How to Make a Study Plan That Actually Works
Planning is one of the most important academic skills a student can develop! A robust and well-created study plan reduces stress, increases your chances of success, and helps you feel more in control of your life.
Your plan can be digital like Google Calendar or a paper planner (we like to use a little of both!). The best system is a system that you actually use! The key is to build a system that is simple, consistent, and that you like!
To help you get started, we’ve included a downloadable weekly calendar — but first, let’s walk through how to build a plan that actually works.
Step 1: Build a Foundation – Map Your Week
Before you start plugging in study blocks, you need to see the big picture. Begin by filling out your schedule with everything that’s not schoolwork:
Class times and weekly commitments
Clubs, meetings, the gym, meals, etc.
SLEEP! It’s non-negotiable. Sleep is one of the most important factors in your mood, learning, and productivity. (Don’t get us started — we could write an entire blog post about this.)
Fun and downtime – Yes, seriously. Include parties, game nights, movie outings, and sports. Fun is important, and if you don’t make time for it, your brain will find ways to distract you later.
Step 2: Plan Your Study Time – And What You’ll Study
Now that your “non-negotiables” are in place, it’s time to schedule your academic work.
Just going to class isn’t enough. You should plan to study 2–3 hours per week per credit hour, and even more in challenging classes. Here’s how to make that time count:
Block off time in your calendar for studying. Things you plan for are the things that actually happen.
Use color codes to quickly identify classes, assignments, and breaks.
Be specific – Don’t just block "Study Time." Instead, write “Review Psych Notes + Quizlet,” or “Finish History Reading.”
Need help figuring out what your sessions should look like? Try one of these sample structures:
🕒 1-Hour Study Session – One Class Focus
25 min – Review recent notes: add/correct, find gaps, clarify points.
5 min break – Walk, stretch, or move to get your brain refreshed.
10 min – Review what you just learned.
20 min – Review older material (especially if you haven’t revisited it yet).
🕑 2-Hour Study Session – Two Classes
25 min – Review Class A’s newest material.
5 min break
10 min – Self-test or recap Class A’s content.
25 min – Review older content from Class A.
5 min break
25 min – Review Class B’s new content.
5 min break
20 min – Review earlier content from Class B.
These blocks are rooted in spaced practice — the science-backed strategy of spreading learning out over time and revisiting material often. (It’s one of our favorites.)
Step 3: Space Your Study Across Sessions
The real secret to retention? Repetition over time. Here’s how to do it:
Revisit the same topic multiple times across the week. The more you return to material, the stronger the memory trace becomes.
Plan review sessions days or weeks after the initial learning to keep it fresh.
Before exams, build in extra review sessions that spiral back through everything you’ve learned.
Some content may take multiple passes to truly stick — that’s normal and expected!
Step 4: Practice Makes Great
After each lecture, rinse and repeat:
Review your notes soon after class.
Schedule short review sessions throughout the week.
Track what you’ve studied so nothing gets missed.
Adjust over time. As you master content, you’ll need less time to review it.
Reward yourself – Check off boxes, enjoy a treat, or take a break once you've completed your plan.
Tailor Your Approach to Each Class
Not every class requires the same strategy. At the beginning of the semester:
Define your goals for each course.
Pick the right strategies to meet those goals (like self-testing, worked examples, or outlining).
Make a realistic, flexible plan to follow through.
✅ Final Tips
Start now. The earlier you set up your routine, the easier the semester will feel.
Don’t overcomplicate it. Keep it simple and sustainable.
Be consistent — even small, regular efforts pay off.
Download our weekly calendar template to get started!
Ready to Plan Like a Pro?
Download our Weekly Study Plan Template (PDF) and start designing your week today.
Need help setting it up? Our academic coaches are pros at helping students build study systems that stick. Reach out here to schedule a call with one of us.
