How to study smart during the holidays

Christmas, New Year’s, and summer holidays are a wonderful time of the year. However, all the festivities and additional to-do’s can mess with study schedules. So how do you get the Christmas shopping done, fit in parties and social events, make time for family, get in the spirit of the season, and stay mindful of your study commitments and goals?

We’ve coached thousands of online learners through the holidays. Here’s what we’ve found works best to keep you on track.

Find a study buddy

During the holidays, it’s common to plan catch-ups and last minute check-ins before the end of the year. But with so many other commitments to squeeze in, including study, it can feel challenging to get the balance right. So why not combine study with your fun, festive catch-ups with friends and family? 

That’s why we recommend an ‘admin study date’. Here’s how an admin study date works:

• You set up a time with your partner or a friend to catch up at a cafe, the library, or somewhere with WiFi. This is the genius of the admin study date, your ‘date’ doesn’t even need to be a student!
• The idea is to blend a study session (for you) and life admin tasks like budgeting, online Christmas shopping, or getting on top of emails (for them) into something fun.
• Use the first hour as focused study/life admin time, where you order a coffee and smash out your tasks.
• Then use the rest of the date to chat, connect, and maybe share some cake or fruit mince pies. 

This way, you’re saving time by carving out a space to study, catching up with a friend, and rewarding a focused study session all at the same time. 

You can try this out during the holidays, and if it works for you, consider a regular or monthly admin study date in the new year with a friend.

Tip: If you’re studying with a partner, they can write Christmas cards, organise Christmas shopping lists, or start on Christmas planning while you study during the holidays. That way, you don’t need to worry about that additional seasonal task!

It’s okay to say no to social events

During the holidays, it’s important to pace yourself. You don’t have to attend every function you’re invited to. Saying no to non-value-adding activities gives you more time to focus on what you care about. It also saves you the stress of submitting assignments through a wave of sleep deprivation. 

This is the time to clarify what’s most important to you this season and stick to it. Learn to say ‘no, thanks’, and instead go home, knock out a few hours of study, and get an early night. But also say a confident, guilt-free ‘yes!’ to what you really want to do. 

So, what does this look like?

• If there’s any hint of “I don’t really want to” with a work Christmas party or other Christmas event/commitment, say no. 
• If there’s something really important like your kid’s end of year concert, block out time to go, say yes, and enjoy it! 
• If the thought of going out to a carols event only adds stress, maybe skip it this year and watch it on TV instead. 
• If you always look at fun Christmas light displays, take a night off, and spend the time with your family. 
• You can also say a half no. Have Christmas with your extended family, but say no to hosting this year. Agree to just do presents for the kids or a Secret Santa instead of getting individual presents for everybody.

Tip: Everyone is busy this time of year, so you don’t need to feel guilty when you need to say no. Your friends and family will understand.

Plan to have fun

Taking breaks is good for productivity, so reward your work and effort with planned fun. There will be special parties, Christmas drinks, and gift exchanges you want to attend. It’s important not to miss out on fun. 

Scheduling is the key. Put these A-list events into your calendar – along with your study and assessment schedules – and check first before committing to attend another event. Make sure you plan downtime, too. Whether that’s a walk through local Christmas light displays, a swim to beat the heat, or timeout watching a favourite holiday movie, taking time to relax will keep you balanced.

How to adjust time management habits for the holidays

Let’s be honest, the holiday season is chaotic to say the least. Planning in advance, and adjusting your habits to accommodate your changing time management needs, is the best way to tackle this season.

Here are a few simple changes to better manage your time and make the holiday season feel less stressful.

• Get up an hour earlier for the next few weeks and hit the books.
• Study on the train or during your lunch break.
• Save shopping time by agreeing not to give presents to friends, or doing a Kris Kringle instead.
• Batch prepare meals on the weekend to save cooking time during the week.
• Let the kids earn holiday spending money by giving them extra chores.

How to be an organised student

How to remove distractions

Distractions are everywhere at the best of times, but the holidays often mean extra things are thrown your way and study takes a back seat. Now that we’ve addressed how to juggle competing priorities, try to counteract distractions with these techniques.

• Change location: Sometimes just being at home with all the seasonal reminders and kids home from school holidays can make studying feel stressful. In this case, use a library, café, or a table in your backyard to switch up your study space. 
• Delete social media apps from your phone – you can re-install them after New Year’s. You could also set an alarm or app blocker after 10 minutes of social media to avoid doomscrolling. Then, close all tabs except your online learning portal.
• Outsource tasks: There are many services you can take advantage of during the holidays to save time, including gift wrapping, meal delivery, and cleaning services. It’s also a great time to lean on your support networks. Many people are happy to help out and spread some goodwill. Ask a relative or friend to take the kids, organise child-minding swaps, send your partner to do the shopping, or ask them to take the kids out once a week so you can have a set study block.
• Pre-book coaching calls: It’s best to book calls in advance at the beginning of the holiday season and during busy periods so you don’t miss out. Booking regular check-ins throughout this season can help keep you focused during this hectic time.
• Set boundaries: Put a sign on your home office or front door to let people know you’re studying and not to be disturbed. It can be helpful to include a time frame, so people know when they can expect you to be free. This also gives you some additional peace of mind for more focused study.

How To Study Smarter

With these festive study smart tips for the holidays, you can be sure to nail the holiday season and keep your study goals on track for the new year.