study smart not hard essay

Top 15 tips on how to study smarter not harder

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Get brain gains without the pain strains - study smarter, not harder

Hey there, future Einstein! Like most students, you've probably experienced the frustration of spending hours studying for a test or exam only to end up with a disappointing grade. The truth is, studying harder isn't always the answer. In fact, it's often more effective to study smarter, using proven techniques and strategies that help you retain information better and make the most of your study time. That's why we've compiled this list of 15 tips to help you study smarter, not harder. Whether you're a high school student, a college student, or just someone looking to improve your study habits, these tips will help you achieve your academic goals and succeed in your studies. So, without further ado, let's get started!

Importance of studying smarter, not harder.

Studying smarter rather than harder is crucial for academic success. Many students fall into the trap of believing that the more time they spend studying, the better they will perform. However, this is not always the case. Studying smarter involves using techniques and strategies that help you retain information more effectively, allowing you to get more done in less time. 

By focusing on quality over quantity, you can reduce the amount of time you spend studying while still achieving better results. Additionally, studying smarter helps you avoid burnout, which can negatively impact your performance and overall well-being. By prioritising effective study habits, you can achieve your academic goals without sacrificing your mental health or personal life.

Top 15 tips on how to study smarter

Tip 1: create a study schedule.

Are you tired of pulling all-nighters and drowning in a sea of textbooks? It's time to study smarter, not harder, my friend. And the first step to achieving this is by creating a study schedule. I know, I know, it sounds about as exciting as watching paint dry, but trust me, it's worth it. Procrastination might feel like a warm and fuzzy friend, but in reality, it's a sneaky thief that robs you of your time and success. So, be smart, plan your study sessions in advance, and say goodbye to cramming and hello to A's.

Tip 2: Eliminate distractions

When it comes to smart study techniques, eliminating distractions is key. And let's be real; distractions are everywhere. Your phone buzzes with a notification, your stomach growls for a snack, and suddenly you find yourself scrolling through cat memes instead of studying for that exam. But fear not, my friend, for there is a solution. Create a distraction-free study zone by turning off your phone, closing unnecessary tabs on your computer, and avoiding the temptation of snacks (or at least opting for brain food like almonds). Your focus will skyrocket, and you'll be one step closer to acing that test.

Tip 3: Take study breaks

Ah, the age-old struggle of studying smarter, not harder. It's easy to get caught up in the grind, but remember, breaks are like the chocolate chips in a cookie - small, sweet, and absolutely necessary. Without breaks, our brains turn to mush faster than a melted Hershey's bar. So, the next time you're knee-deep in your textbooks and feeling like a zombie, take a break! Go for a walk, dance like nobody's watching, or simply stare off into space -  and if you’re still out of ideas, check out our 15 best study break ideas . After all, as they say, "all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy."

Tip 4: Set weekly goals

Setting goals is crucial when it comes to studying smarter, not harder - without it, you're just wandering through a dark forest of textbooks and stress. Sure, it's easy to get lost in the weeds of studying, but having clear and measurable goals can help you stay on track and motivated. But how do we set effective goals? Firstly, make them specific and measurable. Instead of saying, "I want to do better in math," say, "I want to improve my math grade by one letter grade." This way, you have a clear target to work towards. Secondly, make them realistic and achievable. Setting a goal that is too difficult or unrealistic can leave you feeling defeated before you even start. Take into account your current abilities and resources when setting your goals. Plus, who doesn't love the feeling of crossing something off their to-do list? 

Tip 5: Use active learning techniques

Want to study smarter, not harder? Then it's time to get active! No, we don't mean running laps around your study room (although that might work too). Active learning is all about engaging your brain in the learning process rather than passively absorbing information like a sponge. Think of it like a dance - you lead, and the material follows. There are plenty of ways to get active with your learning, such as creating mind maps, using mnemonic devices, or even just explaining the material to a student essential like a backpack. Yes, you read that right. Whatever floats your boat, as long as you're engaging your brain and making the material your own. With active learning, the possibilities are endless, so don't just stick to one study technique - mix it up to keep things interesting! And, the next time you hit the books, remember to get your brain moving and grooving. 

Tip 6: Practice self-testing

Want a secret smart study technique? Then it's time to put yourself to the test - literally. Self-testing is like a secret weapon in your study arsenal. It helps you identify what you know (and what you don't) so you can focus your efforts where they're needed most. Plus, it's a great way to beat the boredom blues that come with endless hours of studying. So, how do you self-test like a pro? First, focus on testing your understanding, not just memorisation. Ask yourself questions that require you to apply what you've learned, not just regurgitate it. Second, mix it up. Don't just stick to one type of testing (like multiple choice). Mix it up with short answer questions, essays, making flashcards on different topics and even creating your own test questions. This will help you practice for any type of exam. So, next time you're studying, make sure to incorporate self-testing into your routine. 

Tip 7: Understand your learning style

If you want to study smart, then it's time to get to know yourself - your learning style, that is. We all learn differently, so it's important to identify your style and tailor your study habits accordingly. Are you a visual learner who thrives on diagrams and pictures? Or an auditory learner, who retains information through lectures and discussions. Maybe you're a kinesthetic learner who needs to move around and use hands-on activities to really get it. And there are high chances of you being a little bit of all three. The point is there's no one-size-fits-all approach to learning. So, how do you identify your style? Start by paying attention to what helps you learn best and how you naturally process information. Understanding your learning style is key to maximising your study time and avoiding the frustration of using methods that just don't click. 

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Tip 8: Use visual aids

If you want to study smart, then it's time to see the bigger picture - literally. Visual aids are a powerful tool for improving memory retention and understanding complex concepts. Think of them like a cheat code for your brain, and it is one of the proven tips on how to study effectively . From diagrams to flowcharts, or even colorful flashcards, visual aids can help you connect the dots between different pieces of information. Plus, they make studying a lot less boring. So, don't be afraid to get creative with your visual aids - try using mind maps, concept maps, or even infographics. Just make sure they're relevant to the material you're studying. Give your brain a break from the monotony and spice things up with some visual aids.

Tip 9: Use downtime to your advantage

Hey, we all need a break sometimes, but that doesn't mean we have to waste it scrolling through social media or binge-watching Netflix. Instead, use your downtime to your advantage and study smarter, not harder. Don't be fooled by the easy weeks. They may seem like a breeze, but they're actually a prime opportunity to get ahead of the game. With lighter workloads, you can use the extra time to tackle big projects or papers that are looming on the horizon and prepare yourself for upcoming internships or part-time jobs . It's important to stay on top of your classes even when you don't have any upcoming assignments. In fact, it's better to do a little bit of work each day for every class rather than cramming it all in during one marathon session. And if you're all caught up, don't waste those precious minutes when you’re either waiting in line or taking a break between classes.

Tip 10: Organize your study space

A messy study space is the enemy of productivity. If your desk looks like a tornado swept through, it's time to get organised. A clean and clutter-free workspace can do wonders for your focus and concentration. Try decluttering and organising your room and space by creating designated areas for different materials and resources. Make sure you have all the supplies you need within reach and keep your desk clear of any unnecessary items. You can also add some personal touches, like motivational quotes or pictures, to make the space feel more inviting. And don't forget to take breaks and step away from your desk when needed - a change of scenery can do wonders for your productivity. Remember, a tidy space equals a tidy mind.

Tip 11: Start a study group

Studying doesn't have to be a solitary activity. In fact, creating a study group can be a smart way to study. Not only can you ask for help when you're stuck on a concept or topic, but you can also benefit from other perspectives and insights. Plus, working with others can help keep you motivated and accountable. To create an effective study group, choose members who are committed and reliable, establish clear goals and expectations, and set a regular meeting schedule. Studying in a group can be like having your own personal think tank. And don't be afraid to ask for help - whether it's from a teacher, tutor, or study partner, seeking assistance and working together can be a game-changer. To further convince you, check out our blog on the top 10 benefits of group study !

Tip 12: Stay motivated

Studying smart is all about working smarter, not harder. But motivation plays a crucial role in the process because, let's face it - studying can be tedious and tiring. Staying motivated is key to achieving your academic goals. So, how do you keep that fire burning? One tip is to set achievable goals and reward yourself once you've accomplished them. Another is to break down your study sessions into manageable chunks so you don't get overwhelmed. Think of motivation as your personal cheerleader, so make sure to reward yourself every time you finish a study session. Did you read a chapter of your textbook? Treat yourself to a slice of cake. Did you ace a practice test? Time for a victory dance! Another tip is to change up your study routine to keep things interesting. Maybe try studying outside or listening to Mozart (if that's your thing). And if all else fails, just remember: the faster you study, the faster you can go back to binge-watching Netflix.

