Study Tips

WHAT IS SELF-STUDY? 
HOW DO I KNOW IF I AM GETTING IT RIGHT? 

Tips for Independent and Self-Study at Home 

Many students may find themselves spending time away from the classroom, without access to their lecturer or classmates. This is when independent or self-study becomes important. You may feel nervous about studying at home, but these tips will help you stay focused and make the most of your study time. 

What is self-study? 

Self-study means directing your own learning outside of the classroom, without the direct supervision of a lecturer. 

How to Prepare for Independent or Self-Study 

1. Create a Study Environment

Choose a dedicated place to study—whatever works best for you. If sitting on your bed works, set it up as your study space. If you prefer a desk or table, use that instead.
Make sure you have everything you need with you (e.g. paper, pens, books, and notes). 

2. Get Organised andMake a Plan

Know which subjects you are going to focus on and set a clear goal for each study session. Decide how much work you will cover. 

For example:
“Today I will complete one module of English and one module of Mathematics.” 

Make sure your goals are realistic—challenging enough to require effort, but achievable within the time you have. 

Create a timetable with specific time slots and include breaks. Short, focused sessions work best. A good guideline is to study for 45 minutes and take a 15-minute break. 

Plan your work the day before so you can start immediately without wasting time. During breaks, walk around, drink water, or have a light snack. 

Try to rotate between subjects during the day—avoid studying the same subject for too long. 

Example timetable: 

3. Take Active Notes

Writing notes helps you understand and remember your work. When you write, you read, process, and review the content. 

Use methods that work for you: 

• Keywords  

• Underlining  

• Short summaries  

• Mind maps  

• Diagrams or drawings  

Do not rewrite your textbook—focus on understanding. 

Important: You must do more than just read. Your study session should include writing, drawing, or mapping ideas. 

Read your work aloud and test yourself. If you have answers or a memo, do not look at them first—try answering independently, then check your work. Learn from your mistakes and try again. 

Practice questions and past exam papers are excellent ways to prepare for exams. 

Mind maps are especially useful for summarising chapters or modules, particularly for visual learners. Use colours to help organise and remember information. 

4. Final Tips

• Stick to your planned study times  

• Stay focused  

• Reward yourself after completing your work (e.g. watch a movie or spend time with friends)  

• Remember: your effort determines your results—your academic success is your responsibility  
• If possible, form a study group with classmates. You can collaborate online using tools like Skype, Zoom, or WhatsApp