Starting a distance-learning course? What's the first thing you should do?

Buy new stationery of course...

But after that? 

You need to write a study plan.

A brief history of me and study plans

Whether doing GCSEs, A-levels, or uni exams, my routine was always the same:

1. Browse through the rows of stationery in Staples. Buy a pack of different coloured pens, a folder and some post-its.


2. Take them home


3. Lay them out neatly on the desk...Any-one with me here? No? Just me then


4. Make a cup of tea


5. Set about writing a study plan

No period of study should start without a robust, preferably multi-coloured, timetable.

I used to spend so long with my new pens, selecting colours and carefully ruling lines to make my intricate study plan, that every single time, without fail, I was behind the plan before I had even started the studying!

Of course, I couldn’t scribble on the plan, I had to start again.

In hindsight, drawing up a timetable was more a method of study avoidance than anything useful.

The benefits of creating a detailed study plan

Planning your study becomes more important when starting a distance-learning course. You need to make sure you can sustain the self-discipline and motivation to see the course through, without a teacher waving a big stick at you.

I was struggling to see how I could fit my study time in amongst working, cooking, washing, cleaning and endless verses of The Wheels on the Bus…Oh and speaking to the hubbie occasionally of course!

Creating a study plan has helped me see that it will be possible to complete the course, and it may not even take as long as I thought.

Putting this effort in at the beginning will give you huge benefits:

• By creating a routine that will become habit, you'll be more likely to stick with it


• You will waste less time, as you'll know exactly what you will study in each session before you even sit down


• Your course is less likely to impact on your social life as you'll be able to plan better


• Assignments & exams will not ‘sneak up’ on you – you will be prepared


• You will have a better understanding of the course as a whole


• An awareness of upcoming subjects means you can get ahead by bookmarking relevant info when you come across it


• Crossing out each chapter / activity as you complete it will spur you on


• Being able to see your progress will motivate you to continue

Taking time out to create a study plan will mean that you will get more out of your study time throughout the course.

An 8-step guide to creating the perfect study plan

Create the perfect study plan using this template

Download the template from Google docs here.

You will need some basic Excel knowledge to use this.

1. Enter your start date in the top left hand date box (use a Monday date). The spreadsheet is designed to last for a year, but you can change this as you wish.


2. Complete the notes sections beneath each day. How many hours do you expect to be able to spend studying?


3. Add any key dates you are aware of, and any other regular events.


4. Get hold of the schedule detail from your course. Working week by week, enter details of the subjects to be covered.


5. Choose a colour scheme (see key, right) and highlight any activities to be completed or assignments to be submitted.


6. Don’t forget to include breaks, I would suggest a good few days off every 6 weeks or so. It is also worth including the odd empty session here and there to use for catch-up or for further research.


7. When you’ve finished, print out and stick it in the front of your study book or folder.  


8. Tick off each section as you cover it...and offer yourself rewards (and cups of tea!) regularly

Making your study plan work for you

Plan realistic study periods. It is much more effective to use extra time to get ahead of yourself, rather than fall behind and have to play catch up.

Don’t overthink how long each section will take when you are completing the plan. You will find that some subjects take less time than estimated, some more. Yes, if you see a subject that you think might cause a problem, plan in extra time, but equally you could schedule it next to a catch-up / rest break to give yourself some contingency.

If you prefer, or if you are planning a particularly long course, you may find it beneficial to plan one section at a time, e.g., up to the first exam. You can then plan in a session to enter the detail for the next section.

So what are you waiting for? Download the Excel file here and create your study plan today.

If you have any Excel questions about how to use the study plan feel free to leave them in a comment below.

Happy planning!

Check back to follow my progress on my copywriting journey...