Tip 13: Use technology to your advantage

Gone are the days of flipping through dusty old textbooks and taking notes with a quill pen. It's time to embrace the power of technology and use it to our advantage while studying. Whether you're a fan of apps, online tools, or just good old fashion Google, there are plenty of ways to study smart with technology. Need to memorise a ton of information? Check out flashcard apps like Anki or Brainscape, which use spaced repetition to help you retain information more efficiently. Struggling with math problems? No worries, Photomath can solve equations with just a snap of your camera. And let's not forget about the almighty Google Assistant and Siri, who are always ready to answer any study-related questions you may have (as long as you don't ask them for the meaning of life). So, let's put the power of technology to good use and study smart! Who knows, maybe one day, AI will even take our exams for us, and we'll study with holograms or telepathy. Hey, a student can dream, can't they?

Tip 14: Review your notes regularly

Ah, note-taking. The bane of every student's existence. But fear not, our fellow scholars, for there is a way to make note-taking work for you. The key is to review your notes regularly. It sure sounds like a snooze-fest, but trust us, it will save you from a world of pain while preparing for an exam . Not only will reviewing your notes help you retain information better, but it will also prevent you from having a panic attack when you realise you can't read your handwriting. So, how do you keep track of your notes? Ensure you write legibly and do not scribble down every word your professor says. Next, organise them by subject and date. We know it sounds tedious, but it will save you a lot of headaches down the road. Use highlighters, pens, and stickers to make your notes pop. Not only will it make them more visually appealing, but it will also help you remember important information. And finally, set aside time to review your notes regularly. Whether it's every day or once a week, find a schedule that works for you and stick to it to study smarter, not harder.

Tip 15: Take care of yourself

Alright, listen up fellow brainiacs! If you want to study smart, you better take care of yourself, too. Yes, we’re talking about sleep. We know, we know, it's tempting to pull an all-nighter and chug energy drinks like they're going out of style, but trust us, that's a recipe for disaster. You need your beauty sleep, people! So, how do you make sure you're getting enough shut-eye? First of all, establish a bedtime routine. Whether it's taking a warm bath or reading a book, find something that relaxes you and do it every night before bed. Second, avoid screen time before bed. We know it's hard, but the blue light from your phone or laptop can surely mess with your sleep cycle. And finally, make sure your sleeping environment is conducive to sleep. Keep your room dark, quiet, and cool. But self-care goes beyond just getting enough sleep. It's important to take breaks, exercise, and engage in activities that bring joy and relaxation. Whether it's a yoga class or a bubble bath, finding ways to de-stress and recharge can make a world of difference. So, to study smart, don't forget to prioritise self-care and give your brain the rest and rejuvenation it deserves.

In conclusion, studying smarter, not harder, is all about working efficiently and effectively to get the most out of your study time. By following the tips provided in this blog, you can improve your focus, boost your memory retention, and reduce stress during exams . If you are ready to level up your study game, don't miss out on the incredible resources and tools available at Studelp ! Visit now and discover how to study smarter, not harder. You can also read our blog on balancing work and study . It's important to remember that everyone's study habits are unique, so experiment with different techniques to find what works best for you. Implementing these tips may take some time and effort, but the payoff will be worth it when you ace that exam or complete that project. So, go ahead and put these tips into action, and good luck on your academic journey!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. how can i improve my focus when studying, q2. what are some effective memory retention techniques, q3. how can i make the most of my study time, q4. how can i reduce stress during exam time, q5. what are some effective ways to study with a group.

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Study smarter, not harder

If you’ve ever struggled with balancing self-care with studying, I’m going to try and make it a little bit easier for you.

Starting university can be a little overwhelming. I was so excited about starting a new chapter in my life that I refused to acknowledge that I was struggling, and let the stress lurk beneath the surface. I didn’t want to admit that the big life change I had been looking forward to for so long was actually quite difficult to adjust to, not only academically, but also on a more personal level.

I put a lot of pressure on myself to be perfect. I wanted to prove that I was strong academically, and that I wouldn't be somebody who struggles (but, as it turns out, it's okay to be both). I tried to write three practice essays a week, and I attempted to take notes for every single piece of further reading.

This was an unsustainable way of studying which meant there were some weeks where I burned out and did almost nothing, and a lot of the work I did manage to do was irrelevant to the essays I ended up writing.

I soon learned that studying in this way is usually only possible at the expense of having friends or time to take care of my wellbeing.

How could I be spending so much time studying – barely having time for meals or showers – and still not be the perfect student?

I needed to study smarter , not harder .

So, what does ‘study smart’ mean, exactly? Select the tabs below to discover my strategies for smarter studying.

You don’t have to read every single book relating to the topic you are studying cover-to-cover. Lecturers often set core reading and further reading, and while it is all interesting, it may not all be relevant to your assignment.

A lot of journals, articles and book chapters contain an abstract or summary that you can skim read to determine whether the content is relevant. If you are still unsure, I sometimes find that reading the introduction and conclusion can give me a huge insight into what the writing is about.

Don’t copy huge chunks of text word-for-word into your notebook. My technique for note taking is to read and highlight what seems important, whether it’s facts and figures or a critical perspective. I then read the highlighted parts again, and write in my own words anything of importance. This specific method may not work for everyone, but it is an example of how you don’t have to waste hours taking notes from every single page on the reading list.

When note taking, whether in a lecture or during reading, ensure that you keep a note of where this information is from so that you do not plagiarise later. You likely won’t have time to copy whole quotes in a lecture, so instead you can try to write a few important words with the name, year and page number (if applicable).

One of my favourite apps for remembering information is Quizlet. You can create flashcards (or use sets made by other users) that work in an algorithm so that you study those you get wrong more often.

Another app that I recommend is Todoist. You can enter your to-do-list (as the name suggests), organise your tasks into different categories and projects, set a schedule if it is an everyday task, record deadlines for assignments, and prioritise tasks. I find it very helpful, though you may prefer an academic planner

Most importantly, ask for help if you need it. I struggled to go to anyone for help in my first year, as I felt incredibly awkward in this new university dynamic. However, I have reached out early to my module conveners for this year to ask for tips and recommended reading to prepare, and they were all greatly supportive and very happy that I had emailed. Many people wait months, or years, into their degree before finally asking for a lecturer’s guidance, but they want you to succeed and will be happy to provide support and feedback.

Studying smarter, not harder, means that you don’t have to slave over your work for it to be good.

Remember that everybody works differently. Are you an early bird or a night owl? Don’t feel pressured to work a 9-5 if you don’t work as well at certain times. But be honest with yourself and your productivity.

It’s important to recognise that small things, like taking breaks, aren’t bad and will make your routine much more sustainable. You can find balance by using these tips to reduce your study time and using the rest to try a new activity, meet your friends, or shower. All of these things are equally important for your university life so make sure you find balance and feel proud of your achievements.

*References to other products in this blog are made to ensure proper contextualisation of the information and for the convenience of the reader. References are not an endorsement from Bloomsbury Publishing Plc. Opinions expressed in this blog are those of the writer.

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How well do your study habits serve you? Use the article Changing habits: start with one small step to review your existing study habits.

We often take our brains for granted. But understanding how they work, and when they're at their most effective, can help us be more productive at work, and in exams. Read this Train your brain page to identify revision strategies that work for you.

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Studying 101: Study Smarter Not Harder

Do you ever feel like your study habits simply aren’t cutting it? Do you wonder what you could be doing to perform better in class and on exams? Many students realize that their high school study habits aren’t very effective in college. This is understandable, as college is quite different from high school. The professors are less personally involved, classes are bigger, exams are worth more, reading is more intense, and classes are much more rigorous. That doesn’t mean there’s anything wrong with you; it just means you need to learn some more effective study skills. Fortunately, there are many active, effective study strategies that are shown to be effective in college classes.

This handout offers several tips on effective studying. Implementing these tips into your regular study routine will help you to efficiently and effectively learn course material. Experiment with them and find some that work for you.

Reading is not studying

Simply reading and re-reading texts or notes is not actively engaging in the material. It is simply re-reading your notes. Only ‘doing’ the readings for class is not studying. It is simply doing the reading for class. Re-reading leads to quick forgetting.

Think of reading as an important part of pre-studying, but learning information requires actively engaging in the material (Edwards, 2014). Active engagement is the process of constructing meaning from text that involves making connections to lectures, forming examples, and regulating your own learning (Davis, 2007). Active studying does not mean highlighting or underlining text, re-reading, or rote memorization. Though these activities may help to keep you engaged in the task, they are not considered active studying techniques and are weakly related to improved learning (Mackenzie, 1994).

