Studying is always something disliked by most students because the educational system has made it in such a way that it only rewards mindless learning. However, exploring new things, regardless of the subject, can be fun and enjoyable if there’s a little creativity and implication involved. At the same time, no matter how many hours you spend studying a boring subject, you may not be able to completely understand it since you don’t use proper technique.
Another problem to be talked about more is that each person has a different learning style. For example, some students may remember concepts easier if they would visualize them, while others can’t recall a thing from the lecture without writing everything down a few times. Overall, studying is a mix of a strategy fitted to your learning style and personality that you need to discover, which is why we’ll discuss some tips on studying faster and more efficiently.
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Cramming is Not An Option
Whether you’re in the middle of the semester or just starting it, remember that cramming is not an option, no matter the situation. Regardless of how much you try, your brain cannot hold tons of information even for a shorter period, and cramming can increase anxiety levels, which won’t help you too much when it comes to being composed.
Cramming is a better technique when it comes to reviewing materials and becoming more acquainted with specific parts of your studies. However, many students had mentioned cramming as a vital part of their student years because doing it a few hours before the exam allowed them to get a considerable grade. But this is not a long-term solution to studying and cannot provide good results after getting a degree and getting out there in the real world.
Time Management is The Key
If cramming is not the solution, then what is it that you should do? The answer is to learn how to manage your time correctly. Being aware of how time works and its impact on our lives will help you understand why wasting it won’t help you achieve a good grade. If you want further guidance, you can read the book “Atomic Habits” by James Clear, where you’ll learn how doing small things every day will help you more than cramming in just a few hours or days.
Time management is an essential skill when you’re a student because if you know how to balance your studies with your social life, you’ll be prosperous and open enough for fun opportunities. But if you only seek comfort in social media or partying, cramming your studies right before the exam won’t be efficient for your grades.
Creating an Optimal Study Environment
Your study environment plays a crucial role in determining how effectively you can learn and retain information. Research shows that the physical space where you study can impact your concentration, memory retention, and overall academic performance. Creating the right environment requires careful attention to several key elements.
Dedicated Study Space
Establish a consistent location specifically for studying. This could be a desk in your room, a quiet corner in the library, or a home office. Your brain will associate this space with focused work, making it easier to concentrate when you’re there. Avoid studying in bed or on the couch, as these places are mentally linked to relaxation and can reduce productivity.
Lighting and Ventilation
Natural light is ideal for studying as it reduces eye strain and helps maintain your body’s natural rhythm. Position your desk near a window if possible, but avoid direct glare on your screen or books. For artificial lighting, use a combination of ambient and task lighting. Proper ventilation is equally important – fresh air helps maintain alertness and concentration. Keep your study space well-ventilated with a room temperature between 68-72°F (20-22°C).
Organization and Materials
Maintain a clutter-free desk with only essential items within reach. Use organizers, folders, or digital solutions to keep your materials sorted and easily accessible. Implement a system where everything has its designated place. This reduces time wasted looking for materials and minimizes visual distractions that can break your concentration.
Ergonomic Considerations
Your seating should support good posture while being comfortable enough for extended study sessions. Invest in a chair that provides proper back support and allows your feet to rest flat on the floor. Position your screen at eye level and keep your keyboard and mouse at a height where your elbows form a 90-degree angle.
Sound Management
Different people have varying preferences for background noise while studying. Some work best in complete silence, while others prefer white noise or low-volume instrumental music. If you’re studying in a noisy environment, consider using noise-canceling headphones. Avoid music with lyrics or podcasts that might compete for your attention with study material.
Try Tuition
Sometimes, in spite of your efforts, a specific subject is just not that easy to understand. This is not something to be worried about because not everyone can master all the school subjects, which is why you can try tuition in the said field of study. For example, if you struggle with chemistry, which is objectively a pretty challenging matter, you can search for chemistry tuition teachers in your area or even online and manage your time in such a manner that you can attend school classes and be present at your tuition hours.
Although you may not want to consider this option because of the prices, know that sometimes you only need a few tuition classes to grasp the concept you can’t seem to get. Plus, tuition has the advantage of becoming a safe space for asking questions, which will help you learn better and be more confident in your studies.
