How I tackled my biggest study challenge

Studying at university can be the incredibly rewarding path to achieving your biggest career and lifestyle goals. But it's not always smooth sailing! If you're worried about how you'll juggle study with work and family, maintaining motivation or even (gulp) failing; you're not alone. Check out some of our students' biggest study challenges and how they're overcoming them.

Danielle Armstrong, Bachelor of Nursing: The biggest challenge for me was being able to work full time as well as be a full time single parent. My main concern was how I would fit in the required hours to study, plus sleep and have a life!

My main advice is to be organised. Know when everything is due, write everything down and ask questions. I had a whiteboard that I used to put all my key dates on; including my work roster, school events, assignments, exams, placements.

I made sure I organised myself well in advance to fit things in where needed.  
Read more from Danielle.

Naomi Hart, Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood): The most challenging thing for me was trying to juggle assignments and family all at once. I actually had my third baby whilst starting this degree and then my husband got a job in Victoria, which meant moving states.

Often I doubted myself and wondered if I could keep going, but it was easy to withdraw from units if I needed to have a break, which helped too. That's the beauty of studying online at CDU; it's transferable and easy to pick up if you do need a semester off or a lighter study load.
My advice to others would be just to take it unit by unit and focus on the assignment tasks, weekly readings and posts. Also, I would recommend taking advantage of the summer semester subjects as they help so much in fast tracking the degree if you are busy like me and can't do full time loads.

Mark Munnich, Bachelor of Laws: One of the biggest challenges that I had at first was the ‘fear of failure.’ Because I didn't finish high school and dropped out half-way through year 10, I didn't know how to write an essay or what was expected in exams, and that really put pressure on me. But having a tutor who supported me really assisted me in overcoming the challenges that I faced.

My advice to others would be to use the support services that our university has to offer and to make the most of your studies. And if you ever feel nervous or anxious about beginning study, I say just give it a go! That's what it took for me to get into it and maintain what I'm doing. 
Read more from Mark.

My advice is to take the tough trail, as it often reaps greater rewards than the straight road. 

Nam Thien Tang, Bachelor of Clinical Sciences: The most challenging aspect of studying at university is the studying structure. One must set a homework plan; quite unlike school. The biggest danger of this is losing the motivation to continue studying.

To reacquire this motivation, try to reflect on what you have accomplished to get to where you are and what you have to lose. These are often overlooked elements of people's lives.
Read more from Nam.

Caitlin Marshall, Bachelor of Laws (Honours): Time commitment with work and family was always my biggest concern, along with ensuring I actually did well in my studies. With full-time work and a young family I could not attend a traditional university, and CDU provided the exact learning platform and flexibility that I needed.  All my lectures were recorded so I could listen to them in my own time and most of my tutorials had after hours options. I also met so many other mature aged students in similar situations, who are now my closest friends.

My advice is to take the tough trail, as it often reaps greater rewards than the straight road. For time management I would advise to start slowly on a part-time mode to see how you go before taking on too much.  Diarise and plan, attend your tutorials and ask as many questions as you need.  Be involved in your tutorials, it is the best way to learn as is the best exam preparation.  Enjoy what you study! 
Read more from Caitlin.

Are you thinking of studying, but worried about time, workload or other challenges? Book a call-back appointment to discuss any questions you have.