Ideas for active studying include:

• Create a study guide by topic. Formulate questions and problems and write complete answers. Create your own quiz.
• Become a teacher. Say the information aloud in your own words as if you are the instructor and teaching the concepts to a class.
• Derive examples that relate to your own experiences.
• Create concept maps or diagrams that explain the material.
• Develop symbols that represent concepts.
• For non-technical classes (e.g., English, History, Psychology), figure out the big ideas so you can explain, contrast, and re-evaluate them.
• For technical classes, work the problems and explain the steps and why they work.
• Study in terms of question, evidence, and conclusion: What is the question posed by the instructor/author? What is the evidence that they present? What is the conclusion?

Organization and planning will help you to actively study for your courses. When studying for a test, organize your materials first and then begin your active reviewing by topic (Newport, 2007). Often professors provide subtopics on the syllabi. Use them as a guide to help organize your materials. For example, gather all of the materials for one topic (e.g., PowerPoint notes, text book notes, articles, homework, etc.) and put them together in a pile. Label each pile with the topic and study by topics.

For more information on the principle behind active studying, check out our tipsheet on metacognition .

Understand the Study Cycle

The Study Cycle , developed by Frank Christ, breaks down the different parts of studying: previewing, attending class, reviewing, studying, and checking your understanding. Although each step may seem obvious at a glance, all too often students try to take shortcuts and miss opportunities for good learning. For example, you may skip a reading before class because the professor covers the same material in class; doing so misses a key opportunity to learn in different modes (reading and listening) and to benefit from the repetition and distributed practice (see #3 below) that you’ll get from both reading ahead and attending class. Understanding the importance of all stages of this cycle will help make sure you don’t miss opportunities to learn effectively.

Spacing out is good

One of the most impactful learning strategies is “distributed practice”—spacing out your studying over several short periods of time over several days and weeks (Newport, 2007). The most effective practice is to work a short time on each class every day. The total amount of time spent studying will be the same (or less) than one or two marathon library sessions, but you will learn the information more deeply and retain much more for the long term—which will help get you an A on the final. The important thing is how you use your study time, not how long you study. Long study sessions lead to a lack of concentration and thus a lack of learning and retention.

In order to spread out studying over short periods of time across several days and weeks, you need control over your schedule . Keeping a list of tasks to complete on a daily basis will help you to include regular active studying sessions for each class. Try to do something for each class each day. Be specific and realistic regarding how long you plan to spend on each task—you should not have more tasks on your list than you can reasonably complete during the day.

For example, you may do a few problems per day in math rather than all of them the hour before class. In history, you can spend 15-20 minutes each day actively studying your class notes. Thus, your studying time may still be the same length, but rather than only preparing for one class, you will be preparing for all of your classes in short stretches. This will help focus, stay on top of your work, and retain information.

In addition to learning the material more deeply, spacing out your work helps stave off procrastination. Rather than having to face the dreaded project for four hours on Monday, you can face the dreaded project for 30 minutes each day. The shorter, more consistent time to work on a dreaded project is likely to be more acceptable and less likely to be delayed to the last minute. Finally, if you have to memorize material for class (names, dates, formulas), it is best to make flashcards for this material and review periodically throughout the day rather than one long, memorization session (Wissman and Rawson, 2012). See our handout on memorization strategies to learn more.

It’s good to be intense

Not all studying is equal. You will accomplish more if you study intensively. Intensive study sessions are short and will allow you to get work done with minimal wasted effort. Shorter, intensive study times are more effective than drawn out studying.

In fact, one of the most impactful study strategies is distributing studying over multiple sessions (Newport, 2007). Intensive study sessions can last 30 or 45-minute sessions and include active studying strategies. For example, self-testing is an active study strategy that improves the intensity of studying and efficiency of learning. However, planning to spend hours on end self-testing is likely to cause you to become distracted and lose your attention.

On the other hand, if you plan to quiz yourself on the course material for 45 minutes and then take a break, you are much more likely to maintain your attention and retain the information. Furthermore, the shorter, more intense sessions will likely put the pressure on that is needed to prevent procrastination.

Silence isn’t golden

Know where you study best. The silence of a library may not be the best place for you. It’s important to consider what noise environment works best for you. You might find that you concentrate better with some background noise. Some people find that listening to classical music while studying helps them concentrate, while others find this highly distracting. The point is that the silence of the library may be just as distracting (or more) than the noise of a gymnasium. Thus, if silence is distracting, but you prefer to study in the library, try the first or second floors where there is more background ‘buzz.’

Keep in mind that active studying is rarely silent as it often requires saying the material aloud.

Problems are your friend

Working and re-working problems is important for technical courses (e.g., math, economics). Be able to explain the steps of the problems and why they work.

In technical courses, it is usually more important to work problems than read the text (Newport, 2007). In class, write down in detail the practice problems demonstrated by the professor. Annotate each step and ask questions if you are confused. At the very least, record the question and the answer (even if you miss the steps).

When preparing for tests, put together a large list of problems from the course materials and lectures. Work the problems and explain the steps and why they work (Carrier, 2003).

Reconsider multitasking

A significant amount of research indicates that multi-tasking does not improve efficiency and actually negatively affects results (Junco, 2012).

In order to study smarter, not harder, you will need to eliminate distractions during your study sessions. Social media, web browsing, game playing, texting, etc. will severely affect the intensity of your study sessions if you allow them! Research is clear that multi-tasking (e.g., responding to texts, while studying), increases the amount of time needed to learn material and decreases the quality of the learning (Junco, 2012).

Eliminating the distractions will allow you to fully engage during your study sessions. If you don’t need your computer for homework, then don’t use it. Use apps to help you set limits on the amount of time you can spend at certain sites during the day. Turn your phone off. Reward intensive studying with a social-media break (but make sure you time your break!) See our handout on managing technology for more tips and strategies.

Switch up your setting

Find several places to study in and around campus and change up your space if you find that it is no longer a working space for you.

Know when and where you study best. It may be that your focus at 10:00 PM. is not as sharp as at 10:00 AM. Perhaps you are more productive at a coffee shop with background noise, or in the study lounge in your residence hall. Perhaps when you study on your bed, you fall asleep.

Have a variety of places in and around campus that are good study environments for you. That way wherever you are, you can find your perfect study spot. After a while, you might find that your spot is too comfortable and no longer is a good place to study, so it’s time to hop to a new spot!

Become a teacher

Try to explain the material in your own words, as if you are the teacher. You can do this in a study group, with a study partner, or on your own. Saying the material aloud will point out where you are confused and need more information and will help you retain the information. As you are explaining the material, use examples and make connections between concepts (just as a teacher does). It is okay (even encouraged) to do this with your notes in your hands. At first you may need to rely on your notes to explain the material, but eventually you’ll be able to teach it without your notes.

Creating a quiz for yourself will help you to think like your professor. What does your professor want you to know? Quizzing yourself is a highly effective study technique. Make a study guide and carry it with you so you can review the questions and answers periodically throughout the day and across several days. Identify the questions that you don’t know and quiz yourself on only those questions. Say your answers aloud. This will help you to retain the information and make corrections where they are needed. For technical courses, do the sample problems and explain how you got from the question to the answer. Re-do the problems that give you trouble. Learning the material in this way actively engages your brain and will significantly improve your memory (Craik, 1975).

Take control of your calendar

Controlling your schedule and your distractions will help you to accomplish your goals.

If you are in control of your calendar, you will be able to complete your assignments and stay on top of your coursework. The following are steps to getting control of your calendar:

• On the same day each week, (perhaps Sunday nights or Saturday mornings) plan out your schedule for the week.
• Go through each class and write down what you’d like to get completed for each class that week.
• Look at your calendar and determine how many hours you have to complete your work.
• Determine whether your list can be completed in the amount of time that you have available. (You may want to put the amount of time expected to complete each assignment.) Make adjustments as needed. For example, if you find that it will take more hours to complete your work than you have available, you will likely need to triage your readings. Completing all of the readings is a luxury. You will need to make decisions about your readings based on what is covered in class. You should read and take notes on all of the assignments from the favored class source (the one that is used a lot in the class). This may be the textbook or a reading that directly addresses the topic for the day. You can likely skim supplemental readings.
• Pencil into your calendar when you plan to get assignments completed.
• Before going to bed each night, make your plan for the next day. Waking up with a plan will make you more productive.

See our handout on calendars and college for more tips on using calendars as time management.

