STEM STUDY SKILLS
Student Schedule
Creating the best Study Environment
Being a student is almost like a full-time job. Research has shown that for every one unit of class, you should be studying 2-3 times that many hours a week for your class.
For example:
- English 101 (3 units) 3x2=6 OR 3x3=9 hours of studying a week for class.
- Chemistry 60 (5 units) 5x2=10 OR 5x3=15 hours of studying a week for class.
So, if a student has the following schedule:
- English 101 (3 units), Chemistry 60 (5 units), and Math 260 (5 units): 3+5+5= 13 units of class.
- 15 units x 2 = 30 hours of studying a week for your classes OR 15 units x 3 = 45 hours of studying a week for your classes.
Keep this equation in mind when you are scheduling your classes and deciding on how many hours a week you want to work. Usually research has shown that if you go to school full-time (12 or more units), then you should be working part-time (20 hours a week or less). If you must work full-time (40 hours a week), then you should be taking part-time units (6 units or less).
Scheduling Help
Here is a link to an excel sheet for a weekly schedule
- Block out the days and times you have class.
- Block out days and times you work.
- Block out any other responsibilities you have for example helping out at home, spiritual responsibilities, or sports.
- Allow time for sleep and transportation to school, home, and other activities.
- Provide yourself a buffer in your schedule, just in case things to go according to plan.