Remember—any sacrifices you make are temporary. You’ll be able to go back to your everyday routines after your big exam or assignment. Sometimes, you’ll have to fit your studying around some things that you do on a regular basis, like extracurriculars, chores, or exercise. [2] X Expert Source Alexander Ruiz, M. Ed. Educational Consultant Expert Interview. 18 June 2020. It’s totally fine if you take off some days to enjoy yourself. Just be sure to make up the difference later!
For example, maybe your professor assigns a lot of small and super achievable assignments, like weekly reflection papers, and only gives one mid-term. On the other hand, your professor might be more tough and assign bi-monthly exams. Or, they may expect you to turn in multiple drafts of any essay. See which tasks are more time-consuming. For instance, maybe you’re a whiz at pre-lab assignments, but you need to dedicate a couple hours each day to quantum mechanics.
Look for times when you won’t have any distractions—for instance, you might be completely free to study from 7 A. M. to 10 A. M. or 5 P. M. to 8 P. M.
Try out spreadsheet programs, like Microsoft Excel or Apple Numbers. Or, experiment with some of the templates that your word processor—like MS Word—offers. [6] X Research source Some apps specialize in study timetables—for instance “My Study Life” helps you record and track all of your exams and assignments. If you’re frequently online or on your phone, a physical paper timetable might be the best option for you. You’ll be able to refer to it without getting distracted by your tech. You can also combine paper and digital formats: use your computer to print out a grid that you’ve already added days and times to, then print out as many as you like and fill them out by hand.
If you’re making a timetable by hand on paper, use regular notebook paper or blank paper and draw your lines with a ruler for a clean look. The biggest downside to the paper-and-pencil method is that it can be pretty labor intensive if you need to make tweaks on multiple pages. Your safest bet is to use a digital program, like Google Sheets. After all, you might end up adding more blocks on your timetable if your teacher assigns new material, like quizzes or extra credit assignments.
Take into account big assignments or final exams and update your study schedule by adding blocks of times you’ll use to study for them. Factor in extracurriculars that you identified earlier, like holidays or sports. Fill in squares to represent blocks of time in which you won’t be studying.
Have a day where you’re super busy? That’s totally fine—just look for a block of time that’s available. Even 45 minutes can keep you ahead of the game when it comes to studying. If you have some classes that are really challenging for you, it’s a good call to set aside more time to study for them. For example, if French is a breeze, squirrel away 1 hour for it. However, if you have to rack your brain over Statistics, devote a whole 4 hours to review the ins and outs of it. [10] X Research source Bear in mind that you don’t have to force yourself to stay on task for 4 continuous hours without a single break—we’ll cover that in the next step.
Many experts recommend that you work for 45 minutes every hour, and then take a break for 15 minutes. Everyone is different, though, so experiment to find what works best for you. [12] X Research source If you think you thrive with regular breaks, or if you tend to get a little restless, try the “Pomodoro Method”: during the block of time that you’re studying, commit to 25 minute stretches of concentrated work, then take 5 minute breaks. [13] X Research source For an extra boost to your health, build in activity breaks—for example, go for a 15-minute walk or make use of a 5-minute break by doing a set of push ups, sit ups, or body weight deadlifts.
Things will change over time, of course, and something you planned 2 months ago may not apply anymore. If that’s the case, use a pen to draw an “X” through any assignments or tests you no longer have to take. Homework’s also great to add to your timetable. For example, if you always have 20 math problems to do each week, record that in your timetable. Scribble in new updates that come up, too. For example, if two teachers are offering extra credit opportunities, factor that into your study timetable.
Of course, this can change once exam time rolls around and you need to devote all your energy to a single subject!
If an emergency comes up, take care of what you need to. Just be sure to find extra blocks of time later in the week to make up the difference. All that dedication gives you a great chance to treat yourself later. Grab some ice cream, phone some friends, or play some video games when you finish. After you’re done with all your classes, you can even throw a little party.
If you want to, meditate, move around, or chat with a friend right before you jump into all your coursework. In fact, research suggests it’s smart to unwind before all the hard work you’ll do. [19] X Research source
If you have to make a lot of adjustments, a digital timetable might your best bet. If you prefer a physical copy, make sure your timetable has lots of empty squares so you can fill in new information. If you want a change, such as switching from a pen-and-paper timetable to one on an app, that’s totally fine—it’s important to do what feels sustainable for you.
