Academic Success

Do you find it challenging to arrange and structure your academic material, to keep pace with course work and to meet deadlines (e.g. for tests or assignments)?

Many people struggle with time management – at different points in their lives, but especially when faced with numerous tasks or responsibilities.

It’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed by having to remain organised, manage your time effectively or keep up with deadlines.

Take courage: Everyone faces these hurdles, and seeking support or guidance to develop better self-management skills is the proactive way forward.

Acknowledging that you have these difficulties is the first step; it motivates you to find strategies and resources for successful self-management. Then, be proactive by exploring various techniques to achieve personal growth.

You are welcome to make an appointment with a CSCD psychologist or counsellor to discuss your academic challenges. Just email us at [email protected].

Do you believe that your study methods are efficient?

You might benefit from exploring study techniques that are aligned with your learning styles.

The GRAD booklet explains how the level of learning changes from school to university:

In high school, the emphasis is on understanding and remembering content.
At university, you are required to apply, analyse and evaluate content.

Therefore, you probably need to adjust your study methods accordingly.

The Centre for Student Counselling and Development (CSCD) offers enriching workshops on this theme. Sign up here for a session.

The CSCD’s collection of academic self-help resources assists with various challenges that students encounter throughout their academic journey.

You are welcome to make an appointment with a CSCD psychologist or counsellor to discuss your academic challenges. Just email us at [email protected].

Do you lack motivation to engage with your studies?

A helpful first step may be to ask yourself why you do not feel motivated.

There are various reasons why students feel demotivated, and the solution often depends on what your reason is.

Do you have little interest in your field of study,
are you tired due to lack of sleep,
are you uncertain about how to study,
do you feel overwhelmed by the workload,
are you avoiding the discomfort of pushing your limits,
do you doubt yourself?

Once you have determined the ‘why’, you can see which way you need to direct your actions to build study motivation.

Follow this link for an explanation of the concept ‘motivation’, the distinction between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, and tips for improving motivation.

Other resources on motivation:

Also, it may be helpful to revisit your goals. Your GRAD booklet contains an interesting chapter on the topic.

The Centre for Student Counselling and Development (CSCD) offers academic workshops on test and exam preparation. Sign up here for a session.

You are welcome to make an appointment with a psychologist or counsellor to address your academic challenges. Please send an email to [email protected].

Do you find it difficult to sustain focus while studying?

Concentration is vital during the studying process.

For various reasons, students sometimes have trouble focusing while they study. This is reason for concern, because your academic performance may suffer.

But don’t despair: there are ways in which you can improve your attention.

Self-monitoring strategies and effective study plans are two of those.

The CSCD offers enriching workshops on this theme. Sign up here for a session. You are welcome to make an appointment with a CSCD psychologist or counsellor to discuss your academic challenges. Just email us at [email protected].

Are you uncertain about how to prepare for tests and exams? Do you feel nervous and anxious before or during assessments?

Most students feel nervous before taking a test or exam. One would have thought that, after all those tests at school, it would have become easier! But it is okay. In fact, more than okay, because a positive sense of stress (called ‘eustress’) can be a healthy driver towards preparing yourself all the better.

Tips for managing exam stress:

For more information in this regard, refer to your GRAD booklet.

The Centre for Student Counselling and Development (CSCD) offers access to helpful resources on this topic as well as academic workshops on test and exam preparation. Sign up here for a session.

You are welcome to make an appointment with a psychologist or counsellor to address your academic challenges. Please send an email to [email protected].

How do I know if I am eligible for assessment concessions?

Assessment concessions (also known as exam accommodations) are provided to ensure that all students have a fair and equal opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and skills.

You might need assessment concessions if you have:

Learning difficulties (e.g., dyslexia, dyscalculia, ADHD) that affect reading, writing, or processing speed.
Physical disabilities that make it difficult to write, sit for long periods, or access standard exam materials. *
Sensory impairments (e.g., vision or hearing loss) that require adjustments like large print papers or sign language interpreters.
Mental health conditions (e.g., anxiety, depression) that impact focus and performance in a timed test environment.
Medical conditions or temporary injuries (e.g., chronic illness, broken hand) that require extra time, rest breaks, or alternative formats.

Concessions can include extra time, rest breaks, a separate quiet room, assistive technology, or a scribe/reader. If you think you might need support, please start here Student Assessments.