Seven top tips for successful study

Here at the CIH Housing Academy we know that finding the time to study can be a challenge, particularly when you’re juggling full time work, family, housework, and most importantly still having some resemblance to a personal life. So, if you are currently studying, or considering taking one of our housing qualifications, we’ve got some top tips to help make sure your time studying with us is as successful as possible. 

Learn when you work best 

One of the most important tips for studying at your best is to find out when your brain works best. Is it in the morning, in the middle of work or dashing to appointments, or at the end of the day when your workday is done? Everyone is wired differently and if you try to fit studying in at the wrong time for you, it’s likely to go in one ear and out the other. Schedule your study time for when you know you will take on new information and feel inspired by everything you are learning. 

Make each minute count with organisation 

Time is precious, and so blocking out huge chunks of time for study may not be possible. So, make sure to dedicate small chunks of ‘micro learning’ around your days. You’ve already worked out what time of day works best for you in tip one, so now find time in this period to take on new information in smaller chunks. If you do have time for one big session that’s great, but if you’re limited to a half hour here and there make sure that you have a plan, get straight to work, and fit in useful study in that time, rather than spending the first five minutes planning what today is about!  

Keep your brain active while doing other things 

We all know whatever life throws at us, there’ll always be housework or other commitments to keep up with too. So, when you’re struggling to fit time in for dedicated study, at least keep your brain active by thinking while doing other things. Maybe you could catch up on the latest episode of the CIH Podcast while doing the dishes, or read the latest news on your daily commute, whatever you do, keep your brain active within the study topic even when you’re not directly studying. 

Use your work to study 

If you’re already working in the housing sector, you’ll find your day job a great source of study information. Even without knowing it you’ll be taking in information all the time which will all be relevant to your qualification. Try to stay aware of the work going on around you, listen in (where you’re allowed!) to conversations and cases happening to learn something from your peers and colleagues. You never know who will inspire you next. 

Get a support network 

Going back to school doesn’t mean doing this alone. Make sure you speak to your family, friends, work colleagues before you commit to studying, to make sure you’ll have the support you need from them. It could be as simple as your boss allowing you to have some time at work to study, or even just a quite space at lunch to fit in some reading; or as big as asking your loved ones to take more of a share of the housework or errands so you can focus on studying outside of work. Whatever support you might need, even if it’s just a listening ear to try and talk through how you’re getting on, make sure you have some kind of network around you acting as your cheerleaders! 

Study the art of studying 

If you’ve been out of education for a while you might find it harder to get back to school. So, at the start of your studying experience make sure to spend some time finding out how you can learn best. Refresh your memory of your school days with cue cards, revision practice and the art of collaborative learning. As you learn key things through your study take notes, make revision cards with questions and answers, this means when you need to go back to recalling what you learnt you can ask for help from a colleague or family member who can take the cards and test your knowledge. There’s lots of other learning techniques too so make sure you find out what works best for you

Look after yourself and your own health 

One of the most important tips we can give you is to know your limits. Life is stressful enough without overflowing your stress bucket and burning out. Make sure you take time for yourself in between work, life commitments and studying to ensure you are able to relieve your bucket with hobbies or other things you love. As you get more stressed you’ll find it harder to concentrate on studying and so this tip not only helps avoid burning out but also helps allow you to be the best student you can be with less exhaustion.