Studying at home can be convenient but challenging, it's tough enough trying to get 8 hours of sleep, stay hydrated AND pay our bills on time without having to think about anything else! While you can set your own pace and create your own learning environment, it can be tricky to stay focused without the discipline and routine of a traditional classroom (and honestly, hard pass to THAT). But, with the right mindset and strategies, you can effectively self-study at home - let me help you out a little...
1. Set realistic goals and schedules
One of the most important things you can do when self-studying at home is to set realistic goals and schedules. Break down your goal into smaller, more achievable milestones, and create a schedule that outlines what you need to do each day/week to reach those milestones. This can help you prioritize your tasks and avoid procrastination (Greys Anatomy re-runs, anyone?)
For CeMAP, try breaking it down topic by topic, set yourself a 'Topic per Week' goal and see how you get on. Once you complete each milestone, reward yourself, maybe not with a 10 day all inclusive holiday, but no one ever said no to an extra fruity cider in a beer garden on a Thursday, did they?
2. Set up a dedicated study area
Remember how in primary school we used to have the 'set area' where we could papier mache our hands together? This is exactly like that just with a little less glue. When you have a designated area specifically for learning, you are less likely to be distracted by other activities around the house. Choose a well-lit area with comfortable seating, and ensure there’s enough space for your books, stationery, and a computer/laptop.
Remove any potential distractions, such as your phone and anything else you can find Instagram on. Having a dedicated study area can help create a “mental association” with studying, helping you to feel more focused, motivated, and productive.
3. Utilize multiple resources
One of the benefits of self-study is that you can choose and use the learning resources that work best for you. There are many resources you can use to learn new subjects, which can help to keep the learning process engaging, insightful, and fun *Cough-Cough Wink-WInk* HAVE YOU HEARD ABOUT FUTURE IN FINANCE?
Our Brand New Audio Study guides currently have a massive £96 off for the rest of the month, meaning you can get a complete guide to CeMAP 1 for just £144, complete with MP3 downloads for each topic and heaps of supporting visual material to get you in the best possible brain-shape for your exam. Working to a budget? No worries, you can buy each Unit for just £10 or tune into our COMPLETELY FREE PODCAST too.
4. Seek feedback from others
Even though you’re studying at home, you can still get feedback on your work from others. You can seek help from family, friends, or tutors (like me) who can help you work through any challenges you might face.
Also, there are online communities and forums (see our Instagram) dedicated to CeMAP study where you can interact and get feedback from fellow learners & me! By bringing in diverse perspectives, you can learn more effectively, plus it will help you to stay motivated throughout the self-study journey.
5. Stay accountable
It is essential to hold yourself accountable when self-studying at home. Set self-imposed goals, commit to your study schedule, and make sure to monitor your progress. Think about why you're doing this? What is your why? Is it the money? The Freedom? Or just the challenge of something new, remember what your why is to stay motivated and accountable.
Another idea is to use accountability tools, such as to-do list apps, reminder apps, and time tracking tools, to help you stay on target and monitor your progress. You can also try studying with a friend or a study group virtually, where you can share your progress, share your knowledge, give feedback, and keep each other motivated.
6. Create a balance in your routine
Creating a balance in your routine is critical when studying at home. While it can be tempting to study continuously, you need to take breaks to recharge your energy and improve your focus. Find activities that you enjoy and can do during your “free” time, such as walking, doing yoga, or reading (AKA day drinking & watching Jeremy Kyle re-runs).
In summary, self-study requires self-discipline, strategy, and determination. By setting reasonable goals, creating study routines, using resources effectively, holding yourself accountable, and balancing your life, you can make self-study at home more successful and comprehensive.
But you've got this! Good luck and happy learning!
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