How to Plan Your Studies

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Juggling multiple classes isn't easy. If you want to create a consistent plan for your studies so you're sure to get all of your assignments done on time, we can help you with that! Check out this handy list of tips and tricks to help you plan your studies and stay on track all semester long.

1

Divide your study time into 30- to 50-minute blocks.

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  1. Grab your class schedule so you can figure out how much time you have to work with outside of class. Then, divide your available free time into blank study blocks. [1]
    • Don’t forget about free blocks of time in between classes, too. You can get a lot of work done during free periods. [2]
    • Studies show that studying in short bursts is the most effective way to learn. [3]
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2

Assign specific tasks to each study block.

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  1. Avoid assigning yourself vague tasks like "Study literature.” Instead, check your planner to see what’s coming up in the next few weeks, then assign tasks accordingly. Use key words like “read,” “write,” “review,” “outline,” and “memorize" so you know exactly what you need to do.
    • For example, if you have a history exam coming up in 2 weeks, you might write in study block tasks like “review lecture notes,” “go over highlighted concepts,” “do practice questions in text,” “make vocabulary flashcards,” and so on.
3

Break big assignments into smaller chunks.

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  1. If you need to write an essay that you know will take you about 4 hours to complete, don’t devote a 4-hour block of time to it on a single day. You’ll just end up overwhelming yourself and the rest of your schedule will get thrown off track, too. Instead, break the work into several 30-50 minute chunks over the course of a week or so. [4]
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4

Prioritize the hardest subjects in your schedule.

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  1. As you’re assigning subjects to study blocks, consider which classes are the toughest—you’ll probably need to assign longer and/or more frequent study blocks to those particular subjects. You might also want to devote more time to key subjects, like the ones specific to your major, and spend less time studying for your electives.
    • For example, if calculus isn’t your strong suit, devote 50-minute blocks to that subject every other day. If English is a breeze for you, a 30-minute block every 3-4 days might be all you need. If art history is an elective, you might only need to study for that once a week.
5

Space out subjects on alternate days.

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  1. You’ll retain more information and experience less burnout if you space things out. For example, assign blocks of time for studying calculus and science on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Then, schedule blocks for literature and history on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. [6]
    • Aim to study each subject as soon as possible after leaving that particular class to retain the most information. [7]
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6

Use a planner so you can get organized.

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  1. Write all of your test dates and assignment deadlines in your planner . Gather your syllabi or check your online resources to find exam dates, assignments, and other important details for each class. Do this right away so you can get organized, plan your time well, and stay ahead of assignment due dates. [8]
    • You can use a notebook-style planner or an app for this. Go with what you’re most comfortable with and more likely to use consistently.
    • Use a day planner with blank spaces and time slots so you can schedule things by the hour.
    • Some people prefer digital planners while others prefer scheduling on paper—choose whichever option best motivates you.
    • Reader Poll: We asked 803 wikiHow readers and 68% of them agreed that their preferred way to schedule study time is by making paper revision timetables . [Take Poll]
7

Schedule breaks into your routine.

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  1. Slogging away for hours at a time will do more harm than good, so breaks are crucial! If you tend to lose track of time, set a timer at the beginning of each study block so you don’t miss a break. [9]
    • You can do whatever you want during breaks! Stretch, check your phone, get a snack, hit the restroom, or go for walk. The most important thing is to get up and walk away from your desk so you’re truly breaking from the material. [10]
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8

Block out time for non-academic activities.

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  1. The best study plan is a balanced one! Recreational activities, healthy meals, exercise, and getting plenty of sleep are crucial if you want to make the rest of your schedule stick. You'll be able to stay on track and perform at your best when you're taking care of all your needs. [11]
    • For example, block out a 4-hour window every Sunday to chill with friends.
    • Carve out 30 minutes a day to walk, jog, or do any other exercises you enjoy.
    • Don't forget to block out 7-9 hours every night for sleep, too! Getting a little less than that is okay occasionally, but sticking to a consistent sleep schedule will help you feel your best.
9

Be consistent with study times and locations.

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  1. You don’t have to study in one devoted space for every study block, of course! Just choose a good place for each study block that makes sense with your schedule and stick to that location every time. [12]
    • For example, if you have a free hour to study between history and literature, go to the library for that study session. Pick your favorite table on the second floor and make that “your spot.”
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10

Take good notes to make studying easier.

