Start Strong: Study Tips For New Students

Congrats on taking the leap to upskill with professional training at Demi International! You’ve taken an important step toward opening doors to a rewarding new career or side hustle. To help make the transition to study a little less daunting, we’ve compiled a cheat-sheet of tips to help you study effectively, manage your time, seek support, find balance and plan ahead for success.

To kick things off, remember:

Starting a new chapter as a student can be both exciting and overwhelming. After all, you’re on the path to a new qualification and possibly a new career. You’re about to meet new people, learn new things and reimagine your future.

Among all this excitement, it’s normal to work through an adjustment period. Uncooperative technology, new study concepts and unexpected life events can throw you off track – but we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Study tips for mature-age and working students

Aspiring to work smarter, not harder, is essential for anyone juggling competing priorities, especially our mature-age students who need to balance work, career and kids. We encourage all students, particularly our mature cohort, to study with intention because time is scarce.

Studying itself is a skill that improves with practice. When you study during your most alert times, you train your brain to absorb and retain new concepts more effectively. Getting into the groove initially might be challenging, especially if it’s been a while since you last studied formally. Over time, you’ll find it easier to study for longer periods with less effort.

Of course, reading your course material only makes an impact if you absorb it.

Consider this scenario:

You read the same three pages of a study text twice. The first time, you have your books on your lap in front of the TV, with your children running around, noise and chaos. It’s likely that you’ve ‘read’ the information but not absorbed it.

The next day, you read the same three pages in a quiet, distraction-free environment, mentally prepared and attentive. This time, you’re more likely to absorb and retain the information effectively.

Focused learning will help you apply it where it matters. 

Study tips for VET and younger students

Have you enrolled as a VET beauty student at Demi International? You’ll join us one or two days per week for practical, hands-on learning, plus some theory-based work to complete at home.

We encourage our VET students to lean on their parents, educators and trainers for help with study planning. By working together, you can create a plan to manage your schoolwork, coursework, jobs, sports commitments and your social life. This collaborative support and guidance can make a big difference in staying organised and balanced.

Whether you’re a mature student, a VET student, or somewhere in between, these tips can support your learning journey and help you stay on track:

1. Find balance through time management

Successful students often find that good time management and balancing their work, life, study, and social commitments are essential for success.

During busy study periods, focus on your schedule to stay prepared. You might notice a lot of family commitments coming up, but by planning ahead, you can delegate tasks, reschedule activities, or ask for help to meet your study deadlines while still managing your other responsibilities.

Remember, your Demi International course won’t last forever, so it’s important to find balance in all areas of your life during the study years. This approach will help you transition smoothly into your new life as a busy student.

2. Create a study space

Before your course starts, it’s a good idea to plan your study space. Find a quiet area with plenty of natural light and fresh air. Natural light can help your circadian rhythm, and fresh air keeps you alert. These simple touches can really improve your ability to absorb information and study more effectively.

Your space doesn’t need to be magazine perfect. A small desk plant or a cup with pens and a notebook can do the trick. The key is to create a spot that supports your tasks and signals to your brain, “This is where I study!”

3. Avoid and minimise stress

It’s important to keep stress in check to avoid burnout.

Simple habits like getting 8 hours of sleep each night, staying active, practising self-care, and staying hydrated can help manage stress. Try to limit alcohol, as it can affect your sleep, health and productivity.

Taking on too much, falling behind or having an inconsistent study schedule can add to your stress over time. That’s why planning ahead is so important.

4. Reach out for help

Sometimes, work, family or life throws you a curveball. So, what should you do when the unexpected happens? If it becomes difficult to attend class or complete your study tasks, reach out to your trainer or one of our friendly Course Advisors.

Our staff are here to help you get back on track. We can look into reducing your study load, granting extensions or pausing your study until you find your rhythm again. It’s best to reach out early because withdrawal dates may apply.

5. Visualise and never forget your why

A mindset reset with a boost of positive thinking can really lift your energy levels. Picture your life with new skills and a career you love—a job where you’re not constantly watching the clock. If you’re studying our Diploma of Beauty Therapy, for example, picture yourself thriving in an established salon, sharing the latest techniques with your clients.

Also, think about what a better financial position means to you—an annual holiday, a house deposit? Remember these goals when things get tough. Investing in your growth improves your career prospects, boosts your income and makes it easier to support your family and your lifestyle.

Remind yourself that this sacrifice is short-term but will bring life-changing benefits.

You’re set for study success

We understand that adjusting to a new study routine can be challenging, but by working together, we can ensure your study adventure is a triumph.

Remember, Demi is on teamYOU, and your success is ours too. Afterall, there’s a reason we were named Queensland’s Small Training Provider Of The Year.

If you need help, guidance or support, reach out to one of our friendly Course Advisors or your assigned trainer for a chat.