Whether you’ve got a big exam coming up or a lengthy assignment to complete, having the right study tools can help you stay organised, improve your understanding, and increase focus. As well as making sure your study tools are effective, many students want to ensure they’re affordable so they can stick to their budget.
Why Having the Right Study Tools Matters
Study tools such as flashcards and task management tools can help you organise your study sessions better. Many tools like these are also useful for improving memory retention, increasing your understanding, and making it easier to track your progress. They can also reduce stress and save time by helping you manage your workload more effectively. With the right study tools, students can be more productive and feel more confident when preparing for exams and working on assignments.
Essential Study Tools Every Student Should Have
Stationery Basics
Pens, sticky notes, highlighters, and notebooks are all stationery basics that can be picked up at the local supermarket. When buying them, look out for unbranded items and always compare prices. Stationery basics help you keep your work organised, improve memory through written note-taking, and increase your focus by minimising digital distractions.
Desk Organiser
Working in a disorganised environment can make it harder to concentrate, as your brain doesn’t know what to focus on. Using a desk organiser helps declutter your space, giving you more room to work and reducing distractions.
Desk Lamp for Better Focus
These provide adjustable, directed light that helps reduce visual distractions and keeps your attention on the task at hand. At the same time, desk lamps can reduce eye strain, which is useful for longer or late-night study sessions. Many modern LED desk lamps are also energy-efficient and use much less electricity than standard bulbs.
Digital Study Tools
Note-Taking Platforms
Some people favour digital notes because you can quickly search for keywords, organise notes easily, and sync information across devices. There are hundreds of free note-taking platforms students can use, such as Microsoft OneNote, Google Keep, and Notion.
Flashcard Apps
Some flashcard apps use a system called spaced repetition to show you the cards you find most difficult more often. Because flashcard apps are on your phone, you can look at them whenever you want without having to worry about carrying physical cards around. You could look at them while waiting for a lecture to begin, on the bus travelling to campus, or while waiting for your dinner to cook in the evening.
Task Management Tools
Students have several exams and assignments to think about, so task management tools can help you plan, organise, and track your work. While paper to-do lists can be useful, these tools can help you break tasks down into more manageable steps. Some free task management tools include Google Tasks, Trello, and Todoist.
Cheap Comfort Items That Make Studying Easier
Cushion
If you feel uncomfortable while studying, you’re more likely to become distracted from your work. Using a cushion to support your lower back can help you sit up straighter, reducing back strain during longer study sessions.
Blanket
As well as using a cushion, wrapping yourself in a blanket can be comforting while studying. Being cold can distract you, but a blanket provides warmth, which can help regulate your temperature and, in turn, reduce stress. A cosy study environment is more pleasant, keeping you motivated for longer periods of time.
Water Bottle
The NHS recommends drinking 6–8 cups or glasses of fluid each day. Drinking water improves concentration, mental sharpness, and memory. By keeping a water bottle close by when studying, you can stay hydrated and energised for longer.
Save Money While You Study With The Student Energy Group
The Student Energy Group is a student bills company that understands many students want to prioritise their studies while also saving money and sticking to their budget. We’ll bundle your green electricity, water, gas, TV licence, and broadband into one monthly statement, which you and your housemates can share equally, with no joint liability. Get a free, no-obligation quote from us today to start saving money while at university. Once you’re happy with your quote, it’s easy to sign up with us! We even plant a tree for every household that does.
