You might think that the students who get good grades are naturally smart. However, doing well at university involves studying hard, which isn’t always easy when the world is full of distractions. We’ve put together some helpful study tips for students to help you ace your study sessions.
1. Take Regular Breaks
If you have a lot of work to get through, it’s easy to panic and try to get it done all at once without stopping. However, if you don’t take any breaks, you’ll quickly find yourself feeling burnt out and mentally drained. This can make it more difficult to get work done to a good quality because it can decrease your motivation levels and affect your ability to concentrate. Instead, take a short break at least once an hour, where you might go on a walk around the neighbourhood or grab a snack. Avoid doing anything stimulating during your break, like checking social media or watching a video, as this can shift your focus.
2. Create a Study Schedule
You can use tools like Google Calendar and Canva to create a digital schedule or you can write it on a piece of paper and stick it on the wall or the fridge as a reminder. To put together a study schedule, note down all your assignment deadlines and when any exams are. Remember, it’s around these dates that you’ll most likely be busy with university work. Next, consider your commitments outside of university, like work, seeing friends and visiting family. Factor this into your schedule and leave time where it’s needed most for studying.
3. Get a Good Night’s Sleep
If you’ve ever had a really bad night’s sleep, you’ve probably wanted to crawl straight back into bed and avoid all your responsibilities for the day. By limiting screentime before bed, giving yourself time to wind down, and going to bed at the same time each night, you can work towards getting a good night’s sleep.
4. Use Study Groups
We’ve all studied alone at some point and become overwhelmed or frustrated by what we’re working on. Studying with your friends allows you to problem-solve together, understand certain topics more, and hear other perspectives. If your lecturers mention they’re holding extra classes for studying and revision, attend them! If your lecturer is present, this makes it easier to ask questions and avoid confusion.
5. Organise Notes
Having one notebook where you write down notes for everything can become messy. Use a different notebook for each class and use dates and headings each time you write notes. Using bulletpoints, highlighters and colour coding can also make your notes more organised so they’re easier to read back. If you take notes on your laptop, create folders for each class and date each document. Only write down anything important, as noting everything can make it difficult to decipher between what’s useful and what isn’t.
6. Avoid Distractions
A good place to start is considering your study space. If it’s well-lit, free from clutter, and has drinks and snacks nearby, this can keep you feeling productive. Instead of working in your bedroom, which is a place you associate with relaxing, go to the university’s library or a local coffee shop. Your phone is another distraction, and you might naturally find yourself checking it every few minutes. Turn it off, put it on do not disturb mode, or pop it in a different room.
7. Set Specific Goals
Without a plan in place for your study session, you won’t have a sense of direction. Setting goals gives you something to work towards and keeps you motivated. For example, you might set a goal to write 1,000 words or get a detailed introduction written for your next study session. When planning your goals, be realistic to avoid burnout and stay productive.
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