How to manage your time with a Weekly Study Schedule for Part 3 Success
If you’re gearing up for the Part 3 exam, chances are you’re juggling a full-time job, personal commitments, and the sheer weight of everything you need to learn. It’s overwhelming, right? When I was preparing for my Part 3, I felt like I was spinning plates. One moment I’d be making progress on my Professional Experience and Development Record (PEDR), and the next, I’d realize I hadn’t even touched my case study. Sound familiar?
Here’s the thing: Part 3 isn’t just about working hard—it’s about working smart. And the best way to do that? A solid weekly study schedule. By mapping out your time effectively, you can stay on track, reduce stress, and enjoy the process (okay, maybe enjoy is a stretch, but you get my point).
In this post, I’ll walk you through a step-by-step guide to creating a weekly study schedule that works for your life. Plus, I’ll share some common pitfalls to avoid and a sample schedule to get you started. Let’s dive in.
💡 Why You Need a Weekly Study Schedule (hint: Time Management)
Picture this: You sit down at your desk, ready to “study.” But instead of diving into a specific task, you stare blankly at your to-do list, wondering where to start. It’s like standing at the base of Mount Everest without a map.
A weekly study schedule is that map. It turns your chaotic pile of “stuff to do” into a clear, actionable plan. Here’s why it works:
Consistency beats cramming: Regular, focused sessions are far more effective than last-minute marathons. I believe in turning up more than cramming in. If you turn up even for small study sessions each day, you will make progress and tick one small task at a time. Through small bursts of work, you also manage to not feel like the work is overwhelming or 'too much' for the end of day. When you know you need to only focus for 1h, you are more likely to drag yourself to the computer even when tiered.
Focus becomes second nature: When you know exactly what you’re working on and when you waste less time deciding. You might not realise it, but deciding on what to do, takes a lot of energy, and produces a lot of friction. Your brain will say, 'I would rather not' each time if you give it a way out. However, if you know what the task is, then your brain will give up on putting up a fight.
Life stays manageable: With a schedule, you can balance work, study, and downtime without feeling like you’re constantly falling behind. Setting time targets give you an aim. You do not always have to hit those targets. However, do not let those targets go unmet more than two days in a row. If you miss a study session in the evening, it happens, but get back on top of your streak and stay consistent.
The best part? A good schedule isn’t rigid or overwhelming. It’s flexible, realistic, and tailored to your life. When following this advice, always think about your personal circumstances, family situation, work environment and other life factors. Craft it like a blacksmith. Take the time to polish it on a weekly basis to get the most out of it, and enhance efficiency every time to plan the week ahead.
📜 Step-by-Step: How to Create Your Weekly Study Schedule
Step 1: Define Your Weekly Goals
Before you even think about scheduling, get clear on your priorities. What do you want to accomplish this week? Maybe it’s drafting a PEDR entry, outlining your case study, or practising exam questions.
Pro tip: Keep it specific and realistic. Instead of “work on PEDR,” try “write one PEDR entry focusing on project management.” This clarity will keep you focused and motivated.
Step 2: Assess Your Time Availability
Next, take an honest look at your calendar. How much time can you realistically dedicate to Part 3 prep? If you’re working full-time, you might only have evenings and weekends. That’s okay—it’s about quality, not quantity.
Quick exercise:
1. Block out non-negotiables (work, family, rest).
2. Highlight free time slots.
3. Decide how many hours you can comfortably commit.
For example, you might find you have 2 hours on Monday evening, 1 hour on Wednesday morning, and 4 hours on Saturday. Keep in mind that each week is different. Dedicate time at the end of each week to reflect on what worked and what needs to be improved the following week.
Step 3: Break Down Study Sessions by Task
Here’s where the magic happens. Take your weekly goals and divide them into smaller, actionable tasks. Then, assign each task to a specific time slot. Make sure you put the more time demanding tasks over the weekend when you can allocate longer sessions and the more logic demanding tasks during the morning hours if you are a morning person. In this way, you craft your schedule based on your performance peaks.
Example:
- Monday, 7 PM - 9 PM: Write PEDR entry
- Wednesday, 6:30 AM - 7:30 AM: Review contract law notes
- Saturday, 10 AM - 12 PM: Draft case study introduction
By focusing on one thing at a time, you’ll work more efficiently and feel less overwhelmed.
Step 4: Use the Right Tools to Plan
Let’s talk tools. A great study schedule deserves a great system to keep it organized. Whether you’re a digital fan or a pen-and-paper purist, here are a few options:
Google Calendar: Perfect for color-coded time blocks and reminders.
Notion: Great for creating a flexible, detailed schedule.
A physical planner: Ideal if you prefer something tactile.
The key is to choose a system you’ll actually use. If you are the type of person that like having it pinned up in front of you, then do it like that, make notes on it, change things around with post it notes. If you clarity and precision, use a digital tool and pin it to your home screen so there is no friction when checking it for updates or reminders.
Step 5: Schedule Rest and Reflection
Burnout is real, and it’s the enemy of productivity. That’s why your schedule should include time for rest and reflection. Burnout is not only about being tiered but it affects the way we think and focus, it leaves us feeling overwhelmed, unmotivated, or emotionally drained.
Rest: Build in buffer zones for meals, exercise, and downtime. Your brain needs these breaks to stay sharp.
Reflection: At the end of each week, spend 10-15 minutes reviewing your progress. What worked well? What needs tweaking? Use these insights to adjust your plan for the following week.
⚔️ Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Even the best plans can go sideways if you’re not careful. Here are three common mistakes to watch out for:
Overloading Your Schedule: It’s tempting to pack every free minute with study sessions, but this often backfires. Be realistic about what you can achieve and leave room for flexibility.
Ignoring Life’s Curveballs: Life happens—unexpected work deadlines, social commitments, you name it. Build in buffer time so these disruptions don’t derail your progress.
Skipping Self-Care: Remember, you’re not a robot. Sleep, exercise, and relaxation aren’t luxuries—they’re essential for sustained focus and productivity.
📅Sample Weekly Study Schedule
Here’s an example of what a balanced Part 3 study schedule might look like:
Feel free to tweak this to suit your needs. The idea is to have a clear plan while staying flexible.
👋 Final Thoughts
Creating a weekly study schedule isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress. By defining your goals, managing your time wisely, and staying consistent, you’ll make steady strides toward Part 3 success.
Remember, the journey is just as important as the destination. Take it one week at a time, and don’t forget to celebrate your wins along the way.
Although I do not want to overwhelm you even more, I will leave you with a short reading list from successful people that know a lot more about productivity and time management than me. These books will inspire and educate you for the Part 3 and your professional future. If you have a chance, read Atomic Habits, The Diary of a CEO, Deep Work and Feel-Good Productivity. Those books helped me a lot and I hope they will help you as well.
If you’re looking for more tips and strategies, be sure to check out my free 5-day email course Part3Prodigy coming out on Friday 6th December. It’s packed with practical advice to help you hit the ground running.
Good luck, and happy studying! 😊
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