How to create a study schedule
You’ve promised yourself that this study term will be your best one yet. But how do you go about it? Push that urge to procrastinate aside. A study schedule is about to become your new best friend.
When we take an oath to nail study, it’s tempting to grab the debit card and dish-out on office supplies.
And while a lux leather notebook or smooth gel pen never did any harm, there are many more productive actions you can take to feel in control. Creating an effective study schedule is a great place to start.
What is a study schedule and why should I have one?
Think of a study schedule as a weekly meal plan of sorts, giving you directions on what to cook (study, that is) and when, on different days, and even at different hours.No more standing in front of the fridge (desk, that is) asking yourself the ever-rhetorical question, “What on earth’s for dinner?!” or more suitably “What should I be working on today?!
There are a range of benefits that come with creating, and sticking with, a study schedule.
How a robust study schedule can help
Ensure breadth of knowledge
Ever find yourself prioritising study for the subjects you enjoy the most? Meanwhile, those lesser-loved topics and textbooks continue to collect dust? You’re not alone.It’s natural to become a magnet for learning what we love. But making time for the topics you’re less motivated about is just as important. In fact, they’re usually the ones we need to make a more concerted effort with.
A schedule of equally mapped-out hours divided across subjects can ensure you’re putting your energy into each one evenly.
Master time management
Often, it’s not getting started that’s the real issue, but switching to another subject once you’re knee-deep instead. A study schedule can help you know when to stretch those legs and switch it up, or take a break completely.In fact, research shows that stopping study for a break can actually increase your energy, productivity and ability to focus.
- Related reading: 10 of the best study apps to enhance your learning
Alleviate anxiety
Ever wish you could quash those concerns of “Have I studied enough this week?We can’t promise they’ll ever completely leave your mind (well, not until graduation, that is), but a study schedule can certainly help to reduce anxiety.
A study schedule will encourage you to be more certain of yourself – knowing that you’ve allocated an appropriate number of hours during the week to work towards your goals.
Put an end to procrastination
Stop sitting down to wonder “where on earth should I begin?” and start feeling like you have a purpose when you’re at your desk.Follow your plan, and you’ll have no choice but to dive into the subject listed for that hour or day. Incremental, blocked-out periods of time will also bolster your chances of knuckling down.
After all, studying economics from 3pm to 4pm feels much more manageable than studying economics from now until... well... when should you stop exactly?!
The ultimate study schedule template
The study schedule of any successful student should:
- Involve days of the week as columns, titled Monday through to Sunday (or in any order you feel most comfortable)
- Include hour-by-hour blocks beneath, ready for you to fill in
- Have a margin to the side of the page for overarching priorities or upcoming goals—this is where you might remind yourself that there is a group assignment, or that your tutor asked you to research a particular topic
Your weekly study schedule template in action
Now that you know study schedules are the magic sauce to success, it’s time to create your very own.The following sites provide study schedules you can download for free and start using right away.
We recommend printing a couple of copies—one for your desk, and one for your planner—once you have filled your choice out. You might even like to save it to your desktop or camera roll to refer to on the go.
Canva Study Planner Templates
Available in both free designs and premium (paid), these templates are easy to edit with a Canva login. Create yours to get started, then simply download and print.
Etsy Study Planner Templates
Etsy offers a range of designs, all of which you must pay to use. However, the cost is minimal (most digital downloads are just a few dollars!).Of course, there’s always the option to create your own design with a little elbow grease, cardboard and a Sharpie. After all, those procrastination purchases have to be used somehow—right?
Are you finding your current schedule a struggle to keep up with? Our student advisors are experts in helping you adjust your study load so that it fits your lifestyle.
Book a free, one-on-one consultation with a student advisor today.
