It's always a good idea to do some planning before a semester starts.
If you didn't know, Australian university degree courses tend to be 3 years long, with each year containing 2 semesters of around 15 weeks each.
And yes, there are exceptions – like trimesters, summer schools and part-time study – but let's keep this simple.
A typical semester starts with around 7 weeks of lectures, tutorials and assignments.
It's followed by a mid-semester break of 2 weeks to allow you to catch your breath.
Then it's back for around 5 weeks of the same until your exam period starts. Exams run for another 2 weeks before the semester officially ends.
Why are we telling you this?
It's to help you get a picture in your mind of the shape of a semester.
We're now going to turn that into an actual picture – OK, more like a chart – but you can make it colourful if you want.
Why have a semester plan?
The whole point of a semester plan is to show you – at a glance – the important study dates over those 15 weeks.
It allows you to keep track of what assessments are due and what marks they're worth.
It also helps you manage your time more effectively by showing you the peak study load times.
Once a semester starts – especially if it's your first one at uni – things can get intense, even overwhelming.
Some people try to do too many things too soon, without considering priorities.
Don't be that person. Be the person with a plan.
A person with a plan is more likely to be successful in getting assignments done on time.
Create your plan in 7 steps
- Get yourself a chart (or make one) so it can be stuck on the wall above your study desk.
- Add the start dates for each week of the semester (check the university's website for their academic calendar).
- Add the due dates for the assessments you'll be required to do for each of your study units (you'll be given these at the start of semester).
- For each unit assessment, add the marks or percentage they'll be worth (make sure it totals 100%).
- Add the start dates for each assessment. You already know the due dates and what the assessment is worth, so give yourself an earlier start date for the important ones.
- Add other key dates that aren't about study but are important to you, e.g., birthdays or other events. These things might also affect the start date for an assessment.
- Stand back and take a deep breath…now you're better prepared for when the fun starts!
A weekly planner is also a great idea
Now that you're into planning mode, why not read this short article about how to plan your study week-by-week?
