Top tips to help kick start your academic year

September 2, 2016 / Sharnie Carter

With the academic year nearly here, you need to start thinking about how you’re going to make this year your best. Check out these 5 top tips to help kick start your academic year:

Use your tutor support

If you’re unsure about anything included in your course materials, ask! The worst thing you can do whilst studying is struggle on your own. So make sure you take advantage of your personal tutor and don’t hesitate to ask them anything – however silly it sounds! They are there to support you and help you pass your course with flying colours.

Start early

We recommend that you complete your first assignment within the first month of receiving your course. This will help familiarise yourself with the course structure and your tutors marking. So get that head start and don’t leave your assignments until the last minute!

Keep Organised

Make this academic year the year you become organised! Make a list of everything you need to do and tick them off along the way. Creating a list will help track your progression and make clear what you still need to complete. Why not even go one step closer and give your study area a tidy? Remember a tidy room makes a tidy mind!

Focus

Why not start the academic year by creating some goals you want to achieve over the next 12 months. Unless your goals are realistic and measurable then it’s doubtful that you’ll achieve what you want to.  So make them S.M.A.R.T
Your goals need to be:

• Specific
• Measurable
• Achievable
• Results-focused
• Time-bound

Establish a study routine

Create a study plan and stick to it! Work out when it would be best to study. Remember distance learning allows you to fit learning around your other commitments so it is hassle-free and convenient.