Below is a list of pitfalls students fall into, causing stress, extension fees, late graduation, incomplete courses, and other circumstances.

The best way to approach your studies is to do a little bit every day.

Set aside a good time just for study. Make it a time when you are alert and at your best.

The post office and internet are not perfect, which means that sometimes work can be lost and never found. It is important to save and make copies of all your work, so if such a situation ever arises, you have back-ups for each assignment and can be rewarded for finished work.

It is easy to become distracted when working online. Avoid drifting off to surf the net. Stay focused on the assignment at hand and mark interesting sites for later exploration.

Sometimes it is best to do your least favorite subject first, so it is out of the way and you can focus on your favorite assignment. If you do the favorite one first, you may put off the less favorite when you try to get to it.

Keep your work organized in a place where you regularly work. Otherwise too much time is wasted getting started each day, or you will spend too much time looking for what you need.

The support system formed by you, your parents, your teachers, tutors and others is crucial to your success as a student. You are strongly encouraged to ask questions and talk about lessons.  Communication is key. Become active learners and use your learning team.

Some people thrive within order and others within seeming chaos. Here are some basic organizational tips that will help almost anyone.

Organize Your Time
Create a schedule and share it with your teacher and parent. Save the time of day when you’re most mentally alert for working on your studies. Review or start lessons well before they are due, in case you have lots of questions or need extra time to complete your work.

Organize Your Space
Keep the materials and supplies you need for studying where you can find them easily. Study in lighting that make5s reading and concentrating easier for you. Choose a study space where you are least likely to be distracted by your family’s household activities or tempted to do something other than study.

Organize your Body
Find a type of seating (chair, floor, bed, or sofa) that helps you stay alert and comfortable. Drink hydrating liquids like water, milk, juice or sports drinks. Your brain needs between eight and ten glasses of water every day to function well! Eat healthy foods like lean protein (fish, chicken, tofu, or peanut butter), fresh fruits and vegetables, and complex carbohydrates (whole grains). Your brain will love you for this! Be sure to get some kind of physical exercise every day. It stimulates your brain, balances your body systems, and helps to keep you feeling good about yourself.