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0151 522 5800
Call us:
0151 522 580028th March 2024
University is a time for making friends, learning to live on your own, and, believe it or not, studying! Creating a study plan is a surefire way to succeed at university and get the grades you want and deserve.
Here, we guide you through the process of creating a study plan that aligns with your academic goals. We’ll also provide insights from educational experts on how to get what you want from your time and education.
Creating a study plan is vital when the work starts, as there will be multiple classes, topics, and assignments to juggle at once. This will give your brain the space to focus on the work at hand rather than worrying about what you need to complete next.
Some people will work best first thing in the morning, others late at night. Some can spend hours studying, whilst others prefer to study in small blocks. Assessing how you best study and learn is crucial for tailoring a study schedule that fits you.
Newcastle University outlines the benefits of setting yourself SMART goals. These are the goals that are:
By breaking down any larger goals you have for the year or the whole course, you can make them into more manageable tasks to reduce the chance of feeling overwhelmed. The SMART method also allows you to track your progress and make changes where necessary.
Work to the guidelines that for every hour that you spend in a lecture or class, you should spend two hours of your own time studying.
This can be flexible, so adjust it to your studies accordingly. But by using this guideline, you can make time for assignments, reading time, and revision.
Plan your week and include set study sessions into your schedule, treating them as fixed commitments. By planning specific days and times for certain topics and subjects, you’ll get balanced coverage of each course and ensure you spend adequate time on each.
Create a space solely for study time. It doesn’t have to be incredibly fancy; it just has to be comfortable and different from anywhere else where you might relax. Keep it free from distractions, and use this space when you’re ready to focus and be productive.
Take a look into different learning styles and see if there is a more efficient and effective way for you to learn. Things like the Pomodoro Technique for managing your time, mnemonic devices for retaining information, and concept mapping for visual learners.
Prevent burnout while at university by planning personal time and self-care in your weekly routine. Regular breaks between long study sessions and leisure time are essential for maintaining motivation and keeping your mental health in check.
As you move through the school year, you should review your study plan for succeeding at university regularly.
This will allow you to make adjustments if you make progress or if any challenges present themselves. Being flexible with your study plan allows you to stay on track and accommodate changes in your workload or personal life.
When you meet your milestone goals, celebrate and reward yourself. Positive reinforcement will encourage you to stay motivated and on track for your goals.
By spending time creating a study plan for university, you’ll not only have a guide to help you through what needs to be done each week but also empower you to achieve your long-term goals for succeeding in university.
The benefit of creating a study plan is that it keeps you consistent while allowing you to be adaptable if you need to make changes.
You’re going to need a quiet study place to get the most out of your time at uni. Did you know that every bedroom in our student flats and houses come with a dedicated study desk and chair? Click here to find your next student home!