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Close-up of a South African university student's hand writing in a printed weekly study planner grid on a desk with high

How I Raised My Marks With Weekly Study Plans

Last year I was handing in assignments late and panicking before every test. Then I sat down on a Sunday and drew up a simple weekly study plan. It changed my marks within a month. I listed every deadline for the term first. Then I split each assignment into small tasks, like reading, drafting and checking references. Each task got a day and a time slot.
A plan does not need to be perfect. It only needs to be written down and checked every day. Naledi Mahlangu, Design and Media Lecturer
My average went from 54% to 68% by the end of the semester. I still review my plan every Sunday evening and move things around when load shedding gets in the way.
Smiling young Black South African university tutor holding an open textbook and pen, standing beside a blank green chalk
Close-up of a university student's study desk with spiral notebooks, highlighters, sticky notes, a smartphone and a coff

How I built my weekly plan

I use a simple table with seven days and three slots each: morning, afternoon and evening. I fill in lectures first, then study blocks, then rest. Leaving gaps for surprises keeps the plan realistic.

Reviewing the results

Every Friday I tick off what I finished and note what slipped. I ask why it slipped and adjust the next week. After a few weeks, I knew exactly how long an essay really takes me, and my stress dropped a lot.

4 Comments

  1. Useful blog for students. Clear advice on studying online and staying on top of assignments. Practical tips that I could use the same day. Well done!

  2. Helpful study advice! This blog explains exam preparation and online learning in plain language, which is great for first-years and matric learners alike. Thanks!

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