Managing your studies
Successfully completing a university degree does not happen by accident. You need to manage three particular aspects of life to be successful at university – time, everyday life and all its demands, and the physical and digital environment in which you study.
Time management is important because part of your responsibility at university is to read, to research and to write independently. You will need to plan carefully to ensure that you submit all of your assignments on time and attend all lectures and tutorials whether on campus or online.
In addition, you need to balance university commitments with family and work commitments. Included in this is maintaining a healthy mind and a healthy body by taking time away from study for recreation and developing social relationships as well as eating a well-balanced diet.
You will need to find a physical place to study and store your materials in a logical and neat fashion.
Finally, you need to know and understand how to operate in a computer environment, especially saving, protecting and storing your digital files.
Time management
Time management is an integral part of any major project, including studying for a degree. Therefore, you need to manage your time effectively in order to sustain a balance between study, work and other life commitments.
Planning your time increases your chances of enjoying life as a student and helps to reduce stress about assignment deadlines and exams.
Good time management requires that you take a pro-active approach – know yourself, your goals, strengths and weaknesses – know how you are currently using your time and how you need to reorganise it.
Try using the weekly and semester planners provided below and once completed, display them in a prominent place at home where everyone who needs to can see them.