Study Guide
It should also be read together with the Student Handbook especially the section on academic matters. Please also remember that some of the general statements made here may apply in a qualified way in some subjects.
Although this guide is a general introduction to undergraduate study at Oxford, it will also be useful to some graduates, especially those taking taught courses. As modes of study differ between subjects, this should be read together with guidance in specific subjects, which will either be found in special books, or in materials provided by tutors in those subjects.
“Lack of organization” is sometimes used by students as a feeble excuse for not working hard enough. As the Handbook says, students should count on an average of about 8 hours work a day, Monday to Friday, or 40 hours a week, during term. Don't forget that your work schedule must include vacations: a good guide is that, allowing for 6 weeks holiday over the year, you should work at least 6 hours a day Monday to Friday (average) for the rest of the vacation periods. Good organization means fitting these hours into your other activities, and pacing yourself so that you avoid last minute panics. Never say: “I will change my ways from next (whatever)”. Start keeping to this average and according to plan from the very beginning, because once you fall behind, experience shows it is very difficult to catch up and do yourself justice.