Purpose: This study aimed to explore university students’ experiences of participating in online classes during the COVID-19 outbreak. Methods: A survey was conducted with 169 third- and fourth-year students at five universities in W City from May 5 to 22, 2021 through an online survey platform. Qualitative data were collected from 13 third- and fourth-year students at five universities in the same area through three focus group interviews between May 22 and 25 and analyzed through qualitative content analysis. Results: The experience of online classes was rated in the following order: live lectures (92.9%) and recorded lectures (73.4%). Satisfaction with online classes was rated for recorded lectures, which were scored 3.54±1.05 (out of five), and live lectures, which were scored 3.32±1.02. Lack of interaction with faculty (37.9%) and lack of participating practicum (30.8%) were cited as dissatisfaction factors in online classes. From the qualitative data, five sub-themes were identified: “not being respected in one’s learning”, “increased burden of learning in a situation of poor communication,” “it's not that I hate online classes”, “efforts to improve the loose will and attitude toward classes”, “reduced quality of experience and uncertain future”. These sub-themes were abstracted under the theme of “everyday life of learning alone toward an uncertain future”. Conclusion: To ensure more effective online learning, it is necessary to strengthen the interaction between faculty and students, apply online teaching strategies suitable for class objectives, and support various programs to motivate students for self-directed learning.