Setting academic goals at the start of term

New year, new goals

The start of a new term is the perfect time and a fresh opportunity to set your academic goals and improve your performance. You have new modules and it’s a clean slate that gives you a chance to plan out how your next few months will play out, as you work towards academic success.

Students can sometimes feel lost or overwhelmed without having clarity on their goals, so making a plan ahead of time can make a huge difference to your studies and productivity levels.

SMART Goals

You need to think about what you want to achieve at the end of the term. Once that is established, break the achievements into small and manageable steps, with a timeline. You can make your goals Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound (SMART)and build them into your regular habits. For example, setting aside two evenings a week for focused study or reviewing lecture notes every Friday. Writing these goals down can also help you stay on track, you might prefer to use a notebook or a digital to do list.

Regular Check ins

Check in regularly to see if you still on track with your goals.

Celebrate the small wins and adjust your plans when needed.

Setting academic goals can help motivate you to be more productive, enhance your study skills, and enable you to stick to a deadline.

The benefits

Setting academic goals at the start of the term allows you to reduce stress and pressure, instead it gives you direction and clarity. With a plan in place, you’ll be more likely to stay on track and finish the term feeling proud of your progress. This blog is your sign to start thinking about what you would like to achieve this academic year and start setting your goals!

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Omotola Olagunju

Omotola is a third year student studying International Business Management. She enjoys reading, drawing, and gaining new life experiences.