What will my schedule look like as a Chevening Scholar in the UK?

As a Chevening Scholar, your time in the UK will be filled with enriching academic and cultural experiences. Understanding and optimising your schedule is crucial for making the most of your time. Depending on the subject you have chosen to study, you might find that the number of contact hours you have in lectures or seminars is quite limited. Therefore, building effective tools for independent learning will be essential.

Understanding your timetable

Let’s explore some example timetables to give you an idea of what your schedule might look like in the UK. As you can see, particularly humanities or social science subjects will have a lot of independent study time built in.

Biology timetable example:

Politics timetable example:

Top tips for effective independent learning

Maximising your independent study time will be key to your success. Here are some strategies to help you build skills for effective learning:

1. Make sure you schedule in a set time to study the content provided by your lecturer. This should be before any follow up seminars. If you have some flexibility in your day, think about what times of day you usually study best.
2. Find somewhere quiet to work with a desk or table. Try to cut down on distractions online and from others in the room. Consider giving your phone to a friend while you study.
3. When you arrive in the UK, familiarise yourself with the VLE (virtual learning environment) at your university.
4. Be proactive when communicating with others on your course. For example, you could set up an online study group.
5. Don’t give up if you have a technical problem. Try to find a solution yourself or know where to go to ask for help. Many universities will have FAQs related to online learning or some kind of online Help Desk. Persistence in overcoming these challenges is key to maintaining your momentum.

Making the most of your time as a Chevening Scholar

Your schedule might seem overwhelming at first, but with careful planning and effective use of independent study tools, you will thrive. Engage actively with your studies, utilise the resources available to you, and build a strong network with your peers. This approach will not only enhance your academic experience but also prepare you for the dynamic challenges of your future career.

Remember, as a Chevening Scholar, you are part of a distinguished community of global leaders and innovators. Embrace this opportunity to develop your skills, expand your horizons, and make a lasting impact.