Study resources: example study schedule

Here are examples of study schedule for someone who works in a full time 9am-5pm job and needs to study 20 hours per week. This schedule takes into account family commitments, social engagements and relaxation time. It's important to note that the specific times and activities will vary depending on your work hours and personal preferences.  
 

Example 1

The table below represents a general outline: 

TIME ACTIVITY
Monday  
7:30AM - 8:30AM Study during commute to work (1hr)
9AM - 5PM Work
6:30PM - 8PM Exercise/dinner/relax/family time
8PM - 10PM Study (2hrs)
Tuesday  
9AM - 5PM Work
6:30PM - 8PM Exercise/dinner/relax/family time
8PM - 10PM Study (2hrs)
Wednesday  
9AM - 5PM Work
5:30PM - 6:30PM Study during commute home (1hr)
6:30PM - 8PM Exercise/dinner/relax/family time
8PM - 10PM Study (2hrs)
Thursday  
9AM - 5PM Work
12PM - 12:30PM Study during lunch break (30min)
6:30PM - 8PM Exercise/dinner/relax/family time
8PM - 10PM Study (2hrs)
Friday  
9AM - 5PM Work
12PM - 12:30PM Study during lunch break (30min)
6:30PM - 8PM Exercise/dinner/relax/family time
8PM - 10PM Study (2hrs)
Saturday  
8AM - 9PM Study (1hr)
10AM - 1PM Family time/relax/lunch/leisure activities
2PM - 4PM Study (2hrs)
6PM - 8PM Social enagagements (dinner with friends)
Sunday  
8AM - 10AM Study (2hrs)
10AM - 1PM Family time/relax/lunch/social time/leisure activities
2PM - 4PM Study (2hrs)
4PM - 10PM Relax and regroup for the week ahead
 

 

Explanation: 

  • The individual works full time from Monday to Friday. We assume they have a regular 8-hour workday from 9 AM to 5 PM (for example). 
  • They dedicate at least two hours of study time each workday after their work hours. 
  • Some days they are able to fit in study during their commute to and from work and during lunch breaks. 
  • Family time is prioritised in the evenings on weekdays after work to balance work, study and personal life. 
  • On Saturday and Sunday, they have more time available for studying. They dedicate longer study sessions on these days (total of five hours in two sessions) and also schedule additional social engagements to maintain a balance between work and personal life. 

 

Example 2:

The next example is of someone that is working in shift work, with a less regular schedule and a mixture of times they’re working in the morning and afternoon/evening. The study time has been adjusted to fit in around their working schedule.  

TIME ACTIVITY
Monday  
7AM - 3PM Work — morning shift
3:30PM - 4:30PM Study during commute home (1hr)
5PM - 8PM Exercise/dinner/relax/family time
8PM - 10PM Study (2hrs)
Tuesday  
7AM - 9AM Exercise/breakfast/family time
10AM - 12PM Study (2hrs)
1PM - 9PM Work — afternoon shift
5PM - 5:30PM Study during break (30mins)
Wednesday  
12PM - 3PM Study (3hrs)
4PM - 9PM Exercise/dinner/relax/family time
10PM - 6AM Work — night shift
Thursday (Work - day off)  
3PM - 6PM Study (3hrs)
6:30PM - 8PM Exercise/dinner/relax/family time
Friday  
7AM - 3PM Work — morning shift
3:30PM - 4:30PM Study during commute home (1hr)
6:30PM - 8PM Exercise/dinner/relax/family time
8PM - 10PM Study (2hrs)
Saturday  
8AM - 10PM Study (2hrs)
10:30AM - 12:30PM Family brunch
1PM - 9PM Work — afternoon shift
5PM - 5:30PM Study during lunch break (30min)
Sunday (Work — day off)  
10AM - 1PM Study (3hrs)
3PM - 6PM Social engagements/family time
6PM - 10PM Relax and regroup for the week ahead
 

 
 

Explanation: 

  • Based on a shift work schedule that may be typical in a healthcare setting. 
  • Study is included in their day for at least 2.5-3 hours.  
  • Some days they are able to fit in study commute to and from work and during lunch breaks. 
  • Personal and family time is prioritised each day to maintain a healthy work, study and life balance.  

 

Both study schedules are flexible, allowing for adjustments based on the individual's energy levels and needs during the week. 

Remember, personal schedules can vary greatly, so feel free to modify this example to better suit your specific work hours, family commitments, and social engagements. It's essential to find a routine that works best for you and allows you to manage your time effectively.