Technology Integration in Studies
In today’s digital age, technology can either be your greatest ally or biggest distraction in your studies. The key lies in how you harness these digital tools while managing their potential drawbacks.
Effective Use of Digital Tools
Study Apps and Productivity Trackers
- Time Management Apps
- Forest: Plants virtual trees while you focus
- RescueTime: Tracks your digital activities and provides productivity insights
- Focus@Will: Offers scientifically optimized music for studying
- Task Management Tools
- Todoist: Organize assignments and deadlines
- Trello: Visual project management for group work
- Microsoft To Do: Simple, effective task listing and reminder system
Digital Flashcards and Quiz Platforms
- Spaced Repetition Tools
- Anki: Customizable flashcards with smart review scheduling
- Quizlet: Pre-made and custom flashcard sets with various study modes
- Memrise: Language learning and general knowledge quiz platform
- Self-Assessment Platforms
- Kahoot: Interactive quiz creation and participation
- Google Forms: Create personal practice tests
- Duolingo: Language learning with gamification
Note-Taking Applications
- Digital Notebooks
- OneNote: Comprehensive note organization with multi-device sync
- Evernote: Capture and organize notes, documents, and web content
- Notion: All-in-one workspace for notes, projects, and collaboration
- Specialized Note Tools
- GoodNotes: Digital handwriting and PDF annotation
- Otter.ai: AI-powered voice recording and transcription
- Microsoft Lens: Document scanning and conversion
Online Collaboration Tools
- Real-Time Collaboration
- Google Workspace: Shared documents, spreadsheets, and presentations
- Microsoft Teams: Video calls, file sharing, and group chat
- Zoom: Virtual study sessions and tutorial meetings
- Project Management
- Asana: Group project organization and tracking
- Slack: Communication channels for study groups
- Miro: Virtual whiteboard for brainstorming
Educational Video Platforms
- Video Learning Resources
- Khan Academy: Free educational content across subjects
- Coursera: University-level courses and specializations
- YouTube Educational Channels: Subject-specific tutorials and explanations
Take Care of Your Health
The way we behave with our bodies shows in our mental capacities. In other words, you need to maintain your body to be able to learn better and have better brain power. To achieve good health, you only need to:
- Sleep more. Try to achieve a complete eight-hour night of sleep to grasp the benefits of sleeping fully;
- Eat better. Choosing nutritious foods (that are affordable, too) will help with your brain’s health;
- Exercising. 30 minutes of walking, stretching or running can contribute to better cognitive abilities;
Taking care of your mental health is also beneficial. We know sometimes it’s hard to avoid stress and worry, but these factors are helpful in small percentages. When you’re so stressed that you can’t sleep or eat, it’s a sign you should make it more accessible or even consult with a therapist.
Be Open With Your Learning Strategies
When you get used to one learning style, you might get tired of it since it’s not beneficial anymore, considering your needs. Therefore, when you have the time and patience, try a new learning style and see if it fits your requirements. For example, you may try the following:
- Auditory learning. Try recording your lessons and then listening afterwards. This not only helps your study but also review your lessons easier;
- Writing. This is one of the most personal studying techniques. Try to re-write your lessons at home and personalize them;
- Group learning. Studying with your friends or colleagues can be both fun and efficient;
Another essential tactic is to get involved in that subject outside the studying field. For example, you could read the news on what scientific development chemists have made recently or who won the Nobel Prize in Literature in the current year. These methods will help you engage better with the subject and understand its importance. Excelling in your studies doesn’t mean you only have to know what’s written on the backboard and in your manuals. Knowing and enriching your culture will make you a successful student.
FAQs
How many hours should I study each day?
When is the best time to study?
How often should I take breaks?
What’s the most effective way to memorize information?
Making flashcards
Teaching concepts to others
Practice tests
Writing summaries without referring to notes
Creating mind maps
Is multitasking while studying effective?
Bottom Line
Studying can be pretty stressful, especially during exam season. But there are ways to overcome these situations by being a diligent student. That means learning how to be consistent, manage your time and take care of your health. If you can achieve these objectives, you can ace any of your exams, regardless of the topic.
