The COVID-19 pandemic quickly and radically changed conditions for working and learning in tutorial groups in problem-based learning (PBL) in the psychologist programme at Linköping University, Sweden. From previously conducting work in tutorial groups on site at the university, where the students physically met, the tutorial groups were suddenly implemented online using Zoom. This transition to distance learning for tutorial groups was, for necessary reasons, implemented abruptly without giving the students any education in or opportunity for practicing on how to create and maintain well-functioning online learning environments. This unique adjustment affected the work, processes and learning in the tutorial groups. The aim of this study was to understand what happens in tutorial groups when the learning environment changes drastically at very short notice with no training or previous experience to take advantage of. Data was collected from six tutorial groups using self-assessment surveys and from three tutorial groups using diary reports. The preliminary results show that that the quick transition to distance mode affected group dynamics and collaboration in the tutorial groups in several ways. Elements of group dynamics became more prominent, and problems connected with goals, structures and communication were enhanced in distance learning tutorial groups. Norms changed and group cohesion weakened due to difficulty in using the same social cues as in a physical meeting. The move to distance learning forced the tutorial groups to discover new strategies for creating and maintaining well-functioning online learning environments.