There are a number of things you can do from the start of your course in order to get organised, plan your workload and manage your time:

• Spend some time at the beginning of your course familiarising yourself with what’s expected of you. Read through the course handbook or syllabus to help you do this.
  
• Add key dates and deadlines to your calendar. Set yourself targets and reminders so you don’t fall behind. If you feel yourself falling behind talk to your supervisor as soon as possible. 
  
• Schedule in short spaces of time each week to log into your online course and complete shorter tasks such as checking emails, posting on discussion boards and replying to other students’ comments. 
  
• Find a space where you can focus on studying. Different environments suit different people. You may prefer to work from home in a quiet room, or perhaps you find it easier to focus away from home such as in a local library or a café. 
  
• Plan a timetable that works for you that fits around your regular commitments.