Activity: Plan your timetable

In this activity you will analyse all your current weekly commitments in order to identify the best times for you to study. The aim is to create an achievable timetable which you can stick to.

Step 1

Download the timetable template and add in all of your current commitments, see page two of template for an example. Your commitments could include:

• Work
  
• Childcare
  
• Household tasks
  
• Commuting
  
• Exercise and hobbies
  

Step 2

On your timetable identify and schedule blocks of time for study. These don’t have to be huge blocks of free time. You can study effectively in short, sharp bursts. We will look at this in more detail when we introduce the spaced practice technique next. How does your timetable look? Have you found a balance between work, study and leisure time? Are there any changes you need to make to your life in order to fit in your study?

Build in flexibility

When planning your time it is important to build in scope to be flexible, as sometimes you may have to adapt to unforeseen circumstances. When making a schedule build in more time than you think you need. Be realistic about what you can achieve and schedule breaks to keep your motivation going. Then if something takes longer than expected it will not disrupt your whole timetable.