Lack of Structure

Most educational contexts (and work contexts, and many of the contexts of other activities in our lives) are more structured than university is. At university, no one is watching to make sure you come to class, start your assignments on time, work on your assignments diligently, review readings and lectures, study for exams, and so on. Many of us, given the choice of doing something difficult and possibly unpleasant, will choose not to do it, even if we know that in the long run, it is for our own good. It is not uncommon for students to keep up with courses that have a short quiz each week, and get behind in courses that have one assignment and an exam, both to be done at the end of the term.

Since the university does not supply a structured environment to help you learn, you will have to do this yourself, by applying time management techniques. Schedule time for studying, and monitor when, how, and how much you study. Set time aside for review and work on assignments. Schedule time to meet and study with others in your classes, and share the work, since you will be more likely to meet your commitments if your friends are counting on you.

The Learning Skills Program offers a number of resources in this area. You may want to take a look at our handout, Planning Study Time

More on motivation.