Study Hacks for Distance Learning Students

As a student, you probably know the feeling of getting stuck in the same old study routine that you’ve been using for quite a while — especially if you’re a distance learning student studying on your own.

And now that we’re nearing the end of the year, motivation to study is likely to be at an all-time low — which is why we have created a list of awesome study hacks to help you beat the study blues and tackle your assignments and exams with renewed enthusiasm.

Here are 10 study hacks for distance learning students:

1) Use your calendar to plan study sessions and highlight important dates

Print out or buy a big calendar that you can put up against the wall in the room where you study. Mark all of your exam dates and assignment due dates in red, and then work backwards to mark your study sessions before each due date in a different colour.

2) Ask your tutor for assistance

Your tutor is there to help you with any questions or queries that you might have about your coursework and assignments. And if you’re an Oxbridge Academy student, you can contact your industry-expert tutor by sending an email to assessor@oxbridgeacademy.co.za — knowing that you will receive a response within 48 working hours.

3) Get a study buddy

Being a distance learning student can be lonely at times, so why not find a friend studying the same course as you and work together? Go over to our Facebook page and post on our wall that you’d like to find a study buddy for your specific course — one of our students might just reply and let you know that they’re willing to study with you!

Click here to go to our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/oxbridgeacademysa/.

4) Study in different places

Don’t study in the same room day after day. Try these study spaces for a change of scenery:

• Garden or outside space: A bit of fresh air will do wonders to refresh a tired mind.
• Library: Quiet and filled with books — you will be inspired to soak up all the knowledge around you.
• Coffee shops: Find a quiet spot to sit down and work. Order a cup of coffee or tea when you need a boost!

5) Use post-it notes

Use colour-coded post-it notes to mark important chapters and to summarise key concepts. This will make your life much easier when it comes to revision time.

6) Develop a filing system

File all your notes in a logical manner — keeping the notes from each subject together. This will help you to keep your study material organised, and will keep you focused on learning, instead of on trying to find the right study material.

7) Set up your own question papers

As you study each subject or module, set up questions on each topic and create a memo for yourself. This interaction with the study material will help you to understand and remember the work more easily.

8) Say it out loud!

Read your summaries out loud. This might seem strange, but hearing yourself actually saying the concepts you’ve been studying out loud will keep all the facts safely stored in your mind. If you find it a bit strange to talk to yourself, ask a friend if you can explain the concepts you’ve studied to them.

9) Take breaks to relax and refresh

Work in study sessions of 45 minutes at a time and take breaks of 15 minutes at a time after each study session. Take a 10-minute power nap or make yourself a study snack when you take a break.

10) Keep your goals in mind

Constantly remind yourself why you are studying. Do you want to land your dream job? Do you want to improve your skills to get a promotion at work? Think of all of the positive things that will come from succeeding in your course. Remember — small sacrifices lead to long-term benefits!

Use these study hacks to help you ace a college course from Oxbridge Academy!

Have any study hacks of your own that you’d like to share with us? Leave us a comment in the box below!

Note: This article was originally published on 16 November 2015, and has been updated for comprehensiveness and accuracy. Updated by: Dale Hes