Organising Yourself for Effective Study

To help you get into the habit of studying, it is vital to work out routines and strategies that make
studying the norm. One of the most important first steps is to set up a regular place to study, where
you have everything “to hand” so that settling down to study is easier. No-one else should touch it,
move your stuff or interfere in any way.

Study room/ Workspace: Find a workspace/room that you can always associate with study and
coursework. Do it right now. Keep the room airy but warm, and have good light to avoid eyestrain.
Avoid using a family space (like the kitchen table) where you have to set up and clear away when
others need it, as this will affect your ability and motivation to study.
Shelves & Storage: Have shelves to keep your books in order and clearly visible, where you can
easily get them if needed.

Clutter-free Desk: Keep your desk/workspace free of clutter, or you will spend your time tidying up
and searching for things instead of actually studying.


Year Planner: Put your year planner up on the wall in front of you so that you can see it at all times.
It is a reminder of what you have done, and what still has to be done.

Timetable: Keep your weekly timetable on the wall of your study space also, as well as placing
another one in your study notebook or diary to keep you on track and focused.

Study notebook or diary. Keep a written diary of events and deadlines. This keeps you organised
and you know what you have to do. Use it to monitor and check on your progress.


Divide your study periods into manageable blocks or units (1 unit = half hour). Start small,
especially if you have difficulty concentrating. You can always build up the time you spend studying
once you have established the habit, and as your stamina increases.
11Study for 25 -30 minutes, then take a break, even for a few minutes, and then continue.
This gives the brain a chance to rest and to make sense of or consolidate the learning.

Write in exactly which topic or subject you intend to cover in each time slot, rather than just
writing in a vague intention to “study”. After a lecture or tutorial, go over your notes as soon as
possible, so that you will remember everything important that was said. Remember the 80/20 rules:
you can lose up to 80% of your learning if you don’t review it within 24 hours.


There is really no “best time” to study it depends entirely on the individual. You might be a
morning person, or you might come alive later on at night. Work round what you like, and what is
practical. Get up an hour earlier in the morning if it works best for you.

If you opt for evening study (or have to study in the evening because it is the only time available) the
best approach is to study early in the evening rather than late, because the brain gets sluggish and
tired as the night progresses. Tiredness makes learning more difficult, and you retain less information
for your time and energy - you are not getting “value for money”. If this is not possible, have a power
nap and work later at night - you have to work within your parameters.

How many hours of study depends on your background and current level knowledge and
understanding. Never compare yourself to others in this regard. Find what is right for you