• A bridge on the water

Motivation

About motivation

Motivation is an important part of a healthy student life. It helps you stay positive and get through the challenging moments. It is completely normal to have periods where motivation feels low.

What drives you to study?
Sometimes a course feels difficult, a group project does not work, or lectures seem uninspiring. In those moments, it helps to reconnect with why you started your studies.

When you know your inner motivation, it becomes easier to see challenges as part of a bigger journey.

Always remember your WHY
Not every course will be your favorite, and that is perfectly normal. Some courses simply need to be completed so you can move forward. Remember that a grade never defines your value as a student or what you truly gain from your education.

Be honest with yourself about your ambitions and expectations. When will you feel satisfied with your effort? You do not have to be the best at everything. Focus on what motivates you, and accept that some courses are just part of the journey.

Motivation - How to

Reward

Reward yourself

Choose something that you really want: Whatever it is, use it as a reward for completing a study session.

- Maybe you want to go for a walk – but not until you’ve studied for an hour.
- Maybe you are dying for a cup of coffee with your friend - but you can only go once you’ve studied for three hours.

Spot

Find the perfect study spot

It is important that you ask yourself, where you are most likely to be focused on your studies.

Help yourself by studying in places that encourage to study and being focused. As an example, it can be difficult not studying in a library, were everyone else is working hard and being focused.

Progress

Visualise your progress

Make a plan for each day, with all the things you need to do. Small and big. And them tick them off on a paper or so, to visualize, that you are moving forward.

You could also be making a “Finished”-list, where you write all of the things you have accomplished

Break

Include breaks

Do not forget to take small breaks during the day.
One way of securing your smaller breaks is by using the ‘pomodoro technique’.

- Study for 25 minutes
- Take a break for 5-10 minutes
- Repeat the cycle 4 times
- Take a longer break

Set a timer for both your study sessions and your breaks.

Block

Block your digital distractions

If you need just a little help with your self-control, search for relevant website and app blockers.

All of them work similar: they block whatever websites or apps you want them to block.

The question is - what websites or apps tend to suck up most of your time? Then simply block them while you study.

The Study and Career Guidance

The study and career guidance team

The counselors from the Study and Career Guidance at ITU can answer many of the questions and doubts you may have and talk to you about what is troubling you.

Helpful resources to check out
We also advice you to check out these helpful resources, if you find your situation is not just linked to your student life at ITU.

Contact details

Next steps