How to plan for your studies?

A moment of reflection: What are the three reasons why you came to study at the University of Tartu and why you chose this curriculum?
What are your 3–5 expectations – what do you want to learn, do, experience during your studies?  

Thinking about your aspirations and dreams will help you find goals to focus on during your studies. In a narrower sense, clear objectives help you to choose your own study path and modules from your own or other curricula, to find useful elective and optional courses, and to plan for mobility and traineeship. In a broader sense, goals also determine how many and which choices you make outside of your studies – where you want to be included and contribute, who you want to socialise with, what other activities you want to find time for, etc. For example, if your goal is to dedicate yourself to your studies, be an active student, make lots of new friends and do cool things together, your plans will probably be different from those of a student who wants to focus on work and get a degree with as little effort as possible.

In addition to setting goals, planning involves assessing the current situation and drawing up a roadmap to get from where you are to where you want to go.

1. What do you want to achieve?
Set your goals What do you want to gain and accomplish?    		2. What stage are you at?   Determine the current stage What have you done so far? What have you achieved already?3. How will you achieve your goals?
Prepare an action plan and timeline What are your options for moving towards your goal? What can and will you do? When and how will you do it?

Making and sticking to a plan during studies requires a wide range of skills and qualities.

When planning your studies, it is worth starting with self-analysis. If you know what interests you and what suits you, it is easier to shape your path and set clear goals. Think about the following questions:

  • Which topics and activities interest you the most?
  • What skills and experience have you already acquired?
  • Who are you as a person and what do you see as your strengths?
  • What do you value in life and what do you dream of?
  • What else would you like to develop in yourself?
  • How do you like to study?
  • What kind of knowledge and skills do you want to gain from university?
  • What kind of experience and contacts would you like to find?

The university’s curricula and study opportunities are very varied and flexible. When drawing up your plans, it is useful to know all the options available and to be able to link them to your personal interests, development and future plans. Think about the following questions:

  • What kind of learning and specialisation opportunities does your curriculum offer?
  • What and how can you choose from other curricula and higher education institutions?
  • What are the opportunities for traineeship and mobility?
  • When and how can you do research in your field?
  • How can studies be postponed if necessary?
  • What else exciting and useful is there to do during studies?
  • What are your future study options?
  • What are the job opportunities in your field?

Planning should take into account your own interests, skills, qualities, values and goals, and link these to the learning and other opportunities offered by the university. Think about and write down the answers to the following questions:

  • What are the aims of your studies?
  • Which opportunities best suit your interests, values, and future plans?
  • How do you decide when and which courses and modules to choose and take?
  • What other activities are you planning for your university life?
  • What is your agenda and timeline?
  • How can you balance your studies and other activities and plan your time daily?
  • What obstacles might you encounter and how can you overcome them?
  • How often do you review your plan to make sure you are on track and if anything needs to be adjusted or changed?

Goal-oriented action helps to implement plans and achieve results. Evaluate your willingness to act by answering the following questions.

  • What are the concrete steps you will take based on your action plan?
  • Are you conscientious and consistent in your plans?
  • Are you determined and courageous when it comes to implementing your plans and finding new opportunities?
  • What kind of support do you need and who can give it to you?

Knowing the general principles of academic affairs provides a good framework for making study plans:

  • the academic year at the university is made up of the autumn semester and the spring semester. For each semester, you must choose the courses you plan to pass;
  • the estimated number of credits per semester is 30 European credits (ECTS). One ECTS credit corresponds to 26 hours of student work, including contact learning, independent work, practical training and assessment of learning outcomes.
  • After every semester, completion of the student’s curriculum is checked to see whether they have completed the planned courses. Read more about what is checked in the completion of curriculum.

A study plan will help you keep your focus and check if you are on track with your studies, and, if necessary, you can change your plan. It is worth remembering that no plan is forever. We change and evolve, the world around us changes, new goals, opportunities or obstacles arise. Then you can adjust your plans: evaluate the current status, set new goals, explore options and draw up a new action plan.You can find the information and support you need to make plans for your studies by exploring the curriculum in the Study Information System and taking part in introductory courses. In matters of academic affairs, please contact the academic affairs specialist of your institute or faculty, and in matters about the content of the curriculum, please contact the programme director of your curriculum. You can also consult a career counsellor at the Counselling Centre.

Book an appointment with a career counsellor
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