I how to create a study schedule I
#1 - write down the time frame you have for your studies. this means the total time frame, even if there might be appointments etc of a few hours (see #7). my example above: 8:30 first time I can get to a desk, then some errands, changing my place of studying etc, 22:00 I need to be done, equals 8:30-22:00.
#2 - figure out how long one study session should be. this one is different for everyone, so listen to your body and find out how long you can concentrate on your work and actually get quality shit done. I can work for 45 mins straight, but then I’ll get distracted. a friend of mine prefers 45 mins, but can deal with up to 60 min high focus. another friend prefers 20 mins and can tolerate 40. you do you, okay?
#3 - figure out how long a short break between two session needs to be. again: this is different for everyone. I only need 5 mins, if I’ll get a bit of a longer break inbetween, sometimes (if I’m having a bad day, less sleep than normal, whatever) I change to a 40min-10min rhythm. you need more or less? then do that, listen to your needs. but do take a break between rounds!
#4 - figure out how many sessions fit into a set before you need a longer break. I can do 2-3 in one set before needing 10-15 mins doing something else. this depends on the time of day, but also my overall condition (enough sleep/food, motivation, etc). little to no motivation? less rounds in a set, but only 10 min breaks. again, listen to your needs.
#5 - figure out how long a longer break between sets needs to be. for me it’s 10-15 mins, depending how many rounds were in one set. the 45-60 min friend needs 15-20, the other one goes with 10-15 too. you do you.
#6 - how much time do you need for lunch and/or dinner? no explanation needed. just a reminder to take care of yourself. your body & brain need the food, you can’t succeed with an empty stomach.
#7 - are there any other to-dos or things to put into your schedule? how much time will you need to get ready to leave/ at what time do you have to leave for an appointment? how much time will the other to-dos need? only include things you have to, not things you could do additionally. keep the focus on your studies, but don’t neglect your chores.
#8 - put it into order: leave some room when planning. example: I’m sure it won’t take me longer than 10 min to register my thesis and I’ll only need 5 min max to get to the library and at my favourite desk, but a) what if I have to wait, bc I’m not first in line? b) what if they just take a while to read my forms? c) what if I meet a friend on the way and want to talk to them for a few mins? so I’ll plan to start at 10, not 09:45, just in case.
additional tip: know what to do during your breaks! refill that water bottle, tea/coffee cup. sort back the books you won’t need anymore. go pee. take out the trash. pick up some clothes from your floor. fold them during the next break. listen to one song. dance to one song. eat some fruit.
last thing: stick to it, but don’t force yourself beyond your boundaries! if you notice you do need a break earlier, just adjust the plan. it’ll be fine.
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