Use downtime to your advantage

Beware of ‘easy’ weeks. This is the calm before the storm. Lighter work weeks are a great time to get ahead on work or to start long projects. Use the extra hours to get ahead on assignments or start big projects or papers. You should plan to work on every class every week even if you don’t have anything due. In fact, it is preferable to do some work for each of your classes every day. Spending 30 minutes per class each day will add up to three hours per week, but spreading this time out over six days is more effective than cramming it all in during one long three-hour session. If you have completed all of the work for a particular class, then use the 30 minutes to get ahead or start a longer project.

Use all your resources

Remember that you can make an appointment with an academic coach to work on implementing any of the strategies suggested in this handout.

Works consulted

Carrier, L. M. (2003). College students’ choices of study strategies. Perceptual and Motor Skills, 96 (1), 54-56.

Craik, F. I., & Tulving, E. (1975). Depth of processing and the retention of words in episodic memory. Journal of Experimental Psychology: General, 104 (3), 268.

Davis, S. G., & Gray, E. S. (2007). Going beyond test-taking strategies: Building self-regulated students and teachers. Journal of Curriculum and Instruction, 1 (1), 31-47.

Edwards, A. J., Weinstein, C. E., Goetz, E. T., & Alexander, P. A. (2014). Learning and study strategies: Issues in assessment, instruction, and evaluation. Elsevier.

Junco, R., & Cotten, S. R. (2012). No A 4 U: The relationship between multitasking and academic performance. Computers & Education, 59 (2), 505-514.

Mackenzie, A. M. (1994). Examination preparation, anxiety and examination performance in a group of adult students. International Journal of Lifelong Education, 13 (5), 373-388.

McGuire, S.Y. & McGuire, S. (2016). Teach Students How to Learn: Strategies You Can Incorporate in Any Course to Improve Student Metacognition, Study Skills, and Motivation. Stylus Publishing, LLC.

Newport, C. (2006). How to become a straight-a student: the unconventional strategies real college students use to score high while studying less. Three Rivers Press.

Paul, K. (1996). Study smarter, not harder. Self Counsel Press.

Robinson, A. (1993). What smart students know: maximum grades, optimum learning, minimum time. Crown trade paperbacks.

Wissman, K. T., Rawson, K. A., & Pyc, M. A. (2012). How and when do students use flashcards? Memory, 20, 568-579.

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How to Study Smarter, Not Harder: 21 Tips

The key to succeeding with your studies is to study smarter, not harder. Working harder by tapping into your willpower rarely works. Psychology studies have found that willpower is a finite resource that can be exhausted through use.

The secret to being a great student is to make study seem effortless. Set in place supporting structures and habits that allow you to get high grades without putting in many hours.

The good news is that a list of powerful techniques to help you study smarter, not harder, is presented right here. Many of the study strategies are backed by science.

The 21 tips were extracted from a large essay contest for college students. We asked entrants what most helped them to succeed at study. Then we searched through the essays to find the strongest, most repeatable study methods.

1. Set a Big-Picture Study Goal

To study smarter, set in place a big-picture goal. The objective needs to be something you find personally important and which, hopefully, is both realistic and exciting to you.

A goal is a source of energy and motivation, improving study efficiency and how well you retain information. The big-picture goal could relate to your family, future career, skill development or a personal accomplishment. Whatever the vision, think about it and believe in it.

A study of 311 college students reported in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that grades were improved by both mastery goals (a desire to acquire knowledge) and performance goals (a desire to perform just as well or better than others).

2. Study Like It’s Your Job

Elevate study to the same status as a paid job. In a job situation, you need to get things done. Simple. Take the same attitude when you sit down for a study session. Show up, make a task list and check off each accomplishment one by one. You’re there to be productive and that’s all.

A professional approach may explain why college students who also work some part-time hours achieve higher grades. A study published in the International Journal of Business Administration found that students who worked less than 10 hours per week scored a higher GPA than those who didn’t work.

Treating study like a job can help you be more consistent, focused, and productive in your studies. Without even trying especially hard, this approach must lead to better grades and academic success.

3. Create a Study Plan

Create a study plan for yourself at the start of each term. Incorporate readings, assignments and topic reviews. Be specific about dates and milestones. And adjust the plan as needed as the term goes on.

Why does a study plan work? Having a plan keeps you on track, ensuring you do everything that’s required to get good grades. A clear roadmap is great for motivation because you can tick off accomplishments one by one. It’s also efficient. Time is allocated appropriately and large tasks are broken down into smaller, manageable chunks.

A hardcopy planner or journal may be quicker and more effective than an app. But how you produce the plan is up to you. It should be specific but also clear and easy to follow. Remember that complicated plans usually don’t work and are likely to be changed.

4. Create a Weekly Study Schedule

Create a study schedule and stick to it. A structured, firm schedule is the smart strategy to manage time. You can make sure you hit your study goals while avoiding stress.

Just draw up a weekly study schedule and follow it. The schedule should allocate enough hours for study while also leaving room for hobbies, social life and down time.

Intelligent people follow study schedules because this helps them prioritize tasks and use their time efficiently.

5. Have Dedicated Study Blocks

As part of your scheduling, set aside blocks of time each day to study without interruption. Everyone has a different time of day that works best for them, which could be first thing in the morning or late at night.

Find the time where you can consistently set aside a study block. Hold yourself accountable for studying well at this time each day. Studying during the dedicated blocks is non-negotiable.

You’ll benefit from putting in the effort. With an efficient burst, you’ll accomplish your academic goals. Then you’ll get genuine time off. Because your studied at the correct times, you can take a proper break and not worry about anything.

6. Study in a Quiet Space

Find a space in your home where you are free from noise and disturbances. This is the place where you will go to work and achieve your study goals.

Quietness allows for full focus, which reduces how many hours you actually have to put in. Choose a study space that is at the right temperature, has good lighting, and is set up in a way that is comfortable and conducive to your learning style.

Mention your need for quiet time with your family or roommates in advance. Tell them when you will be studying so they don’t disturb you.

7. Prevent Possible Distractions

Remove potential distractions to complete your best work. Turn off your mobile phone and the television while you study. Only use background music if it helps you to relax and focus.

Don’t try to multi-task because it’s inefficient. Stick to your studies only. If other things are on your mind, you’ll have to take care of them later. Switching between tasks imposes time and energy costs. If study fatigue is a problem, just take a break.

If you’re studying in a noisy environment, consider using noise-cancelling headphones to help block out distractions.

8. Limit Social Media Visits

Social media is a huge distraction when you study that can fritter precious time away. Log out of your apps and accounts and switch off alerts on your phone and laptop. Don’t be tempted to get sucked into Instagram or TikTok for example when you should be studying.

A study of 500 university students in Australia found that excessive use of social media, Facebook in this case, put lower achieving students at risk. As reported in Computers and Education , moving from 2 hours to 3 hours of Facebook a day was associated with a 6-point drop in test scores.

9. Make the Most of Online Resources

Use online resources to study efficiently. A little preparation can make sure you are quick at identifying what you need to do and start tasks with the right information.

Find out exactly how students are assessed and graded. Look at your college or university’s online library or writing centre for assistance with upcoming papers. Learn how to navigate around your classroom home tabs.

There’s nothing stupider when it comes to study than running around doing unnecessary or low value study. Get a clear picture of what needs to be accomplished and the tools available to you.

10. Break Down Work into Chunks

For maximum focus, break down your daily study load into smaller tasks. These chunks should each have a specific goal.

Try only to retain a small amount of information at a time, and don’t make your study sessions too long. After each short session, give yourself a small break to refresh your mind.

According to educational psychologist Richard Mayer , “People learn better when a complex continuous lesson is broken into separate segments.”

11. Stay Mentally Engaged

Techniques to stay mental engaged are really important. You only learn when your mind is switched on.

Attention is the first step in learning. We cannot understand, learn or remember that which we don’t first attend to. Thorne and Thomas

Quiz yourself as you study to ensure you retain the information you are taking in. Say out loud what you’ve learned. If your mind wanders, watch the lecture again or re-read the chapter.

Active engagement is the mental process of extracting meaning from content. You make connections to lectures, forming intuitive examples, and regulate your own learning ( Davis and Gray ).

12. Take Notes While You Study

Write down key points when you study to help retain information and ensure your brain is focused and active. For a long video, for example, jot bullet points at regular intervals. Label each set of notes. To find the notes again in the future, you can just use the search function on your laptop.

The smart way to take notes is to do so only to the point of maximum effectiveness. Key benefits are to activate your mind, identify essential information, improve retention, and create a future review resource for use ahead of exams. Always try to write in your own words so that you’re forced to contemplate what you’re writing.

The danger is that note taking becomes an activity unto itself rather than a tool. Don’t waste time with writing when it slows learning down. You may not even need to take your own notes during lectures since they may be made available by the instructor.

