Studying at university requires an important personal skillset. At the top of the list is organisation and time management. Without doubt it is a skill that needs to be conquered as quickly as possible, for you to maximise your time whilst studying.

Whichever your learning style or preference, you need to learn how to manage workloads and balance a variety of demands on your time. Here, the art of planning, managing, and meeting deadlines, both social and academic is essential for academic success.

For many, the freedom given in higher education can be challenging. For perhaps the first time in your educational journey, nobody plans your days and tells you specifically when, or how much you must read and study.

The responsibility to organise this can seem daunting and so adopting strategies to cope and thrive should be sought early in your studies.

Some people like to plan things early in fine detail so that everything is ready in plenty of time. Others positively thrive on the pressure of meeting a last-minute deadline. Try to develop a healthy balance, to avoid any unnecessary stress!

Make space!

Find a study space that works for you and allows you to have an appropriate work-life balance. That may be as simple as creating a desk that is your workstation in your room or finding a space that works for you around the campus.

Rooms and spaces can be booked in advance, so you can be sure that you can remain focused.

Reward yourself!

Make plans for evenings and weekends that you can use as an incentive to get your work done in good time.

Use time specific goals then stop and reward yourself, with a coffee, a snack a chat etc. Remember to have breaks away from the computer screen.

Be realistic.

Recognise that you won't finish everything that you set out to do every day or week. Create and use a to-do list to make sure that the higher-priority tasks are completed first and then you can move on to the tasks that are less urgent.

Remember getting through your course is a marathon, not a sprint. You’re in this for the long-haul – don’t burn yourself out!

Active learning strategies include testing yourself or making flashcards rather than reading notes which is a more passive study method and may not actually contribute towards learning and developing your knowledge. 

By making mistakes you may benefit your learning in the long term, as you may change your strategy to focus on a specific area, be able to recall the experience and remember it. 

Watch the Ted Ed Video below for more information on retaining information and engaging in active learning.

Look at the documents below to support you with managing your time at university. 

Check out the game below to develop some strategies to support with becoming an effective student at university. 

TED- ED (2023) 3 Tips on how to study effectively. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TjPFZaMe2yw (Accessed: 8 December 2023).