Make assessment deadlines feel manageable with these planning tips
It’s that point in the study period where assessments seem to roll in all at once. Sound familiar? If you’re juggling uni alongside work, family or everything else life throws your way, it can feel like a lot.
Life is unpredictable and sometimes things pop up that are out of your control. You might need to apply for an assessment extension and that’s completely okay. That said, relying on extensions too often can be risky for a couple of important reasons.
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You can fall behind in future assessments while trying to meet extended deadlines
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Extensions aren’t guaranteed, and if a request isn’t approved, penalties may apply to your marks
So how do you stay on track and avoid the stress spiral? It comes down to managing your time well and finding a balance that works for you.
Seek help early (future you will thank you)
If you’re falling behind because you’re unsure how to approach an assessment, you’re not alone. There’s a whole range of Study Support resources available to help build your academic skills and confidence.
If you need more personalised support, you can chat with a Writing Mentor, Maths Mentor or a Study Support Adviser to get help understanding and improving your assessments. Every Deakin student also has access to Studiosity+, where you can get fast online feedback when you need it.
Plan your time realistically
One of the biggest secrets to uni success is solid time management. It doesn’t need to be complicated. Taking a bit of time to plan your days, weeks and months ahead can make a huge difference.
A good rule of thumb is to allow around 10 hours per week for each unit you’re studying. To help you plan in a way that’s actually realistic, make the most of Deakin’s study planners:
- The Trimester Planner gives you an at-a-glance view of important dates across the trimester. Add your assessment and exam deadlines so you can see busy periods coming up.
- The Weekly Planner helps you map out each week. Schedule in classes, work shifts, exercise, family time and social plans, then block out dedicated study time around them.
- There’s also the Assessment Planner, designed to break assessments into manageable stages. Enter your assessment dates and you’ll receive a step-by-step plan with suggested time frames and helpful resources for each stage.
If you want extra support staying organised and building strong study habits, explore the full range of Study Support resources available at Deakin. A little planning now can save you a lot of stress later.