Some students prefer to make notes than actually think. Note-taking can turn study into a tedious exercise of copying information just for the point of memorization. Always ensure you’re actually learning!

13. Research with Strategy

Think about your approach to research to make your efforts methodical and productive. Don’t just go surfing for info on a topic for example.

You can dramatically increase your learning power by efficiently traversing study materials and keeping good records. Find the information you need quickly and document it as required. Be purposeful.

For example, you can store useful pages on key topics using browser bookmarks. Another idea is to use online flashcards to keep your thoughts organised. Create a folder for each of your classes and then make cards for each topic.

14. Find Joy in Studying

Smart students try to enjoy themselves while studying. They prove it’s possible to be strategic about your studies and get good grades while also maintaining a happy life.

Try to make the study process enjoyable for yourself. Perhaps play happy or mellow music to fit your mood, and drink coffee or caffeinated soft drink if that helps. Find a peaceful space to keep you calm and focused, and create a welcoming study environment.

The key here is to experiment to find what works for you and settle on the right balance. See what enables you to get the best of both worlds: productive study sessions and a desire to keep going with your education.

15. Take Regular Breaks

You can’t just study for hours at a time without a break. If you do, your mind starts to switch off. That wouldn’t be smart. Take regular breaks to avoid eye strain and overworking yourself. Give yourself time to take a walk away from the computer.

What should you do during your study break? Some ideas are to:

• Get some fresh air
• Take a walk or do some light exercise
• Eat a healthy snack
• Listen to music
• Meditate or do some deep breathing.

A nice tip is to set a timer for 25 minutes, and after that time, take 5 minutes away to rest. Another popular schedule is 50 minutes study then a 10-minute break. This is the same pattern you’ll often see with university lectures and tutorials. Fifty minutes seems to be about the maximum that people can maintain good concentration on a regular basis.

16. Keep Healthy

A healthy mind is a healthy body. Our brains can only take so much. Ensure you exercise, get fresh air, and eat healthy food. Rest as needed and get enough sleep each night. Your mind will be able to think much clearer when you are feeling rejuvenated.

When a person is physically healthy, they’re better able to concentrate, have more energy, and perform at their best. Even if you’d rather be doing something else, it’s worthwhile investing in your health. Exercise should be one of your study habits and even built into your study plan.

A good meal and brisk walk can work wonders if you’ve been in the habit of sitting around and snacking. Try studying after a few days or more without any alcohol or other harmful substances. You’ll be much sharper, with a better memory.

17. Connect with Other People

Connect with other students online via social apps, discussion boards and online portals. Find other students in your local area or on your course. They can offer an excellent support system to keep everyone motivated, engaged and on task.

When you feel connected to the people involved in your course, mental engagement naturally increases. Humans are social creatures after all. You’ll also develop critical thinking skills by having to consider and examine alternative viewpoints.

The quality of the discussion matters a great deal of course. Instructors sometimes offer credit for participating on online forums, which can backfire when students resent being compelled to act in a certain way and, consequently, don’t put genuine effort into their questions and comments.

18. Join a Study Team

When you study solo all the time, the experience can be lonely. Create a virtual team of study buddies to offer you company. Over time, you’ll tend to copy and learn from each other as well, forming good study habits and developing new study skills.

Build relationships and encourage each other through the more challenging times. Discuss your progress over WhatsApp or Facebook for example. You’re there to support each other and ensure everyone passes with flying colours.

19. Ask Questions

Don’t be shy to ask questions and get help when needed. Reaching out to your instructor or a classmate early is better than scrambling for hours trying to grasp something. To get the best response, figure out what you need to know and ask politely and concisely.

The ability to ask good questions is actually an important skill that will serve you well in both academic and professional endeavors. Apart from improving knowledge, it’s a way of building relationships and understanding.

When you ask questions, you clarify your understanding of the material being studied, and ensure that you’re fully engaged in the learning process. Asking questions helps to stimulate critical thinking and to promote the exchange of ideas in the classroom. It also facilitates the development of stronger relationships with your instructors and classmates.

20. Beat Course Deadlines

Get in the habit of beating deadlines. If you always have some time left, you avoid anxiety, stress and potentially late nights. You also create time to review your reports and achieve the highest quality.

Instructors are almost always reasonable. They do normally provide sufficient time for you to complete assignments or projects. If you have trouble meeting deadlines, you should introspect and see what you’re doing wrong. You might be procrastinating and putting things off until the last minute. Alternatively, you may be studying inefficiently and taking too long to complete tasks.

Pretend everything is due a day before. For a larger assignment, create a deadline a few days earlier. Plan for a review of what you’ve done on the due date, not a mad scramble to submit something, anything.

21. Reward Yourself

When you accomplish a goal or complete a task, your brain releases feel-good chemicals like dopamine, which can help you feel satisfied and motivated. Rewarding yourself can help you reinforce this positive behavior and create a sense of accomplishment and pride.

A smart strategy to keep you motivated to study is to reward yourself as you go. When you do well on a paper or test, go and treat yourself with whatever you like to do. You need to have a life outside of your studies. Make sure you add some downtime to your schedule to spend time with your friends and family as well.

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5 Responses

Very useful tools for staying engaged and creating a well rounded study sphere.

Some good tips here on how to study smarter. If you put the right structures in place, you can accomplish your goals seemingly without effort. Anyone struggling with study should look at how they’re going about it. I bet they’re doing some silly things that make study and life harder, like doubting their course choice or having other, non-academic priorities.

IKR? I’d rather be the smartest worker in the room rather than the hardest worker! Reminds me of that picture where 2 people were pushing on a block of cement. The other one carved it into a circle and was able to move it forward much better than the one who worked so hard to push the original block.

Number two on the list is probably one of the smartest things I have read in a while. It makes sense to take learning as seriously as a job. You will stay focused and you may even end up enjoying it more. At the very least, you will hate it less! Keeping your eye on your end goal helps too.

Jorge Castillo

I just complete my master’s degree which included a thesis paper and studying for a competency exam (in addition to regular courses) so I can say every one of these tips is useful. I think the most important thing to do is adopt a philosophy that your education is a full-time job. If you are working, that means you’re working part-time or 2 full-time jobs once you start studying. Don’t want to do it? Consider an alternative.

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17 Expert Tips on How to Study Smarter Not Harder

As a student, you understand the demands of studying. It can often feel overwhelming, and you may find yourself spending countless hours buried in books and notes. However, studying smarter, not harder, can make a significant difference in your academic success. By implementing effective strategies and techniques, you can maximize your learning potential and achieve better results. Here are tips on how to study smarter, not harder.

The Importance of Studying Smarter, Not Harder

Studying smarter, not harder, is crucial for several reasons. First and foremost, it allows you to optimize your time and effort. Instead of aimlessly cramming information, you can focus on the most important concepts and retain them more effectively. Also, studying smarter enhances your understanding of the subject matter, and it enables you to make connections and apply your knowledge in real-life situations. Ultimately, this approach leads to better grades and a deeper understanding of the material.

How to Study Smarter, Not Harder

Studying effectively is a skill that can make a significant difference in your academic success. By learning how to study smarter, not harder, you can optimize your learning experience and achieve better results with less effort. Here are 17 expert tips to help you take your studying to the next level.

1. Understand Your Learning Style

Everyone has a unique learning style, and understanding yours can greatly enhance your study sessions. Identify whether you are a visual learner, auditory learner, or kinesthetic learner. Visual learners benefit from visual aids like diagrams and charts, auditory learners retain information better through listening, and kinesthetic learners prefer hands-on activities. Once you know your learning style, tailor your study techniques accordingly to maximize your comprehension and retention.

2. Create a Study Schedule

Developing a study schedule is crucial for effective learning. Set aside dedicated time slots each day for studying and stick to the schedule. Create a routine that works best for you, whether it’s studying in the morning , afternoon, or evening. By following a consistent schedule, you will train your mind to focus during these dedicated study periods, making your learning more efficient.

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3. Set Realistic Goals

Setting realistic goals is essential for staying motivated and measuring your progress. Break down your long-term study goals into smaller, manageable tasks. This way, you can celebrate small victories along the way, which will keep you motivated to continue studying. Make sure your goals are specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound ( SMART goals ).

4. Break Down Your Study Material

Studying can feel overwhelming, especially when faced with a large amount of material. To avoid feeling overwhelmed, break down your study material into smaller, digestible chunks. This approach allows you to focus on one concept or topic at a time, making it easier to understand and remember. Create an outline or use flashcards to organize your study material into manageable sections.

