Research has shown that an effective way to study successfully is to work consistently throughout the semester on assignments and exam preparation. It is a good idea to construct a study schedule at the start of semester which incorporates lecture reading time, research and essay writing, exam preparation, lecture reviews etc.
More effective study is done in short blocks rather than in long marathons.
After every hour of study, reward yourself with a 10-15 minute break. You may find you'll need to adjust your original timetable a little at the beginning and its good to have some flexibility in your original programme. From the moment semester starts, make sure you are aware exactly when your assignments and essays are due, and how long they need to be. It is a good idea to draft a rough plan early on in semester so that you are clear about just how much work will be involved in the research and writing of the work, and so that you also have plenty of time to ask your lecturer for details you aren't sure of. Preparing a good assignment involves four major stages.