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Top tips for getting up early to study

We asked our students for their hints and tips on how they make time to study. Read their advice about getting up early to study.

I used to get up at 6 o'clock and do an hour and a half studying before starting to get ready for work. My mind was clear of clutter and there were no distractions. TMA's were weekend projects, as time wasn't as limited as it was in the mornings, and you could plan and complete the whole thing without clock watching.

Peta, OU graduate

Get up a little earlier

As a mother of 2 young boys, I have to be very organised to fit everything in! I get up at 5 to do a couple of hours studying, use my lunch hour at work and Sunday nights. Oh I also work full time and am training for the London Marathon! I got my results for my first assignment for my MA -78% so it is definitely worthwhile!

OU student

I used to get up early before my kids woke up and study then...but I am a Lark not an Owl.

Linda, OU student

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. And be flexible about how you study. Take notes in different ways and try different revision techniques so you find the best method for you and your current module.

Chloe, BA (Hons) Business Studies

Or go to bed a bit later

Doing my MBA with OU, 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 box set). I've gone to bed that little bit later when a TMA is due or spent a weekend studying instead of time with friends/the other half. My sacrifices have been few and far between really but always the right choice.

Katie, MBA

Finding the extra time to finish assignments is hard at first. I’ve found that late night study gives me more focus and I can always catch up on sleep at the weekend.

Richard, Professional Certificate in Management

More tips

Studying while commuting

Reviewing leisure activities

Managing chores

Dealing with family commitments

Getting up early to study

Studying during lunch breaks

Making time for you

Have you tried our Time Planner?

Use our Time Planner to see the difference it could make if you set the alarm a little earlier or went to bed later to make more time for studying.

Plan your time