How to smash your 2023 study goals

Need a boost to kickstart 2023? We’ve got just the thing with this quick-fire article featuring top tips from OU students and alumni. Read on to learn how to stay focused and keep procrastination at bay. You can do this!

1) Remember your motivation

What (or who) inspired you to first start your studies? Whether it’s keeping a photo of your ‘cheerleaders’ by your study space or visualising yourself crossing the stage as a new graduate – keep hold of your motivation.

“You have to remember your end goal. Have that in the back of your mind all the time, because you will be tested throughout your degree – your skills, knowledge and resilience will all be tested. Remember, it’s achievable. You can do it.” – Ali, Open degree graduate

For Ffion, her motivation is building a better future for her and her daughter:

“I want [my daughter] to grow up to believe that anything is possible, regardless of your position in life. Although it can be tough some days, I know that when I graduate and I get to walk up onto that stage I will feel so proud of myself. All the hard work, the assessments and the exams will be so worth it.”

2) Break down your goals

Psychology student and business owner Karen uses planning tools to help her find pockets of study time during her packed schedule.

If tasks ever seem too big – like your next TMA – Karen suggests breaking everything down into smaller, actionable steps that you can tick off your to-do list.

“I set goals and plan for the month ahead and then break this down into actionable tasks for each week. I also use a project management tool, Asana, to keep track of my daily business tasks.”

3) Get creative with notetaking

Need to quickly slip back into ‘study mode’? Psychology student Joe uses technology like his iPad to help make his notes easier to find:

“I don’t want to be coming in from work and get lost thinking of what I need to do next. So I’ve adopted a super organised way of taking and storing my notes. I now take notes on my iPad, which means I can write as much as I want and can just search for words or specific topics later on. It means I don’t have to spend time hunting for an hour for a reference as they’re all in the same place.”

4) Speak up when you get stuck

Remember that you’re not alone! We hear this advice again and again – it’s so important to find and cultivate your support network. So make the most of the OU family by asking questions on the forums or speaking to your tutor when you’re stuck.

“My tutors were incredibly supportive and always available when I had questions or mini meltdowns! The student community was invaluable as well. I’d encourage all students to use the technology available to us to connect with peers. They’re usually the best form of help you can get.” – Kellie, MBA graduate

“If you ask a question online, you’ll have a whole load of classmates that will be able to help you. Or what I would do if I was struggling with my TMA (tutor marked assignment) is I would email my tutor who would arrange to call me and guide me and help me.” – Halima, International Studies

5) Use the OU study planner

Don’t forget that the OU study planner is there to help you keep track of upcoming tutorials or TMAs.

You can use it to plan your week, like Environmental Management student Kevin:

“[Using the study planner] I have developed a study plan, which I use to help me fit in all my activities each day. In doing so, I can ensure that I dedicate time to cover each topic in my course.”

And if you can, Natural Sciences graduate Gina suggests creating some ‘buffer time’ in case life gets in the way:

“The greatest tip I can give is to start studying as soon as the materials are made available. This enables you to get ahead and means you can avoid falling behind.”

6) Feed your brain!

Lastly, stock up your study space with some much-needed brain fuel.

“Make sure you’re not hungry. If you’re trying to study when you’re hungry, it’s not going to work. You’ve got to feed the brain.” – Kianna, Business Management student