Studying for a degree part-time can be a challenging but incredibly rewarding task. Part-time study with Bradford College offers the flexibility to advance your education while also juggling work, family and any other commitments.
To help navigate this sort of balancing act, here’s our helpful list of tips to successfully pursue a part-time degree.
1. Set yourself clear goals and expectations
Before you begin, define what goals and expectations you have for your part-time degree. Are you aiming for a career change, personal growth or maybe a specific promotion at work? Knowing objectives will help with motivation and focus throughout your studies.
2. Time management is vital
Part-time students need to be masters of their time management. Try to stick to a weekly schedule allocating dedicated time for your various coursework, family, work and personal activities. Make use of digital calendars, to-do lists and time management apps to stay organised.
3. Find your optimal study time
Identify your most productive times of the day and schedule study sessions accordingly. Some people are early birds, while others are night owls; use your most productive hours for your most challenging tasks and save less demanding work for other time periods.
4. Stay committed to consistency
Consistency is crucial. Try to commit to your new study routine and stick with it as closely as possible. It’s better to study for a set amount of time per week rather than cramming sporadically.
5. Don’t forget self-care
Balancing work, life and studies can be stressful; you’re only human. Make sure to prioritise self-care by getting enough sleep, eating well and exercising regularly. A healthy body and mind will help you stay focused and energised. Taking care of your mental health is really important. All students have access to ‘MyWellbeing App’ which has a range of features to help boost your wellbeing, allowing you to set goals and conduct mini health challenges. It also has a live chat facilities if you need to speak to a mental health professional.
6. Effective Study Environment
Create a dedicated study environment that’s free from distractions where possible. Whether it’s a quiet corner at home, a library or a coffee shop, find a place where you can concentrate, without breaking off too often. Private study spaces are available in the libraries in David Hockney Building and Trinity Green Campus.
7. Utilise Technology Available
Technology can be a powerful tool and is a huge part of modern study. Online resources, such as e-books, webinars and discussion forums, can make it easier to access course materials and collaborate with peers. Library staff at the College can provide you with access to databases, e books, journals and e-journals and there is also a printing service available.
8. Seek Support
Don’t hesitate to seek support from friends, family and academic staff. Let people know about your academic goals and the time you’ll need to dedicate to your studies. Understanding and support can make a huge difference.
9. Stay Flexible
Life can be unpredictable and part-time students often face unexpected challenges. Try to stay flexible and be prepared to adjust your schedule as needed, without feeling discouraged. Adaptability is a valuable skill when studying through this route.
10. Celebrate Milestones
Acknowledge your achievements along the way. Celebrate small milestones, like acing a test or submitting a project, to stay motivated and reward yourself for your hard work.
If you want all the benefits of studying a degree that you can fit around your schedule, take a look at the part-time degrees that we offer. To talk to the team, take a look at the facilities and find out how to start your journey with us, please visit our upcoming open day on Saturday 11th November.