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  1. Your class notes are critical, especially when it’s time to study for an upcoming exam! Listen for key ideas in lectures and write them down in your own words. Keep your notes for each class separate and organized. [13] You can also maximize your study time by:
    • Writing notes by hand to retain more information
    • Highlighting key concepts in your texts for quick review
    • Making flashcards to help you memorize important concepts
    • Taking practice tests to prep for exams [14]

Supercharge Your Studying with this Expert Series

Do you want to make your studying more efficient, learn more quickly, and remember more information? Check out these expert articles.
1
Study For Exams
2
Study So You Can Remember Everything
3
Make a Study Space
4
Create Good Study Habits for Exams
5
Learn Without Forgetting
6
Retain Information when You Study for a Test

Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    What is the best study routine?
    Jai Flicker
    Academic Tutor
    Jai Flicker is an Academic Tutor and the CEO and Founder of Lifeworks Learning Center, a San Francisco Bay Area-based business focused on providing tutoring, parental support, test preparation, college essay writing help, and psychoeducational evaluations to help students transform their attitude toward learning. Jai has over 20 years of experience in the education management industry. He holds a BA in Philosophy from the University of California, San Diego.
    Jai Flicker
    Academic Tutor
    Expert Answer
    Find the best learning approaches for you specifically. For example, a very common practice is creating flashcards. Some people love the idea of flashcards as a practical study tool. Others resist flashcards and may prefer typing out or rereading their notes. Use studying as a self-knowledge exercise to see what actually works and what doesn't. It's all a lesson in what works for you.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
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    Not Helpful 3 Helpful 3
  • Question
    What is the best way to set a study schedule?
    Jai Flicker
    Academic Tutor
    Jai Flicker is an Academic Tutor and the CEO and Founder of Lifeworks Learning Center, a San Francisco Bay Area-based business focused on providing tutoring, parental support, test preparation, college essay writing help, and psychoeducational evaluations to help students transform their attitude toward learning. Jai has over 20 years of experience in the education management industry. He holds a BA in Philosophy from the University of California, San Diego.
    Jai Flicker
    Academic Tutor
    Expert Answer
    Try to find a schedule that works for you. Some people really need their sleep and may do better with a late start when studying. Others love getting up early, so they're going to do better with an early start to get all of their studying out of the way. Create a schedule that fits your temperament as an individual.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 1 Helpful 4
  • Question
    How do I keep my mind from wandering to my friends, mobile, and WhatsApp when I am trying to study?
    Community Answer
    Put your phone far away from you, in another room. Or you could even give it to a friend or family member to monitor it to prevent you from checking it for messages.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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    Not Helpful 14 Helpful 92
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      • Prepare a mind map for all your chapters. When you're reviewing, you can go through all the key points and memorize the basic concepts easier.
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      • Write down more notes while you're studying because writing things down again will help you memorize them.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://learningcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/studying-101-study-smarter-not-harder/
      2. ↑ https://lsc.cornell.edu/how-to-study/studying-for-and-taking-exams/guidelines-for-creating-a-study-schedule/
      3. ↑ https://learningcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/studying-101-study-smarter-not-harder/
      4. ↑ https://learningcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/studying-101-study-smarter-not-harder/
      5. ↑ Jai Flicker. Academic Tutor. Expert Interview. 20 May 2020.
      6. ↑ https://www.edutopia.org/article/5-research-backed-studying-techniques
      7. ↑ https://lsc.cornell.edu/how-to-study/studying-for-and-taking-exams/guidelines-for-creating-a-study-schedule/
      8. ↑ https://www.sciencenewsforstudents.org/article/top-10-tips-study-smarter-not-longer-study-skills
      9. ↑ https://www.sciencenewsforstudents.org/article/top-10-tips-study-smarter-not-longer-study-skills
      1. ↑ https://lsc.cornell.edu/how-to-study/studying-for-and-taking-exams/guidelines-for-creating-a-study-schedule/
      2. ↑ https://lsc.cornell.edu/how-to-study/studying-for-and-taking-exams/guidelines-for-creating-a-study-schedule/
      3. ↑ https://www.stetson.edu/administration/academic-success/media/STUDY%20SCHEDULE.pdf
      4. ↑ https://www.stetson.edu/administration/academic-success/media/STUDY%20SCHEDULE.pdf
      5. ↑ https://www.edutopia.org/article/5-research-backed-studying-techniques
      6. ↑ Jai Flicker. Academic Tutor. Expert Interview. 20 May 2020.
      7. ↑ Jai Flicker. Academic Tutor. Expert Interview. 20 May 2020.

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      You can plan your studies by covering everything in your course and giving extra time to difficult sections. Figure out how much time you have to study each night and write a schedule for all the work you need to do. Include time for revising previous lessons, practicing sample questions, and learning anything new you need to know. Give extra time to parts of your course that you don’t understand as well and just refresh your knowledge on the parts you know well. Try to revise your syllabus in chronological order, starting with the first things you learned and working your way through the classes so you’ll remember it better. Don’t forget to schedule time for relaxing too, so you don’t overwork yourself. For more tips, including how to create a good study environment, read on!

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