Prepare yourself for learning

Make SMART Goals

Create a study area

Although you may be competing with others in your household, try to mark out a workspace for yourself when you are studying at home and personalise it with some objects, even if it is temporary. Set boundaries with others. If your study space is the kitchen table, try to get an agreement that it is yours alone for a set period.

… and keep it tidy....

It’s hard to be disciplined to work at home, and even harder if the place is cluttered. Make time to keep it tidy.

Manage your time

Recognise that different tasks require different levels of concentration. Watching a video can be easier than reading a complex text and taking notes. Divide your work into manageable time slots and take proper breaks.

"I have been using the ‘pomodoro’ technique, which refers to doing many rounds of studying which include working for a set of time (e.g. 25 minutes) and taking breaks (e.g. 5 minutes). During breaks, you can grab coffee or tea, stretch, pray, meditate, go for a walk inside your house or quickly check on your housemates and see if they are okay!" 

Akila , PhD student

Plan your day

Try not to put off watching recorded lectures until later as this can be detrimental to your learning. Make sure you devote your full attention to the recording – do not squeeze it in while eating or listening to music. Set a routine to use time efficiently. If you are feeling tired or you are finding it hard to concentrate get up and do something like washing up, making a drink, or putting some washing on.

"Create a to-do list of the things you are hoping to achieve each day. It sounds simple, but having that physical reminder on my desk all day really gives some accountability."

Ellie, Student

Be clear when messaging colleagues

As with other social media platforms, a simple misunderstanding in writing can quickly escalate. We all read things differently and interpret what we read differently so be mindful of what you write.

Keep socialising

Reaching out and connecting with staff and other students can maintain a sense of community. Use online systems, such as Blackboard Collaborate, groups/wikis  to maintain social contact. 

Not everyone has access to a laptop and reliable Wi-Fi.  Get in touch with your university if you do not have access to the right equipment.

Be kind to yourself

On discussion forums you may find that some who do not speak up in class have more to say – which is a good thing. Being behind a screen can provide people with more confidence to speak up.

"Even with a task list, schedule, set working hours etc, unexpected things in life (pandemics optional) occur. On days like this you may feel like you have not achieved much. To reduce these feelings, I do a “Ta-Da List” at the end of the working day or when I go to bed, listing the things you might not have had on your to-do list for that day, but things that still have value to you. Mine are sometimes as simple as “went on my daily walk” or “resist the urge to watch the third Netflix episode in a row” Just because it wasn’t work related, it doesn’t mean I didn’t achieve things, these lists really help show that I think."

Ellie, Student