching blocks, and distance study offers greater flexibility through an online environment.

Will Premium Care help me organise my studies?

Yes. Premium Care provides students with support throughout their studies, including study and career coaching, administrative assistance, revision sessions, and Writing Bootcamp.

A study form that fits your life

Do not look for the easiest study format. Look for the right one. A format that matches your possibilities, supports your goals, and allows you to combine education with your career in the long term.

At NEWTON, you can find study options for those who want to connect knowledge with practical experience, build their careers, and use university as a part of their professional development.

Discuss your options with a student advisor or Submit a non-binding application.

Sources

• Distanční studium a studium odkudkoli: https://newton.university/uchazeci/distancni-studium/
• Online Study – Global Business and Management: https://newton.university/en/global-business-and-management/online-studies
• Bakalářský program Global Business and Management: https://www.newton.university/en/bakalarske-studium/global-business-and-management/global-business-and-management/
• Bakalářské studium na NEWTONu: https://www.newton.university/bakalarske-studium/
• Premium Care: https://newton.university/uchazeci/premium-care/
• NEWTON Business Accelerator: https://www.newton.university/newton-business-accelerator
• Příležitosti během studia: https://newton.university/studenti/prilezitosti-behem-studia/
• EUROSTUDENT 8: Synopsis of Indicators: https://eurostudent.eu/publications/eurostudent-8-synopsis-of-indicators
• Zákon č. 111/1998 Sb., o vysokých školách: https://www.zakonyprolidi.cz/cs/1998-111?text=z%C3%A1kon+o+vysok%C3%BDch
• Academic procrastination and student well-being (PLOS ONE): https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0245066
• Time management and academic performance research (ScienceDirect): https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1096751615000251
• Digital learning and student engagement research (Wiley Online Library): https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/jcal.12586