Build Study Routine 1 of 3 Time Audit

September 8, 2026 | Jennifer Griffin | jgriffin@uwf.edu

We know that you have a busy schedule and a life full of responsibilities and to-do lists. It can be hard to find a balance between school, fun, jobs, family, and other responsibilities. The number one barrier for success in most of our programs is a lack of time management and time for students to devote to coursework and studying. This is where building an effective study routine can be hugely beneficial. Use the tips below to build a study routine that is personalized for you and is realistic and sustainable for your life.

First things first, evaluate your current study habits. ⏱️

Before coming up with a new routine, evaluate your current one (even if there isn’t a formal routine). Consider what is working and what is not working for you. Consider your current schedule and responsibilities. Don’t forget you need to have time for self-care, social experiences, and time with family/friends - this is critical for being effective and maintaining good mental and physical health.

Some questions to ask yourself:

• What time of day do you work best?
• What usually interrupts your studies?
• Where do you prefer to study?
• Do you prefer to study by yourself, with a friend, or with a group?
• On what tasks do you typically procrastinate? Why?
• How much time do you have to dedicate to studying each week?

Build a blocked weekly schedule. 🗓️

Even if you do not typically use a planner or a blocked schedule, building one to come up with a study routine can be super helpful. I recommend laying out your time visually on a weekly calendar to see where you can build in time for studying.

I also recommend building in at least a couple of study sessions as set appointments. This is especially important for online classes. For example, on Tuesday and Thursday from 7-10 PM you are “in class” (studying). This is class time, so you do not schedule other things during this time.

While building your schedule, don’t forget to include:

• Class Time
• Work Schedule
• Family Time
• Exercise/Self-Care
• Social Time
• Any other time needed for your other responsibilities
• Travel time
• Down/Relaxation time
• Sleep (Don’t forget you need to sleep to do pretty much anything else effectively!)

Remember that this schedule is not about perfection. Rather, use it to build consistency, and if you miss your appointment for studying, make it up later and/or be sure to show up for the next one.

📣 Next Up: Now that you have your weekly schedule blocked out, the next step is building an environment that helps you focus. Continue reading Build Study Routine 2: Space & Setup to learn how to optimize your study space and choose a study method tailored to your learning style!