10 Common Mistakes Distance Learning Accounting Students Make and How to Avoid Them

Online learning is flexible, rewarding, and increasingly popular; but it also requires discipline. Many accounting students underestimate the structure needed to stay consistent and pass confidently.

Here are the ten most common mistakes and how you can sidestep them.

1. Jumping Straight Into Complex Topics

A common mistake among AAT students is diving into advanced subjects like financial statements before understanding basic bookkeeping. Accounting builds on itself, and skipping foundational knowledge like double-entry, trial balances, and control accounts makes later topics confusing.

Start each module by revising simple examples and definitions until they become second nature. Repetition and hands-on practice, such as creating your own journal entries, will strengthen understanding. A strong foundation saves hours of frustration later and helps complex topics feel logical rather than overwhelming.

2. Not Setting a Study Schedule

Without classroom structure, distance learning AAT students often underestimate how much regular study time they need. Relying on “when I get time” rarely works. A short, consistent daily routine is more effective than random long sessions.

Schedule manageable blocks around 30 to 45 minutes, with clear goals for each unit. Use digital reminders to track progress. Consistency builds momentum and confidence. Including short breaks, such as using the Pomodoro method, keeps you fresh and prevents burnout. Over time, your study plan becomes a habit; keeping you focused, balanced, and on track for exam success.

3. Skipping Tutor Support

Some students avoid reaching out to tutors because they worry it’s a sign of weakness. In reality, using tutor support is one of the smartest ways to move past roadblocks quickly.

Training Link tutors are experienced (& award winning) at explaining complex ideas in simple terms and can save you hours of frustration. Whenever you get stuck, ask questions no matter how basic they may seem.

Sharing your challenges means you don’t waste time feeling confused or demotivated. Embrace support as a resource, not a last resort; proactive students progress faster and feel more confident.

4. Avoiding Mock Exams

Mock exams are your best opportunity to identify weak areas before facing the real thing. Many AAT students put off practice tests out of fear or uncertainty. In addition, completing mocks as a form of revision is the wrong way to use this tool. Mock exams are opportunities to test how your revision has gone. Unexpected gaps surface late in revision. Treat every mock seriously. Schedule them at regular intervals, and treat your results as feedback, not failure. Completing mocks under timed conditions builds exam technique and self-assurance.

5. Studying Without Breaks

Nonstop study can feel productive, but it often leads to burnout and tiredness. Your brain absorbs information best in short, focused sessions. The Pomodoro Method; 25 minutes of study followed by a 5-minute break, helps sustain concentration and keeps you motivated.

Schedule regular pauses to stretch, hydrate, or rest your eyes. Quality beats quantity every time: you’ll find you remember more and stay positive about your studies.

6. Ignoring Feedback

Feedback on assignments or practice exams highlights exactly where improvement is needed. Some students brush off tutor comments or fail to revisit their mistakes. Make it a habit to review every piece of feedback closely and use it to guide your next revision session.

Reflecting on errors, correcting misunderstandings, and applying advice leads to better marks and deeper understanding. Training Link tutors provide targeted feedback. Consider it a roadmap to exam readiness, not just a critique of your work.

7. Not Revising Regularly

Many aim to “revise later” and end up cramming just before exams, which is stressful and ineffective. Short, daily review of key formulas, processes, and terminology will help you retain much more over time.

Aim for 10-minute recaps at the start or end of each study session. Regular revision builds knowledge steadily and reduces the need for last-minute panic.

8. Underestimating Practical Application

Accounting isn’t just about theory; it’s highly practical.

Simply reading about processes isn’t enough. Work through lots of real examples, balance trial balances manually, and use relevant accounting software if possible.

Practice turns abstract concepts into genuine understanding and prepares you for workplace scenarios as well as exams. The more problems you tackle hands-on, the more confident you’ll become.

9. Lack of Accountability

It’s easy to lose momentum when you study alone. Tell a friend or family member your goals, or join an online study group for mutual encouragement. Accountability partners keep you on track, help celebrate your progress, and can offer new perspectives or answer questions.

10. Comparing Yourself to Others

Every student’s journey is unique, especially with online learning. Comparing your progress, speed, or marks against others can undermine your confidence. Set your own realistic goals and focus on making steady personal progress, not perfection.

Celebrate small wins and improvements, however small. Choose self-improvement over comparison, and you’ll find study much more rewarding.