Creating an effective study plan

Whatever type of planning you choose, having a clear overview is essential!

• Start the semester with a clear outline for each course: List the required course materials and decide what you'll use as your main study resources. This helps prevent feelings of overwhelm.
• Check the exam format for each course: Is it oral, written, open book, or multiple choice? Start preparing early using the most suitable study method. Take a look at our tips for each exam type!
• Create an overview of classes, practicals and tutorials: Map out how your study time and contact hours are distributed for each course. This will help you plan your study efforts more effectively.

Tip:

Make a visual overview using a chart or table where you include your courses, deadlines and class times. It will give you instant clarity!

A semester overview helps you keep track of all key dates, such as:

• Deadlines for assignments and papers

• Exam dates

• Important lectures, practicals or internships

• Holidays and rest periods

Why is this important?

• You can see what’s coming at a glance and avoid being caught off guard by sudden deadlines.

• You’ll be able to start bigger tasks on time and spread your workload more efficiently.

• You make space for relaxation and unexpected events.

Tip:

• Print out the semesterplanner and hang it somewhere visible, above your desk, for example.
• Don’t forget to plan leisure time too! Taking a weekend off mid-semester? No problem, as long as you plan around it!

Once you’ve mapped out your semester, it’s time to plan your weeks in detail.

Consider the following:

• Which courses need extra attention this week?

• When will you study which topics?

• How much time do you realistically have each day?

Tips:

• Print out the weekly planner and hang it somewhere visible, like above your desk.

• Use different colours for different courses or tasks to make your schedule more clear.

• Don’t fill every minute! Leave room for flexibility and unexpected changes.

• Build in buffer time: Is the sun suddenly shining when you had planned to study? With a buffer, you can adjust without falling behind.

• Make your planning SMART: Specific, Measurable, Acceptable, Realistic and Time-bound. Example: “Tomorrow from 1 to 4 PM, I’ll tackle chapter 1 of statistics by making a glossary and completing exercises 1 and 2.”

• Plan demanding tasks during your peak energy times, for most, that’s the morning.

• Add structure with techniques like the 50-10-5 method: study for 50 minutes, take a 10-minute break, then spend 5 minutes reviewing.

A strict weekly schedule doesn’t work for everyone. Do you prefer more flexibility? Then try using to-do lists:

• Write down your study tasks for each day

• Make a clear distinction between priorities and extra tasks

• Check off completed items, it’s a great motivator!

Tip:

Be realistic about how much time each task will take. Taking on too much can backfire. A well-estimated list creates achievable goals, which boosts your motivation.Not sure how long things take? Try timing yourself while studying, it can give you useful insight.

Do you want to keep your planning within reach at all times? Use digital tools such as:

• Outlook Calendar: sync your classes, deadlines and study sessions

• Todoist / Trello: create to-do lists and track your progress

• Pomodoro Timer: work in focused intervals and take timely breaks

• Forest: stay off your phone and avoid distractions while studying

Tip:

Turn on notifications for important deadlines and study blocks to stay on track.

Check your exam schedule release date in the academic calendar.

As soon as you receive your exam timetable, it’s time to create a study plan. A well-structured exam planning helps you divide your study time efficiently – so you won’t be stuck cramming everything at the last minute. Follow the steps below to get started.

Step 1: Make an overview of your courses

• Start by listing all the courses you need to study. For each course, estimate how much time you'll need to fully master the material. Consider time for:
  • Understanding (reading through the material, grasping key ideas)
  • Structuring (summarising, creating diagrams or overviews)
  • Memorising (active studying, using flashcards or recall methods)
  • Practising (solving exercises, working through past exams)
  • Revising (spread this over several sessions; always include a final review the day before the exam)

• Take the difficulty of each course into account, some may require more time than others.

Step 2: Fill in your exam dates using the exam planner

• Note the exact date, time, and location of each exam.
• Check if any exams are scheduled closely together, these subjects may require earlier preparation.

Step 3: Mark days when you can’t study

• Include rest days and any other commitments, such as:
  • Recovery days to avoid burnout
  • Holidays, appointments, or other events

Step 4: Schedule your study time per course

• Plan backward from your first exam:
  • Place your first exam at the start of your revision period.
  • Work towards your final exam, ensuring your last study day isn’t too far removed from the exam date.
• Consider the semester schedule:​
  • First semester (January exams): the Christmas break is your main study period.
  • Second semester (June exams): use the Easter break to get a head start, as there's no official revision period before the exams.
• Match study topics to your energy levels: study the most difficult subjects during your peak focus hours (e.g. mornings)
  

Step 5: Make your exam planning concrete

• At the start of each week, create a detailed weekly schedule. Include:
• Which courses you’ll study that week
• Which chapters or topics you’ll cover each day
• How much time you’ll spend on each subject
• When you’ll revise or practise
• Buffer time: tasks often take longer than expected – plan flexibly
• Use the day before each exam for final revision

Extra tips for efficient exam planning:

• Plan revision moments: Studying once isn’t enough. Actively repeat material to consolidate it.

• Vary your study methods: Alternate between reading, summarising, explaining concepts to yourself, solving problems, and rehearsing aloud.

• Use a timer: Techniques like Pomodoro (25–50 minutes study, 5–10 minutes break) help you stay sharp.

• Be realistic: Set achievable daily goals to keep motivation high.

• Find a rhythm that suits you, like the 8–8–8 rule: 8 hours of studying, 8 hours of sleep, and 8 hours of rest or free time.

With a thoughtful exam planning, you’ll reduce last-minute stress and improve your chances of success. Good luck with your exams!