Discipline, Motivation & Focus – The MOMENTUM for Successful Studying
Successfully completing a degree requires a lot of discipline, diligence, and above all, focus on your goal. Here’s a personal story: During my first degree in Industrial Engineering at FHNW Brugg, I didn’t want to give up. I spent hours trying to solve tasks, but without real progress or motivation. I started blaming processes, lecturers, and organizational issues, losing myself in criticism. Unfortunately, I did not successfully finish my first degree. This was probably because too many modules didn’t interest me — the program was simply too difficult. It is recommended that at least 60% of the modules truly interest you to maintain strong intrinsic motivation.
I studied the habits and methods of successful students and applied them during my second degree, which I completed successfully.
Focus on Your Goal – The Diploma
Stay focused on your goal: passing all your modules! The ultimate goal is and remains the diploma — but not for the diploma’s sake alone. It symbolizes that you have acquired relevant and practical knowledge during your studies. Those who see the diploma as a milestone understand that the real value of studying is the knowledge you retain and can apply.
Focus on passing each module! Do not try to change or revolutionize the curriculum, question university procedures, or challenge the system. Course content and university processes evolve slowly but steadily. Even if you could revolutionize everything, by the time you did, the module and exams would be over. Another common pitfall is getting lost in learning. While it is important to thoroughly understand the material, don’t lose sight of your main goal: the diploma.
Organizational Skills – Key to Success
Ask yourself these important questions:
1. What is graded?
2. How is the grading composed?
3. When and where are the deadlines or exams?
A. Organize Learning Materials
Keep all scripts and documents for each module well organized. Invest in good folders and binders. Punch holes and sort sheets thematically for easy access.
B. Gather Past Exams
Collect past exams from higher semesters. Ask your lecturers if they can provide “zero exams” as early as possible.
C. Take Notes & Create Summaries
Write notes during lectures on your notebook and revise them later into clear, structured summaries.
D. Take Homework Seriously
Complete your assigned homework conscientiously. This reveals where you have difficulties early on. It’s common that not all tasks get solved — always aim to complete at least 70%. Many fellow students will not solve all tasks and many will not pass the module. It is normal for 30–40% of first-year students to drop out.
E. Ask Questions
If you have doubts about homework, ask your peers first. If they can’t help, contact your lecturer via email or directly after class.
F. Plan Regular Reviews
Regularly review material covered in previous weeks to be well prepared for exams.
G. Use Your Time Wisely
Keep track of all your modules and deadlines. Invest time where it’s most needed to pass all modules. Excelling in one module but failing another is not goal-oriented.
H. Form Study Groups
Identify fellow students who are motivated and dedicated. Join or form a small study group with them. Be part of the momentum.
I. Use Tutorials
If a module is difficult, check if a tutor is available. Organize study sessions with your group and the tutor to cover challenging topics.
J. Seek External Help
If you need to repeat a module and struggle to understand certain topics, find someone who can explain it to you — and be willing to pay for this help. This investment is worthwhile.
K. Create a Study Plan for Exam Periods
Plan your study-free exam periods in advance and schedule your study phases. Design a daily routine and calendar, deciding which modules to study when. Start with the harder modules, then proceed to the easier ones. You can review up to four modules per day: two in the morning and two in the afternoon.
L. Maintain Balance
During exam periods, structure your day with breaks, physical activity, and social contacts – friends, family, and your shared flat community.
M. Improve Quality of Life
Invest in your wellbeing: eat healthily, develop good habits, get enough sleep. Reduce or avoid social media (Facebook, Instagram, Messenger), brief news, gossip, movies, and video clips.
N. Overcome Exam Anxiety
Read more about how to manage exam anxiety in my other blog post: Letting Go of Exam Anxiety.
At Stuwo, we understand the challenges students face. That’s why our furnished shared apartments with all-inclusive pricing and supportive flat communities across Bern, Windisch, and Lucerne are designed to help you focus on what matters most — your studies and personal growth. Discover your perfect student home at www.stuwo.ch and succeed with the right environment and network!