The second semester has already started and with the beginning of it comes university life: new events, clubs and of course studying. While everyone already has a developed set of habits for studying, it’s always worthwhile to think about fundamentals again or try something new to increase your productivity while studying. In this article we will present different “tips” which you could just think about or apply to your studies.
Set goals. Avoid vague or unrealistic goals, such as “study chemistry” or “do 100 practice problems”. For example:
- “Review and summarize chapters 3 and 4 in biology textbook.”
- “Solve 10 practice problems on u-substitution and check the solutions.”
- “Create flashcards for 15 key terms in my history class.”
“Write a practice essay for the upcoming English exam.”
It is the key to set your goals specific and realistic. Small steps often produce more consequential progress than you expect.
Create a schedule that works for you. For us the key to success is consistency and the key to consistency is planning your dedicated study time ahead. Block out study time and don’t forget to include breaks. These breaks shouldn’t morph into hours of doom-scrolling. Instead, try something quick and restorative, like grabbing a snack or stepping outside for some air.
Study in the right environment. A quiet place without distractions is ideal. The library is always a solid choice. While studying at home make an effort to minimize distractions in whatever way you can. If a perfectly quiet space isn’t available, try using noise-canceling headphones or background music to maintain focus.
Incorporate active learning. Engage with the material in a way that forces you to think critically. Write things down in your own words, explain concepts aloud, or teach the material to someone else. Explaining topics not only refines your understanding but also highlights areas you need to review.
Take breaks. It’s very challenging to study for hours without breaking focus. Additionally, the perspective of indefinite effort might feel overwhelming and discouraging. The Pomodoro Technique can help—25 minutes of focused work followed by a 5-minute break. Breaking down your session into blocks of 25 minutes (you can alternate the time) enhances your productivity, as well as assists with mental component of the task.
Stay organized. Scrambling to find notes or worksheets mid-study is a barrier that can be avoided easily. Keeping your materials well-organized, ensures that everything you need is within arm’s reach when you need it.
Prioritize understanding over memorization. Don’t just memorize facts; attempt to understand the “why” behind them. Every minute spent in active thought greatly deepens your understanding even if it is not immediately obvious. This deeper comprehension not only improves retention but also prepares you for applying the concepts in new contexts, exams in particular.
Test yourself occasionally. Quizzes, flashcards, and self-made questions are excellent tools to evaluate how well you retained the material. Testing helps to point out weak spots that need extra attention and strengthens the knowledge you already have.
Ask for help when needed. Professors are there to help you succeed, and they often are the most effective way to acquire knowledge or understand material you struggle with. Their expertise and ability to address your specific questions can clarify complex concepts in ways that general resources cannot. Don’t hesitate to approach them—they are a valuable resource dedicated to your learning.
Review consistently. Knowledge fades if it’s not revisited. This idea is the most relevant to subjects that require consistent practice, like Math and Physics. Schedule regular review sessions to keep the material fresh in your mind. This habit also prevents last-minute cramming, which is both stressful and ineffective.
Make it enjoyable. Studying doesn’t have to be a monotonous slog. With some planning and a willingness to experiment, you can find techniques that not only work but also make the process more pleasant. Studies show that people are far more likely to stay consistent and dedicate time to activities they enjoy. It sounds obvious, but very few people look at studying from this perspective. If there’s only one thing you remember from this article, let it be this: with a bit of thought and effort you can find a way to make the process more welcoming.