Related: How to study for 3 hours straight

5. Use Active Learning Techniques

Passively reading or listening to information is not the most effective way to study. Instead, engage in active learning techniques that require you to participate actively. Examples include summarizing information in your own words, teaching the material to someone else, or solving practice problems. These techniques help reinforce your understanding and improve your retention of the material.

6. Make Use of Mnemonic Devices

Mnemonic devices are memory aids that help you remember information more easily. They can be acronyms, rhymes, or visual images that link new information to something familiar. For example, to remember the order of the planets, you can use the mnemonic “My Very Eager Mother Just Served Us Nachos” (Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune). By creating mnemonic devices, you can recall information quickly during exams or when reviewing your study material.

Related: How to make yourself focus on studying

7. Take Effective Notes

Taking effective notes is crucial for retaining information and organizing your thoughts. Develop a note-taking system that works for you, whether it’s using bullet points, mind maps, or Cornell notes. Actively listen during lectures or while reading and jot down key points, important concepts, and any questions that arise. Reviewing your notes regularly will reinforce your understanding and help you study more efficiently.

Related: How to study effectively

8. Utilize Technology for Studying

Technology can be a powerful tool for studying smarter. Use online resources, educational apps, and digital flashcards to enhance your learning experience. There are various apps available that can help you organize your study materials, create interactive quizzes, and set reminders for study sessions. However, be mindful of potential distractions and use technology purposefully to support your studying, rather than hinder it.

9. Avoid Distractions While Studying

When studying, it’s essential to create a conducive environment free from distractions. Find a quiet place where you can focus without interruptions. Turn off notifications on your phone or place it in another room to resist the temptation to check it constantly. If you find yourself easily distracted, consider using website blockers or apps that limit your access to social media during your designated study time.

10. Manage Your Time Effectively

Time management is a crucial skill for studying smarter. Prioritize your tasks based on their importance and urgency. Break down your study sessions into smaller time blocks, focusing on one task at a time. Use techniques like the Pomodoro Technique, where you study for 25 minutes, take a short break, and then repeat. By managing your time effectively, you can avoid procrastination and make the most of your study sessions.

Related: How to become smarter

11. Get Enough Rest and Sleep

Getting adequate rest and sleep is vital for optimal learning. Sleep plays a crucial role in memory consolidation and cognitive function. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night to ensure your brain is well-rested and ready to absorb new information. Avoid pulling all-nighters, as sleep deprivation can impair your concentration, memory, and overall cognitive performance.

12. Incorporate Breaks into Your Study Routine

Taking regular breaks during your study sessions can actually improve your productivity. It’s easy to become mentally fatigued when studying for extended periods without breaks. Instead, incorporate short breaks every hour or so to give your mind a chance to rest and recharge. Use this time to stretch, go for a walk, or do something enjoyable. When you return to your studies, you’ll find yourself more focused and alert.

Related: Bad study habits to quit

13. Practice Self-Care for Optimal Studying

Taking care of your overall well-being is essential for effective studying. Eat nutritious meals, stay hydrated, and engage in regular physical activity. Exercise has been shown to improve cognitive function and memory. Additionally, manage stress through relaxation techniques such as deep breathing exercises or meditation. Prioritizing self-care will ensure you are in the best mental and physical state to absorb and retain information.

14. Use Visualization Techniques for Better Retention

Visualization is a powerful technique that can enhance your learning and retention. When studying complex concepts, try to visualize them in a way that makes sense to you. Create mental images, diagrams, or mind maps to represent the information visually. This technique helps your brain make connections and associations, making it easier to recall the information later.

Related; Affirmations for good results

15. Test Yourself Regularly

Regular self-testing is an effective way to reinforce your learning and identify areas that need further review. Quiz yourself using flashcards, create practice tests, or participate in online quizzes. This active recall technique helps strengthen your memory and improves your understanding of the material. Focus on areas where you struggle and review them until you feel confident.

Related: How to remember what you study

16. Review and Revise Your Study Material

Regularly reviewing and revising your study material is crucial for long-term retention. Schedule periodic review sessions to refresh your memory and reinforce what you have learned. Use active learning techniques during these review sessions to actively engage with the material. By continuously reviewing and revising, you can solidify your knowledge and ensure it stays fresh in your mind.

Related: How to learn anything faster

17. Stay Motivated and Focused

Staying motivated and focused throughout your study journey is key to studying smarter. Find ways to stay inspired, whether it’s setting rewards for achieving your study goals, joining study groups for accountability, or finding a study buddy to keep each other motivated. Break down your long-term goals into smaller milestones and celebrate your achievements along the way. Remember why you started and visualize the success you will achieve through your hard work.

Related: How to prepare for your exams

By implementing these expert tips, you can transform your study habits and achieve better results with less effort. Understanding your learning style, setting realistic goals, breaking down your study material, and utilizing active learning techniques are just a few strategies to study smarter, not harder.

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Study Smarter, Not Harder: Unleash Your Academic Potential

1. Understanding the Concept:

Studying smarter involves strategic planning, efficient utilization of time, and employing techniques that enhance comprehension and retention. It goes beyond the traditional brute-force method of memorization and embraces a holistic approach to learning. Here are key principles to help you embark on the journey of studying smarter:

2. Set Clear Goals:

Clearly define your academic goals, both short-term and long-term. Break them down into manageable tasks and create a roadmap for achieving them. Setting specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals provides a clear direction for your studies. This approach not only gives you a sense of purpose but also ensures that every study session contributes meaningfully to your academic journey.

3. Prioritize and Organize:

Learn the art of prioritization and organization to navigate the academic landscape successfully. Discern tasks based on their importance and deadlines, utilizing tools like planners, calendars, or digital apps to structure your study schedule effectively. This not only prevents last-minute cramming but also reduces stress, allowing you to approach your studies with a clear and focused mind.

4. Active Learning Techniques:

Engage in active learning methods to elevate your study sessions. Summarize information in your own words, teach concepts to others, and solve problems actively. This dynamic approach enhances understanding and retention compared to passive learning through mere reading or listening. Transform your study sessions into interactive experiences that leave a lasting impact on your academic journey.

5. Utilize Technology Wisely:

Leverage technology as a powerful ally in your quest to study smarter. Educational apps, online resources, and multimedia content can complement traditional study materials. Experiment with different tools to identify what aligns best with your learning style, creating a personalized and efficient study environment that harnesses the benefits of technological advancements.

6. Quality Over Quantity:

Challenge the conventional belief that longer study hours equate to better results. Focus on the quality of your study sessions rather than their duration. Short, focused study intervals with breaks in between are often more effective than marathon sessions. This approach not only prevents burnout but also promotes sustained concentration, allowing you to make the most of your study time.

7. Practice Retrieval and Spaced Repetition:

Incorporate powerful techniques like retrieval practice and spaced repetition into your study routine. Actively recalling information from memory and spacing out reviews over time significantly enhances long-term retention. These strategies transform your study sessions into opportunities for reinforcing and solidifying your understanding of the material.

8. Healthy Lifestyle:

Recognize the integral connection between a well-balanced lifestyle and effective studying. Prioritize adequate sleep, maintain a nutritious diet, and engage in regular physical activity. These factors not only contribute to your overall well-being but also significantly impact cognitive function, providing you with the mental clarity necessary for successful academic endeavors.

9. Seek Help When Needed:

In the pursuit of knowledge, acknowledge the strength in seeking assistance when needed. Don’t hesitate to reach out to teachers, classmates, or online resources when you encounter challenges. Collaborative learning and seeking support create a conducive and supportive academic environment, empowering you to overcome obstacles and thrive in your studies.

10. Strategic Learning Insights:

To enhance your strategic learning journey, consider integrating reflective practices. Regularly assess your study methods, identifying what works best and where adjustments are needed. Set aside time for self-reflection, allowing you to adapt your approach based on evolving needs. Additionally, explores interdisciplinary connections, linking concepts from different subjects for a more comprehensive understanding.

This multifaceted approach adds depth to your learning experience, fostering a more holistic grasp of the material. Embrace the continuous evolution of your study strategies, incorporating innovative approaches to stay engaged and invigorated throughout your academic journey.

In Conclusion:

By embracing the philosophy of studying smarter, not harder, students can transform their academic experience. This approach is not about avoiding effort but about channeling energy and time into methods that yield optimal results. As you incorporate these principles into your study routine, you’ll likely find that not only does your academic performance improve, but your overall learning experience becomes more enjoyable and fulfilling. It’s time to unlock your true academic potential by working smarter, not harder.

Author Bio: Zeeva Usman is a content marketing manager at Peter and Petra. She is leading the remote working training program at Human Right Warrior and she’s a content marketing specialist at Christian Marketing Experts When not working she loves to play with her two dogs, Palm and Oreo.

