Planning for Success

Planning is an important part of studying at Uni. Understanding what lies ahead each semester, and making a plan to succeed will help you not only to stay on track througout the semester, it will lessen the chances of everything snowballing in the weeks before exams. To help you plan for success here at mySupport we have put together a few tips on planning.

Make it manageable

If you do your weekly readings and note taking throughout the semester you will find the exams and assessment periods much less stressful. Keeping up to date with your studies will mean less cramming, procrastination and cutting corners when you  need the time most. Your course outline provides a weekly schedule and you can use this as a checklist by listing all readings and activities you complete each week. This will minimise the pressure during the examination period.

Maintaining Motivation - Just keep going!

Maintaining motivation over 12-13 weeks of learning can sometimes be a difficult and laborious task. It is made even more difficult when one loses motivation for a day, week, or fortnight! The more up to date you are with your studies, the easier it will be to complete the studies required each week.

Some courses move quickly and before you are aware of it you are overwhelmed by the work and where to start which can increase procrastination.So try to stay up to date with the lectures and if you fall behone don't panic, just put a little extra time in and in no time you will be back on track.

Find your quiet place

Is there a place where you can study that has minimal distractions, is well lit and is well ventilated? You may be thinking the library, one of the computer labs, or even somewhere in your own home.  Finding a place that you feel comfortable and focussed is important and you will find that you are more motivated and productive just by undertaking your study and preparation in this space.

If you don’t have a quiet place, check out the library's individual study desks, computer labs, or even the nearest grassy area outside your classroom. Hopefully you find a place which allows you to minimise your distractions from the outside world and to study quietly and uninterrupted!

Ask for Help

Your course coordinators and tutors are approachable and eager to help. When you receive a mark for an assessment you should ask for feedback and use both the criticism and praises that you are given to improve on your next assessment item.

If you don’t understand your results or you are having some difficulties, you should never be afraid to ask for help! Speak to University Staff, family and friends about your situation so that you feel more supported, less isolated and are more likely to continue in the right direction for your learning.

Don’t give up on your study before you have sought help! There are so many services and support channels that can make your University experience so much easier. Make sure you know all your options and have asked for help before making any decisions on your future studies! Make an appointment to speak with a mySupport advisor; they will help you find the support you need.