Reading week is a prime opportunity to use the break in your academic schedule to get ahead and set yourself up for success. Far more than just a pause, this week can be an effective tool to tackle the workload, solidify your understanding of key concepts, and make progress on upcoming assignments or exams.
At StudentFM, we understand the value of making the most out of university life, so we’ve put together this guide filled with tips and strategies for using reading week to stay productive and focused. Whether you’re staying in your student accommodation or commuting, these practical steps will help you make meaningful progress towards your academic goals.
What is Reading Week and Why It’s Important
For students, reading week provides dedicated time to step back from the routine of lectures and tutorials and refocus on academic priorities. It’s your chance to get organised, catch up on anything you’ve fallen behind on, and even work ahead to relieve stress later in the term. By approaching reading week strategically, you can make significant strides in your studies while giving yourself the breathing space necessary for your academic success.
1. Set Clear and Prioritised Goals
The first step to making your reading week productive is to map out exactly what you plan to achieve. Start by reviewing your course syllabi, ongoing assignments, and any upcoming exam schedules. Write a list of tasks you need to complete and then break them down by priority.
How to Prioritise Goals
- Immediate deadlines go at the top of your list. Use reading week to finish essays, lab reports, or assignments with the nearest due dates.
- Concept reinforcement comes next. Focus on topics or materials you may have struggled with during lectures; repetition and revision are key to fully understanding them.
- Exam preparation should also take priority. Use this time to create outlines, draft study guides, and revisit past papers if available.
Having a structured list of priorities will prevent overwhelm and ensure you use your time efficiently.
2. Create a Study Timetable
Once you’ve identified your key goals, developing a study timetable can help keep you on track. Without a plan, it’s easy to procrastinate or spend too much time on one task while neglecting others.
Tips for a Balanced Timetable
- Divide your day into sessions of 2–3 hours for focused study, ensuring you allocate time to each major goal.
- Include short breaks—around 10–15 minutes for every 50 minutes of concentrated work. This helps maintain focus without burnout.
- Set deadlines for tasks within the week to keep momentum going. For example, aim to complete a specific chapter or module by the end of a day.
- Review your progress each evening. Adjust your plan as necessary to tackle new priorities or unexpected challenges.
If you live in student accommodation, ensure your workspace is neat and distraction-free, which will help you stick to your timetable.
3. Catch Up on Missed Lectures and Notes
Reading week is perfect for catching up on any lectures or tutorials you may have missed. With no new material to stay on top of, you can revisit recorded lectures, lecture slides, or notes from classmates to fill any gaps in your knowledge.
Organise your notes into categories, such as:
- Core concepts: Summarise key points and ideas from lectures.
- Unanswered questions: Identify areas where you’re unclear and consider emailing a lecturer or tutor for clarification.
- Further reading: Use references provided in lecture slides or recommended reading lists to broaden your understanding.
By the end of the week, you should have a clear, comprehensive set of notes for each module, putting you in a stronger position for the rest of the semester.
4. Get Ahead with Assignments
Use reading week to make significant progress on upcoming essays, projects, or coursework. Getting ahead on assignments now can help reduce the workload later and free up more time to focus on exams or other priorities as the term progresses.
Steps to Tackle Assignments Effectively
- Review the brief in detail: Make sure you fully understand the requirements, including word count, formatting, and deadlines.
- Conduct research early: Use online academic journals, books, and lecture notes to gather resources. If you’re staying in your student accommodation, explore what online resources your university library offers.
- Draft a strong outline: Plan the structure of your assignment, including key arguments or data points for each section.
- Write in stages: Aim to produce a draft for at least one essay or project by the end of the week. Editing can be done later once the bulk of the work is complete.
The more progress you make during reading week, the smoother the rest of your academic term will feel.
5. Begin Revising for Exams
Even if exams feel far away, getting an early start on your revision during reading week can alleviate pressure in later months. The material is likely still fresh in your mind, making it an excellent time to create a solid foundation for future study efforts.
Effective Revision Techniques
- Summarise notes into manageable chunks: Condense large readings into flashcards, mind maps, or summary sheets. Focus on essential information and avoid overwhelming yourself with too many details.
- Work through practice questions or past papers: Understanding the format and practising how to answer specific questions will boost confidence.
- Review with classmates: If your housemates in student accommodation are working on the same modules, schedule a group revision session to exchange ideas and clarify concepts.
- Test yourself: Self-quizzing is a proven method to retain knowledge. For example, write questions on index cards and shuffle them for quick reviews.
By the end of reading week, aim to have a clear understanding of at least one major topic for each exam.
6. Stay Organised
Keeping your materials and workspace organised can make everything feel much more manageable during reading week.
Organisation Hacks
- Use colour-coded folders or notebooks to separate different modules or subjects.
- Organise digital files into clearly labelled folders for easy access.
- Plan shopping trips in advance to stock up on study essentials like highlighters, post-it notes, and notebooks.
If you’re living in student accommodation, make the most of your room’s desk space by keeping only the materials you need close at hand. A tidy workspace leads to a tidy mind!
7. Reach Out for Academic Support
If there’s a concept or topic you’re struggling to understand, don’t hesitate to seek help during reading week. Many universities still offer academic support services during this time, such as drop-in tutor sessions, online resources, and peer review groups.
Additionally, engaging with study groups, coursemates, or tutors in advance shows initiative and makes future challenges easier to tackle.
8. Reflect on Your Progress
Reading week isn’t just about hard work—it’s also a chance to evaluate what’s working for you academically. Reflect on what study techniques are most effective and make adjustments to your routine.
Pay attention to signs of progress, and don’t forget to acknowledge everything you achieve during the week, no matter how small. Staying positive will keep you motivated throughout the semester.
Final Thoughts
Reading week can be a game-changer for university students when approached with purpose and discipline. By focusing on your academic goals, catching up on studies, and preparing for upcoming challenges, you’ll set yourself up for success and reduce stress down the line.
At StudentFM, we believe your environment plays a key role in productivity. Our student accommodation is designed to provide comfortable, distraction-free spaces to help you stay focused throughout reading week and beyond.
Take charge of your academic success this reading week—because the effort you put in now will pay off later. For tips, resources, and information about student life, StudentFM is here to support your goals every step of the way.
Stay on top of your studies and make the most of university life with StudentFM. Explore our accommodation options today to find your perfect study haven!