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Study Smarter, Not Harder: Top 10 Study Tips

Studying smarter, not harder is very important for university students, as it emphasises quality over quantity, and also fosters effective learning techniques. This will help to prevent burnout and a feeling of being overwhelmed by what you need to achieve. Smart studying also encourages better time management and prioritisation, cultivates critical thinking and problem solving, all of which are essential for academic success and your future career.

1. Create a Schedule

And make sure it works for you. Making a schedule can help most students feel like they are in control of their time, and what they need to achieve in that time. Get a planner or find an online alternative, and write down your important deadlines. By working out when your deadlines are and how much work each of them will take, you will be able to divide your workload into manageable blocks and work out when you can fit your other commitments, such as work and socialising (which are both very important!), around your studies.

If you also have to sit tests, it can be useful to make a note of their dates, and then work out when you want to revise for them, so that this time does not get sacrificed in place of other study commitments.

2. Take notes and review them

When you are in class, take as many notes as is useful for you. Some teachers might allow you to access the presentation or class resources through your university portal, which can help to expand your notes if needed. Engaging with the class, writing down any questions you might have, and speaking to your peers are all useful ways to make the most out of your learning time.

After a lecture or class, read through your notes again. Revisiting the information you jotted down can help to store the information in your long-term memory. Make sure you also revisit your notes when revising and preparing for an assignment, as it can refresh your memory, which will no doubt have plenty of other things it is trying to remember.

3. Organise your notes

Organise your notes in a way that works best for you. People have different learning styles, with the most common ones being Visual, Auditory, Reading/Writing and Kinesthetic. Organising your notes in a way that makes sense to you might make the information easier to process, as well as being more useful when you come to revisit your notes.

For some people, reading or writing their notes out again, and reading information around the topic helps them to process the information. For others, they need to interact with the information in a more physical way, for example incorporating body movements. Some learners like to learn by hearing, so speaking about the topic, reading information aloud and having conversations with your classmates or teachers can help. Others learn best when the information is presented in a visual way, for instance in graphs or charts, using pictures or videos, or creating a powerpoint to work through can be the best approach.

4. Test yourself

Testing yourself is a great way to see where there are gaps in your knowledge, which will allow you to focus your time and energy on filling those gaps. It can also identify the bits of information you have processed and stored well, which can be a real confidence booster.

You can use practice papers and online test resources, but you could also write your own questions and flashcards, which will let you try a variety of question formats. Being tested by your friends and classmates could also be useful, as they might ask questions in a different way, making you see things differently.

5. Curate your study space

Everyone is familiar with the phrase: ‘tidy desk, tidy mind’, but how many people actually practise what they preach? Having a tidy and welcoming desk or study space can be a real boost when it comes to making time to revise or complete assignments. Having a cluttered and messy desk can be off putting, and might even add to any stress you are feeling. Take some time to look at your study area and work out what sort of layout would work best for you.

However, you should remember that a tidy desk doesn’t necessarily mean an empty desk. If there are knick-knacks and things that inspire you and make you feel at home, display those with pride.

Interested in working alongside your studies, but want some advice? Take a look at our Top Part-Time Jobs for International Students article for tips.

6. Get together with a study group

You can still have a social life and study – get together with your friends and a pizza, and share ideas or test each other. You might get a new perspective on a topic, or work out a better way to approach an assignment. Online groups can work for this too, and if you are studying entirely online, these might be organised or encouraged by your teachers.

Whilst it can be helpful to study with other people, you also need to remember to take breaks and spend time with people doing other things. An overworked brain is no use to anyone, so try to work effectively and take time away from your studies too.

7. Stay positive

Hard work will take you far, but a positive attitude will make the process much smoother and more enjoyable. Studying a subject you are passionate about, working with people you enjoy being around, and having good teachers are all ways to have a positive study experience. However, we aren’t always in control of all of these elements. Try and approach your studies with a positive outlook, and when things get tough, see it as a good opportunity to challenge yourself and communicate with your peers and teachers.

Struggling with homesickness? Take a look at our culture shock article for tips on how to cope with being away from home.

8. Trust your instincts

If you’re under pressure in an exam, don’t second-guess yourself. In most cases, the first answer you think of will be the right one. If you’re really not sure, make a note of it and move on – you can always come back later if you have time. If you’ve followed all of the above tips, it’s likely that you are well prepared for any exams or assignments, so feel confident in yourself and your knowledge.

9. Test your teachers and peers

Question your teachers and classmates before an exam, make sure you know exactly what will be covered and what type of questions you should expect. Your teachers may have some practice papers you can try first, and your classmates might have a different perspective on things that help you to see things in a different way. This is also a good opportunity to revisit your notes and ask any questions you might have forgotten you had.

10. Feed your brain and stay healthy

Eat well. Good brain food includes oily fish, nuts, blueberries and avocados (among many others). A healthy balanced diet is incredibly important for all sorts, including memory, brain function and immunity. Get enough sleep, and plan in some active time to keep fit. Oxygen also helps your memory and concentration, so take a break and get some fresh air, even if it’s a quick walk. Many people have their best ideas away from their desk, so if you’re really stuck for words just get outside and run around the park.

Thinking about studying at a university abroad? Take a look at the subjects on offer and start your international study journey today.

Use our course search tool to find courses you are interested in offered by universities around the world.

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Science News Explores

Top 10 tips on how to study smarter, not longer.

Good study skills matter now more than ever, and science points to ones that really work

Many students study by reading their notes and textbooks over and over again. Research studies show there are more effective ways to use your valuable study time.

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By Kathiann Kowalski

September 9, 2020 at 6:30 am

As a teen, Faria Sana often highlighted books with markers. “The colors were supposed to tell me different things.” Later, she recalls, “I had no idea what those highlighted texts were supposed to mean.”

She also took lots of notes as she read. But often she was “just copying words or changing the words around.” That work didn’t help much either, she says now. In effect, “it was just to practice my handwriting skills.”

“No one ever taught me how to study,” Sana says. College got harder, so she worked to find better study skills. She’s now a psychologist at Athabasca University in Alberta, Canada. There she studies how students can learn better.

Having good study skills is always helpful. But it’s even more important now during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many students worry about family or friends who may get sick, Sana notes. Others feel more general stress . Beyond that, students in many countries are facing different formats for learning. Some schools are holding in-person classes again, with rules for spacing and masks . Others schools have staggered classes, with students at school part-time. Still others have all online classes , at least for a while.

These conditions can distract from your lessons. Plus, students are likely to have to do more without a teacher or parent looking over their shoulders. They will have to manage their time and study more on their own. Yet many students never learned those skills. To them, Sana says, it may be like telling students to learn to swim by “just swimming.”

The good news: Science can help.

For more than 100 years, psychologists have done research on which study habits work best. Some tips help for almost every subject. For example, don’t just cram! And test yourself, instead of just rereading the material. Other tactics work best for certain types of classes. This includes things like using graphs or mixing up what you study. Here are 10 tips to tweak your study habits.

1. Space out your studying

Nate Kornell “definitely did cram” before big tests when he was a student. He’s a psychologist at Williams College in Williamstown, Mass. He still thinks it’s a good idea to study the day before a big test. But research shows it’s a bad idea to cram all your studying into that day. Instead, space out those study sessions.

In one 2009 experiment, college students studied vocabulary words with flash cards. Some students studied all the words in spaced-apart sessions throughout four days. Others studied smaller batches of the words in crammed, or massed, sessions, each over a single day. Both groups spent the same amount of time overall. But testing showed that the first group learned the words better .

Kornell compares our memory to water in a bucket that has a small leak. Try to refill the bucket while it’s still full, and you can’t add much more water. Allow time between study sessions, and some of the material may drip out of your memory. But then you’ll be able to relearn it and learn more in your next study session. And you’ll remember it better, next time, he notes.

2. Practice, practice, practice!

Musicians practice their instruments. Athletes practice sports skills. The same should go for learning.

“If you want to be able to remember information, the best thing you can do is practice,” says Katherine Rawson. She’s a psychologist at Kent State University in Ohio. In one 2013 study, students took practice tests over several weeks. On the final test, they scored more than a full letter grade better , on average, than did students who studied the way they normally had.

In a study done a few years earlier, college students read material and then took recall tests. Some took just one test. Others took several tests with short breaks of several minutes in between. The second group recalled the material better a week later .

3. Don’t just reread books and notes

As a teen, Cynthia Nebel studied by reading her textbooks, worksheets and notebooks. “Over and over and over again,” recalls this psychologist at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tenn. Now, she adds, “we know that’s one of the most common bad study skills that students have.”

