A study plan is an organised schedule that outlines study times and learning goals. It’s a critical part of student life, but as every student is different, every study plan should be different too.
There’s no one-size-fits-all rule book for studying. Everyone has different commitments, hobbies, responsibilities and goals, therefore every study plan should be customised to the individual. That said, there are some general guidelines for common groups of students. Here’s what you need to know.
Unemployed/full-time students
Unemployed or full time students often don’t see the importance in creating a study plan as they know that study is their primary priority. They believe that without the distraction of work, the interruptions from kids, and the general lack of free time, that finding time to study should be easy. Sure you might be in the best position to study, but doesn’t that mean you’re giving it enough time?
Creating a study schedule will set aside the necessary amount of time for studying and will teach you how to use your time wisely. Even when you have time up your sleeve, you still want to spend time well. Choose a calendar or program you can easily refer to, and one that’s big enough to document daily study requirements for at least one semester. Make sure you add final examination dates and any class times.
Sticking with your schedule is just as important as creating one. No one creates a schedule with the intent to ignore it, but the freedom that comes with unemployment or student life means that you are the likeliest group to procrastinate. After all, you’ll have the time tomorrow to pick up where you left off. Or will you?
Part-time workers
Juggling study with part-time work is demanding, but it’s certainly doable. In fact, most students fund their living costs through a part-time job.
When creating a study schedule based around part-time work, you need to consider what kind of work you’re in. Shops, for example, are busiest in November and December and you may be expected to cover extra shifts. As a guide, you should always try to commit to study early into coursework deadlines so that you know what availability you have as the end date draws near. Good forward planning and visual representation of your time is crucial.
As a guide, full-time students are recommended to keep their working hours to no more than 15 hours per week. If your studies are part-time, your work/study allocated hours can be more evenly distributed.
Full-time workers
Studying for an additional qualification when you’re working full time can put you in good stead to boost your career, but it’s not easy finding study time. That’s why you need to be on top of the time management and dedication to studies game.
To create a study plan, start by documenting all your deadlines or exams and what you’ll be studying in each module. Next, put in your working hours and any other commitments you might have. You can then look at the gaps in your calendar and schedule in some study time.
As you are working full-time, be aware that there will be times when the last thing you want to do is study. If you know you regularly come home from work feeling tired, then consider an alternate time to evenings. Perhaps you could:
- Wake a couple of hours early each morning and study before you go to work
- Consider setting aside a few hours on a Saturday morning
- Draw on the energy you get from completing the gym session by lining up a few hours study straight after
- Talk to your boss about an extended lunch break that allows you to work an hour on your studies each day at work. If your studies are designed to improve your current employee capabilities, your employer should want to support your growth.
The important thing to remember is to not schedule your sessions to be too short. Studying often requires you to get ‘stuck in’, so quick gap-fillers aren’t recommended. Remind yourself of what you’ve got to gain from your new qualification. Motivation will help you find the time to sit and study. Tell others around you, and let them help you stay motivated too.
Parents
It may feel like a diploma is an individual pursuit, but studying is definitely a team sport when you’re a parent. Your family is your number one priority, therefore of course they should be a part of your study plan.
Because you are a parent and life is not just about you, it’s important you make friends with scheduling. Documenting ALL your commitments will make life a whole lot easier, and having a visual representation of your routine will help you stay in control. Populate a study planner and everyone in the family can see what you’re up to.
Once you’ve found time in your day for study, you need to make the most of it. If the kids are running around at your feet, consider going off to a quiet room or disappearing to the library. If you choose the first option, make sure it’s a designated ‘study space’ that’s free of distractions. If you choose the latter option, make sure you leave the kids with someone you trust so that you aren’t distracted with worry. Look ahead too, so that you have regular sitters in place, especially around deadline time.
General tips for setting up a study plan
1. Be flexible but committed
Study plans should be flexible, but they should also maintain structure. If you keep switching study times around to suit social events and other distractions, it may be time to start saying no. Your course won’t last forever, so concentrate on study for now and know that socialising will come later. When it does, it will be that much sweeter and deserved too.
2. Consider your study style
Everyone works differently, and figuring out what style of studier you are will help you make the most of your study time. There are plenty of online resources to help you self-assess your working style, so test yourself today and determine whether you’re style is visual, aural, experiential or written. Structure your study plan to incorporate your style and get the most bang for your study buck.
3. Add an emergency
Every week something is bound to come up that will take time away from your planned schedule. If you schedule in a few hours for an emergency, you can easily swap things around. If no emergency comes, you’ve just scored yourself a few hours of free time. Woohoo!
4. Make it accessible
Your study schedule should be placed in a visible location so that you can see it and follow it every day. Never presume you know what’s happening – always check the schedule.
5. Schedule in time for building energy
We know you’re time poor, but if you don’t schedule in time for well-balanced meals, exercise and sleep, you’ll feel fatigued, unable to concentrate, and be consequently less productive come study time. Studying requires you to take care of yourself, so give yourself the time to do that.
Planning for success
Having a set plan and knowing when, where and for how long you’re going to be studying for is the ultimate motivator, and a great way to make sure you’re staying on track with your studies. To find out more about how the International Career Institute can facilitate and support you learning about your own schedule, contact us today.
