Finding the study methods and habits that work for you can seem like a trial and error process. You don’t have to study harder — you just need the right strategies! Once you find what works for you, it is a total game changer. Whether you’re trying to survive midterms, boost your GPA, or stop cramming before tests, these study tips will help you focus smarter, stay organized, and actually enjoy the process of studying!
Putting Your Phone Away
Out of Sight – Out of Mind 📱
My phone can be a huge distraction when I am studying or trying to get assignments done. Picking up your phone to check 1 notification can lead to an endless Tik-Tok scroll and disrupt your productivity. I have found that putting my phone on Do Not Disturb and setting it in my backpack or somewhere across the room if very beneficial! This helps the temptation of picking it up and starting to scroll
Rewriting Notes in Your Own Words
Not just memorize material – but fully understand it!
Instead of rereading your notes, try rewriting them in a way that makes sense to you! This promotes active recall in your brain. Changing information into your own words forces your brain to process and understand it — not just memorize it.
My favorite way to practice this is to write on a whiteboard. Most college libraries or study rooms provide students with whiteboards on campus! I encourage you to try it out next time you have an exam coming up!
The Pomodoro Study Technique
25 Minutes of studying – 5 minutes of break time
This technique is very beneficial, whether that be for studying or crossing assignments off your to do list! Your study time into focused 25-minute sessions, followed by a 5-minute break. It keeps your brain fresh and helps you power through big tasks without burning out and losing motivation! Those short breaks are perfect for stretching your body, grabbing a snack, or checking your phone!
Find the Perfect Study Environment
Libraries, Coffee Shops, & Study Rooms – try them all!
I have learned that changing your environment when studying actually does a lot more than you think. Switching the location up keeps studying from becoming boring and helps your brain stay focused and ready to absorb new information! There are plenty of places on your college campus that are perfect study locations, go try them out!
Find a Study Buddy
Grab your roommate, classmate, or your friends!
Studying with someone else can keep you accountable and make learning more fun! Personally, I have found that it promotes my motivation and pushes me to get more assignments done! Quizzing each other, sharing notes, or just study in silence together is more helpful than you realize!
As most colleges are past the halfway mark of the semester, it is inevitable that students are going to lose some motivation. That is why trying out new study methods might boost productivity and promote motivation for burnt out students! These study tips are all ones that I highly recommend trying out for yourself! Thank you for reading!
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