A good plan is an important part of every strategy.
It makes life easier if it lays out precisely the steps you need to take, giving you a path to follow
It reduces stress when you have a clear way forward and boosts motivation to achieve steps in your plan
It can take time, initially, to clarify your thoughts and work out relevant actions
However, a good plan saves time later, as you don’t have to keep working out what you should be doing.

Decide your strategy
Consider what you need to do to get yourself through the course. This should inform your strategy.

For example:

What will you do to maintain motivation?
What time will you block into your diary for study?
Will you spend more (or less) time studying with others? For what kinds of activities?
How will you personalise your study?
What do you need from family and friends, so you can study the way you want and need?

Draw it all together
When formulating your strategic action plan, draw on the thinking and evaluations you have already undertaken. Remind yourself of:

Your purpose and vision
The desired outcomes or goals that will achieve that vision, in line with the expectations of your course
Any priorities you have already identified
The milestones, potential obstacles, and other actions you identify

Draw up an action plan
Decide the best order for starting to undertake each action. Set an end time for each
Draw up a plan or ‘roadmap’ that shows when you will undertake each of those actions. You could use a template to identify the actions you will take to achieve your goals
Check your plan is sufficient to achieve your desired outcomes/end goals
If relevant, check that the work you need to do for class and assignments is built into your plan

Use your plan to:
Stay focused on what you want to achieve
Pace your work throughout the course, so that you complete everything by the end date
Have as a reference point when starting assignments
Check regularly to stay on track and to keep it up to date. If it is too demanding, or not sufficiently challenging, amend it to suit you better