Get set for study
Keeping going
Hew has developed strategies to keep up the momentum of his studies and maintain his motivation.
One of Paul’s first tasks was making time for study. With a full-time job as a hospital porter, overtime, plus active leisure pursuits like running, how did he manage to fit it in?
"I plan my week around my working shift. When I’m on earlies, I go to work then come home, go running. That helps me to relax and get ready for studying. I hate being disturbed. Those two hours are precious to me. That’s my study time. If the telephone goes, it doesn’t get answered; it’s tough. Once I’m in there studying, I’m 100%. At eight o’clock, say, 'I’ve had enough'. I go to the pub for a drink."
Making the space
Paul converted one room at home into a study. It’s barred from visitors and hasn’t been hoovered in some time!
"I’ve got my stereo system here with my classical music. I hated classical music when I started but now I really enjoy it. Before that I listened to Bruce Springsteen and I had a habit of singing to that, which is not very good if you’re wanting to study."
Preparing to study
Paul embarked on his course with little formal training beyond secondary school.
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I missed the first year’s course by weeks. I enrolled too late.
I studied with the Open University using their individual packs designed for students who are coming back into study. I was using them to read through to get myself ready and prepared mentally and physically for the following year. I think that’s one reason why when I started my first course that I’d got through the panic and I was relatively prepared for what was going to come.
Content last updated: 01/01/2000
