Study SMARTer – Planning Tools & Comprehensive Guide

Key Pillars of Study SMARTer 

• Setting Clear Goals: Success starts with a good plan. The guide provides a framework for setting SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound). This technique helps turn vague aspirations into clear, actionable study targets.

  You can map out your individual subject goals using our Junior Cycle and Senior Cycle goal templates.

• Effective Planning and Timetables: To ensure consistency, it is crucial to plan your study time each week. Our guide emphasises the importance of Monthly Planning for preparing early and tracking deadlines, and Weekly Planning for being specific about what you’ll cover and scheduling in necessary breaks. Download our Monthly Planners to get started. The principles of SMART should be kept in mind when structuring your study schedule. You can review our sample structures in the General Timetable or utilise the detailed Weekday and Weekend Study Schedules that incorporate study sessions of 45 minutes with regular breaks.

• Active Learning and Well-being: Remember that studying is about understanding, not just memorising. The guide details how to become an Active Learner through techniques like summarising and testing yourself. Crucially, support your efforts with good health habits: prioritise 7–9 hours of regular sleep , eat well , and stay hydrated to maintain focus and energy.