In one 2009 study, some college students read a text twice. Others read a text just once. Both groups took a test right after the reading. Test results differed little between these groups , Aimee Callender and Mark McDaniel found. She is now at Wheaton College in Illinois. He works at Washington University in St. Louis, Mo.

Too often, when students reread material, it’s superficial, says McDaniel, who also co-wrote the 2014 book, Make It Stick: The Science of Successful Learning . Rereading is like looking at the answer to a puzzle, rather than doing it yourself, he says. It looks like it makes sense. But until you try it yourself, you don’t really know if you understand it.

One of McDaniel’s coauthors of Make it Stick is Henry Roediger. He, too, works at Washington University. In one 2010 study, Roediger and two other colleagues compared test results of students who reread material to two other groups. One group wrote questions about the material. The other group answered questions from someone else. Those who answered the questions did best . Those who just reread the material did worst.

4. Test yourself

That 2010 study backs up one of Nebel’s preferred study habits. Before big tests, her mom quizzed her on the material. “Now I know that was retrieval practice,” she says. “It’s one of the best ways you can study.” As Nebel got older, she quizzed herself. For example, she might cover up the definitions in her notebook. Then she tried to recall what each term meant.

Such retrieval practice can help nearly everyone, Rawson and others showed in an August 2020 study in Learning and Instruction. This research included college students with an attention problem known as ADHD. It stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Overall, retrieval helped students with ADHD and those without the disorder equally well . 

“Create a deck of flash cards every time you learn new information,” Sana suggests. “Put questions on one side and the answers on the other side.” Friends can even quiz each other on the phone, she says.

“Try to quiz yourself the way the teacher asks questions,” Nebel adds.

But really grill yourself and your friends, she says. And here’s why. She was part of a team that asked students to write one quiz question for each class period. Students would then answer a question from another classmate. Preliminary data show that students did worse on tests afterward than when the daily quiz questions came from the teacher. Nebel’s team is still analyzing the data. She suspects the students’ questions may have been too simple.

Teachers often dig deeper, she notes. They don’t just ask for definitions. Often, teachers ask students to compare and contrast ideas. That takes some critical thinking.

5. Mistakes are okay — as long as you learn from them

It’s crucial to test your memory. But it doesn’t really matter how many seconds you spend on each try . That finding comes from a 2016 study by Kornell and others. But it’s important to go the next step, Kornell adds: Check to see if you were right. Then focus on what you got wrong .

“If you don’t find out what the answer is, you’re kind of wasting your time,” he says. On the flip side, checking the answers can make your study time more efficient. You can then focus on where you need the most help.

In fact, making mistakes can be a good thing, argues Stuart Firestein. A Columbia University biologist in New York City, he actually wrote the book on it. It’s called Failure: Why Science is So Successful . Mistakes, he argues, are actually a primary key to learning.

6. Mix it up

In many cases, it helps to mix up your self-testing. Don’t just focus on one thing. Drill yourself on different concepts. Psychologists call this interleaving.

Actually, your tests usually will have questions mixed up, too. More importantly, interleaving can help you learn better. If you practice one concept over and over “your attention decreases because you know what’s coming up next,” Sana explains. Mix up your practice, and you now space the concepts apart. You can also see how concepts differ, form trends or fit together in some other way.

Suppose, for instance, you’re learning about the volume of different shapes in math. You could do lots of problems on the volume of a wedge. Then you could answer more batches of questions, with each set dealing with just one shape. Or, you could figure out the volume of a cone, followed by a wedge. Next you might find the volume for a half-cone or a spheroid. Then you can mix them up some more. You might even mix in some practice on addition or division.

Rawson and others had groups of college students try each of those approaches. Those who interleaved their practice questions did better than the group that did single-batch practice, the researchers reported last year in Memory & Cognition .

A year earlier, Sana and others showed that interleaving can help students with both strong and weak working memory . Working memory lets you remember where you are in an activity, such as following a recipe.

7. Use pictures

Pay attention to diagrams and graphs in your class materials, says Nebel. “Those pictures can really boost your memory of this material. And if there aren’t pictures, creating them can be really, really useful.”

“I think these visual representations help you create more complete mental models,” McDaniel says. He and Dung Bui, then also at Washington University, had students listen to a lecture on car brakes and pumps. One group got diagrams and was told to add notes as needed to the diagrams. Another group got an outline for writing notes. The third group just took notes. The outlines helped students if they were otherwise good at building mental models of what they were reading. But in these tests, they found, visual aids helped students across the board .

Even goofy pictures might help. Nikol Rummel is a psychologist at Ruhr University Bochum in Germany. In one study back in 2003, she and others gave cartoon drawings to college students along with information about five scientists who studied intelligence. For example, the text about Alfred Binet came with a drawing of a race car driver. The driver wore a bonnet to protect his brain. Students who saw the drawings did better on a test than did those who got only the text information.

8. Find examples

Abstract concepts can be hard to understand. It tends to be far easier to form a mental image if you have a concrete example of something, Nebel says.

For instance, sour foods usually taste that way because they contain an acid . On its own, that concept might be hard to remember. But if you think about a lemon or vinegar, it’s easier to understand and remember that acids and sour go together. And the examples might help you to identify other foods’ taste as being due to acids.

Indeed, it helps to have at least two examples if you want to apply information to new situations. Nebel and others reviewed studies on this in July 2019. Their Journal of Food Science Education report describes how students can improve their study skills .

9. Dig deeper

It’s hard to remember a string of facts and figures if you don’t push further. Ask why things are a certain way. How did they come about? Why do they matter? Psychologists call this elaboration. It’s taking class material and “asking a lot of how and why questions about it,” Nebel says. In other words, don’t just accept facts at face value.

Elaboration helps you combine new information with other things you know. And it creates a bigger network in your brain of things that relate to one another, she says. That larger network makes it easier to learn and remember things.

Suppose you’re asked to remember a string of facts about different men, says McDaniel. For example, “The hungry man got into the car. The strong man helped the woman. The brave man ran into the house.” And so on. In one of his studies back in the ‘80s, college students had trouble remembering the bare statements. They did better when researchers gave them explanations for each man’s action. And the students remembered a whole lot better when they had to answer questions about why each man did something .

“Good understanding produces really good memory,” McDaniel says. “And that’s key for a lot of students.” If information just seems sort of random, ask more questions. Make sure you can explain the material. Better yet, he says, see if you can explain it to someone else. Some of his college students do this by calling home to explain what they’re learning to their parents.

10. Make a plan — and stick to it

Many students know they should space out study periods, quiz themselves and practice other good skills. Yet many don’t actually do those things. Often, they fail to plan ahead.

Back when Rawson was a student, she used a paper calendar for her planning. She wrote in the date for each exam. “And then for four or five other days,” she recalls, “I wrote in time to study.”

Try to stick to a routine, too. Have a set time and place where you do schoolwork and studying. It may seem odd at first. But, Kornell assures you, “by the time week two rolls around, it becomes a normal thing.” And put your phone somewhere else while you work, adds Nebel. Allow yourself short breaks. Set a timer for 25 minutes or so, suggests Sana. Study during that time, with no distractions . When the timer goes off, take a five or 10 minute break. Exercise. Check your phone. Maybe drink some water — whatever. Afterward, set the timer again.

“If you have a study plan, stick to it!” adds McDaniel. Recently, he and psychologist Gilles Einstein at Furman University in Greenville, S.C., looked at why students don’t use good study skills . Many students know what those skills are, they report. But often they don’t plan when they intend to put them in action. Even when students do make plans, something more enticing may come up. Studying has to become a priority, they say. The team published its report in Perspectives on Psychological Science on July 23.

Bonus: Be kind to yourself

Try to stick to a regular routine. And get enough sleep — not just the night before the test but for weeks or months on end . “Those things are really, really important for learning,” Nebel says. Exercise helps as well, she says.

Don’t stress out if all of this seems like a lot, she adds. If a lot seems new, try adding just one new study skill each week or two. Or at least space out your study sessions and practice retrieval for the first few months. As you get more practice, you can add more skills. And if you need help, ask.

Finally, if you struggle to follow the advice above (such as you can’t keep track of time or find it very hard to just sit and focus on your work), you may have an undiagnosed condition, such as ADHD . To find out, check with your doctor. The good news: It may be treatable.

Doing schoolwork during a pandemic is a tough situation at best. But remember your teachers and classmates also face challenges. Like you, they have fears, concerns and questions. Be willing to cut them some slack. And be kind to yourself as well. After all, Kornell says, “we’re all in this together.”

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