University is full of exciting opportunities and different ways to spend your time - from studying to volunteering, partying to painting, playing and exercising to travel and placements. One of your key challenges will be getting the balance right, juggling learning alongside all your other commitments. Working out how to manage everything will help you achieve your goals and such time management is a skill that will come in handy for the rest of your life.

Helpful tips Here are some tips to help get you started:

Tip 1: Make a to-do list

Whether you prefer to use a notebook or a digital platform, creating a to-do list to stay on task is the first step to keeping motivated and on top of your studies. A list will ensure you can keep on top of deadlines and always have something to look forward to. Rather than just noting the submission point, try breaking down tasks and setting yourself targets such as 'finish reading', 'complete notes', 'write first draft'. This can change your perspective and make work more manageable. If you use a digital platform, you may find that subscribing to your timetable and StudyNet calendar feeds is the easiest way to keep track of all your commitments in one place .

Tip 2: Create a learning space

Where possible, try to identify a good space to learn. Studies show where we are affects the way we work, manage time and our capacity to stay focused. Why not also set yourself some ground rules to minimise distraction e.g. no social media. You may also like to de-clutter and make sure from the outset you have everything you need close to hand: a laptop, your notes, textbook etc

Tip 3: Limit the use of your phone

We recognise that phones are an important part of our daily lives, but they can be also be a huge distraction. If you would like to be productive, you will need to limit the time with your phone. Here are two ways you might do this: place the phone in another room or place the phone face down and only use it when you have completed some of the tasks in your to-do list. If you do need your phone while working, you might consider turning off notifications for your social media apps.

Tip 4: Ask for help

If you need help, as we all do from time to time, ask for it. Email your programme leader or module tutor: speaking with them will help you clarify things and stay on task. You'll know you are not tackling this on your own. You may also like to book an appointment with either the Centre for Academic English for support with academic writing or the Maths Support Service for any maths queries that is available within the Study Skills Support in the Learning Resources Centres (LRCs) .

Tip 5: Give it a go / Make a start

Just make a start - don't worry too much about the final destination yet - simply begin working through the tasks you have set for yourself in the to-do list. The likelihood is that once you have started, for example by reading a journal article or book chapter and making notes or watching a key video and framing some critical questions, it will trigger your brain into production mode and before know you it, you'll be making significant progress.