Let’s be real - cramming the night before an exam is about as effective as trying to eat soup with a fork.

A solid study timetable can save you from stress, late-night panic, and an unhealthy amount of caffeine.

So, whether you're facing exams, assessments, or both, let’s build a study plan that keeps you on top of your work and gives you time to live your best life.

1. Know Your Deadlines

Before you start blocking out time, get your dates in order. Check when your exams, coursework deadlines, and major assessments are due. This will help you prioritise and allocate study time effectively. No more last-minute surprises!

2. Break It Down

Instead of writing "study all day" (which is a fast-track to burnout), break your subjects into manageable chunks. Try time-blocking techniques like:

• Pomodoro Technique - 25-minute study sprints with 5-minute breaks.

• 90-minute sessions - Ideal for deep focus, followed by a longer 20-30 min break.

• Task batching - Group similar tasks together (e.g reading, essay writing, revision) for efficiency.

You can find more study techniques in this blog.

3. Mix Up Subjects

Avoid spending too much time on one topic in a day. Rotating subjects helps prevent boredom and keeps your brain engaged. If you have multiple modules, try switching between them every couple of sessions.

4. Prioritise Rest and Sleep

Pulling all-nighters might seem like the student thing to do, but they do more harm than good. Your brain needs sleep to consolidate information, so aim for 7-9 hours of good-quality sleep each night. Build wind-down time into your timetable and set a reasonable bedtime (yes, even adults need bedtimes!).

5. Schedule Social & Fun Time

Studying is important, but so is having a life. Schedule regular breaks to grab coffee with friends, binge an episode of your favourite show, or head out for a night of fun (responsibly, of course). A balanced schedule keeps you motivated and prevents burnout.

6. Move Your Body

Exercise isn’t just for gym lovers - a quick walk, a dance break, or even some stretching can improve focus and reduce stress. Aim to move for at least 30 minutes a day, whether it’s a full workout, a yoga session, or a wander around campus.

7. Be Flexible

Things don’t always go to plan, and that’s okay. Build in buffer time for unexpected delays (procrastination happens to the best of us). If something throws your timetable off, adjust and move forward - no guilt necessary.

8. Test & Adapt

Your first timetable might not be perfect, and that’s fine! Pay attention to what works and what doesn’t. Are you more focused in the morning or evening? Do certain subjects need more time? Adjust accordingly.

Sample Study Timetable

A great study timetable isn’t about overloading your days with non-stop revision. It’s about balance. Rest, socialising, and exercise are just as important as studying. So, plan wisely, be kind to yourself, and remember - you’ve got this! 💪📚