2020 was filled with uncertainty as we scrambled about and learned quick ways to adapt. It felt as though planning was a waste of time as so much was beyond our control. As you commence your 2021 Academic Year, don’t throw out the notion of planning – much is still unpredictable, but with the adaptations we have learned to make we can certainly plan better than we could this time last year! So, what should you be planning for the year ahead? Here are some pointers that will, hopefully, see you through uncertain times.
Set goals
Whether you are returning to campus or continuing with online studies from home, setting yourself some goals will keep you focused and motivated. It’s a good idea to set both academic and personal goals – goals should be realistic but should also stretch you. Write down what grades you would like to achieve in all your 2021 courses and any changes you might need to make to your study habits to achieve them. Make a poster, screensaver, or visual representation of your goals that you’ll see each time you’re at your desk or studying.
Apart from your academics, what else would you like to achieve in 2021? Learn a new skill, take up a new sport or hobby, increase your level of health or fitness, contribute to your community, earn extra money, start up a side hustle? Think about how you’d like to spend your time when you take study breaks, what would energise you but not completely distract you from your academic goals!
Schedule your time
Make use of a year or study planner to help you plan your time. Use different colours to differentiate between your academic semesters, study breaks, exam time and vacation time. Fill in assignment deadlines and exam dates as soon as you know what these are. Making use of a visual planner will help you to manage your time effectively and ensure that you don’t miss any important dates or deadlines.
Prepare your study space
Having a neat, well organized study space will help you get into the right frame of mind for studying. Make sure you have the stationery, files and supplies that you need. If you are doing most of your work online, be sure to organize your online files and material in a neat and logical way so that you do not lose vital notes or information. Create a new folder for each course you are doing and be disciplined about your filing.
Get your finances in order
Financial stress whilst studying is real, but careful planning will help to avoid unnecessary stress. Whether your fees are covered by your parents, a bursary, a student or NSFAS loan, make sure you know what the costs are for the year and when payments are due – discuss your requirements with whoever is responsible for paying your fees. Work out a budget for your other expenses and stick to it.
Help and resources
Whether you are on campus or studying online, there are many resources available to assist you with your studies or any issues you may be grappling with. If we all learned only one thing in 2020, its to reach out and ask for help when we need it! Most, if not all academic institutions adapted their support services to suit online formats because of Covid and there is an increased emphasis on mental health and wellbeing. Look on your Institution’s website to find contact details for the Careers Service and/or Counselling Unit and Student Support.
Start a study group
Studying with like-minded friends is highly recommended. Not only will this ensure that you stick to your study commitments, it will also make studying more fun, beat loneliness and there is no better way to learn than to teach someone else. Often a different way of looking at or explaining a problem will improve understanding.
Start exploring work opportunities
Irrespective of whether you are a first-year student or a third-year student, you should be thinking about and exploring future work opportunities. Start to create a network for yourself and know which employer/s you would ultimately like to work for. There will be opportunities for you to attend virtual career fairs – find out from your Institution’s career service what they offer and add any career fairs to your year planner. Many employers are offering virtual internships and/or vacation employment – perhaps securing an opportunity to gain experience should be one of your goals in 2021?
