Top tips on fitting in study time

We asked our students for their hints and tips on fitting in study time. Read their advice below on fitting study around busy lives.

I studied for a BSc in Psychology between 2011 and 2015 while also working full time and, for the first 2 years, being a single parent. It's all about working in 'slots' and utilising what is usually empty time such as lunch-breaks, waiting at the doctors, and school pick-up as well the obvious times of evenings and weekends. Try to maintain a constant rather than do nothing for a couple of weeks and then be swamped!
Joh, OU graduate

70% of OU students find time to study while working a full time job

A half hour reading back over your notes each lunch break is an excellent wee addition to 'proper' study time. Try and get a couple of hours study in each day ... if sitting down at a table with no interruptions is impossible then take your books with you and get the study in on the bus, waiting rooms, bath, etc.
Lawrence, BSc (Hons) Social Sciences with Social Policy and Sociology

I found that the best way to study was in larger chunks - little bits at a time didn't go in properly for me. So I arranged to have one day off work per week for study. Although it was financially tricky, it was worthwhile for the amount of study I could complete in one full day.
Beth, BA (Hons) Early Years

I studied six years at 90 credits for the first four years for the OU MEng Degree in the 90s... Working full time meant that every possible opportunity to study had to be taken. Travel to work, lunch break, evenings, weekends.
Steven, MEng

OU students need to be flexible

OU students need to be flexible. Be prepared to move around your schedule to fit studying in. Wake up earlier if you're a morning person or clear space in the evening to study by meal prepping, hiring a cleaner...etc. Be flexible about where you study so you can fit in little bursts throughout your day.
Chloe, BA (Hons) Business

Bulk buy dried and tinned foods and stock up the freezer so you don't spend so much time shopping. Use online deliveries. Batch cooking...Ask your family for help - loading the dishwasher, collecting dirty washing and organising themselves to take the pressure off a bit.
Libby, OU student

I usually make portable notes ie: mp3 audio notes of the extensive reading I have to do so I can listen to them anytime even when doing chores or travelling. I listen to my notes when dressing and cooking etc so i am engaging with material often.
Thivashni, Masters in Education in Inclusive Practice

Not being afraid to ask for help is the key

I've learnt to use 'down time' as study time (that first hour after getting back from work when I just want to sit on the sofa, or that extra episode of a Netflix boxset). My sacrifices have been few and far between really but always the right choice.
Katie, MBA

As a disabled student I would say that not being afraid to ask for help is the key. The OU has helped me in so many ways to allow me to study... As for study there are small windows throughout the day I can sit to study but having the materials downloaded on to devices allows easy access when I am able to. I also gave up on certain routines I normally had including TV time (we all have that fave TV programme) now I record and watch later freeing up a few hours a week.
OU student