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Top tips

If you're going to stay the course, you'll need to be prepared. Our students share their tips.

Supportive friends

Friends and family

Family and friends can help: use your personal support network.

Students on a summer school field trip

Keep the dates

They're not compulsory, but it makes sense to attend tutorials and workshops.

Chris, an OU tutor

Communicate

Your OU tutor is on hand to offer help and assistance - make sure you stay in touch.

Bounce back from setbacks

When things go wrong, don't get bogged down by setbacks.

Be your own cheerleader

Make sure you pat yourself on the back: celebrate your successes.

On target on a dartboard

What are you aiming for?

Your progress is going to be easier if you set realistic short-term targets.

Jill reading a book

Notebooks out

Help fix facts and concepts in your mind by highlighting or making notes.

Studying in a library

What works for you?

When you start studying, take some time to find out how you learn most effectively.

Glasses and a clock

Eyes on the clock

You can fit a lot more in to your day simply by managing your time.

Brush up on the studyskills you need

Before you get going, brush up your study skills.

Make space to think

Fitting a course into a busy life means you have to find time to study.

Close up of Hew reading a book

Study needs a study

Getting prepared for work starts with finding a place to study.

The students

Top tips

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