Designate a space in your home or another location as your study space. Choose an environment that is quiet and free from distractions, such as television or people requiring your attention. Avoid studying on your bed--your body associates this with sleeping--which can decrease your ability to focus and even cause fatigue.
Make a schedule template for a one-week time-frame. Write the hours of the day in the left column and write the days of the week along the top. Fill in the parts of the schedule that are non-negotiable--class time, work hours, meetings and other appointments. Block out seven to eight hours for sleeping and time for meals, as well. Include family activities in this category if you are a parent.
Look at the open areas on your schedule template. Schedule daily study time of at least an hour at a time. Choose the time of day when you are most alert and designate study time for your more difficult subjects first. If possible, schedule a consistent block of study time that is the same each day. Establish a routine and commit to setting aside that time to study. If you have difficulty finding free time, consider waking up an hour earlier in the morning or multi-task--review your notes while you walk on the treadmill.
Plan ahead and set goals for what you will accomplish during each study session. Stay organized to optimize the time you have set aside. Allow flexibility for unplanned interruptions in your schedule.