You’ve caught the travel bug and you’re itching to start exploring all the hidden gems and wonders of the world.

But according to your guidance counsellor and parents, that means you’re going to have to give up on your dreams of going to uni, right?

The good news is, they’re totally wrong.

With reputable universities (like Anglia Ruskin, for example) offering distance learning courses, you can study for a degree from anywhere you choose. Studying abroad - in any form - is a valued commodity that will help you become a global citizen, teach you marketable skills, and enhance your employment prospects.

A café in Barcelona, a beach bar in Thailand, or in the cool shade of Sydney Opera House: so long as you’ve got a decent internet connection they can all be your classroom.

The bad news is, it won’t be easy.

Whilst travelling, you’ll face a whole load of extra distractions and logistical nightmares most students will never have to deal with.

So to help you balance it all, we’re sharing five top tips for staying motivated and organised over the next few years. Take a look.

#1: pick the right course

There are no two ways about it - a degree is a major commitment. You’re going to have to spend the next three or four years working on it, so make sure you’re picking the right one for the right reasons.

Go for a subject you’re passionate about and that will one day help you make your dream career a reality, so that peeling yourself away from the beach to study won’t feel like such a sacrifice.

#2: invest in some essential technology

Your laptop will be your biggest lifeline during your travels, letting you log into your Virtual Learning Environment, plan trips, and stay in touch with friends and family. Look for one that’s lightweight and small, so it fits snugly in your backpack.

And don’t forget to pack plenty of universal adapters - otherwise even the most hi-tech laptop that money can buy will be completely useless.

#3: be organised

As soon as you’re sent deadlines, online tutorial times, and important course dates, schedule them into your calendar. Try to identify your busiest times and plan your flights, train, buses, and big sightseeing activities around them.

If you tend to be a tad forgetful, find an app and create reminders and a massive to-do list filled with all the ongoing tasks you’ve got to keep track of.

#4: set up your own reward scheme

Been invited to a barbeque at the beach? Sure, but only after you’ve got a thorough essay plan in place. Desperate to go back to that amazing sushi restaurant? Force yourself to finish another chapter of your assigned reading first. Keep setting yourself small goals and rewards, and a busy workload will suddenly feel much more manageable.

#5: look after yourself

Last but not least, look after yourself. Take breaks, have fun, and get plenty of sleep so that you don’t end up stressed or overwhelmed. Yes, you’ve got deadlines, but you’re also lucky enough to be travelling the world, so try to enjoy yourself as much as possible.

Do you have any other top tips for studying whilst travelling? Leave a comment and let us know.