February 26, 2025

Written by: Isabelle Jones | Lifestyle Editor

As Winter term gets closer to finals week, studying for classes can be time-consuming and overwhelming. Finding the right study habits can be crucial for saving time, sanity and help one to thrive. 

Create a consistent study schedule — One of the most important habits to develop is using a structured schedule instead of doing a study dump, where a student crams all of their studying time all at once. This ensures that there is enough time to study for each class. Another positive for a study schedule is that it helps to avoid procrastination because it’s already set in stone. Planning ahead allows one to digest the material, resulting in decreased stress. Without a study schedule, assignments can easily slip through the cracks, or one may be forced to cram the night before an exam. Here’s how to do it: 

1. Begin by blocking out one’s class schedule and personal commitments in planners and calendars.
2. Identify gaps in one’s daily schedule and plan out shorter study sessions.
   1. Shorter study sessions should be between 45-60 minutes with at least 5-minute breaks in order to maintain focus.
3. Use tools like planners, calendars or apps to track assignments and exams.
4. Be sure to schedule some downtime to relax and recharge.

Stay Organized — This is the cornerstone of academic success. Having a system for managing notes, assignments and other deadlines helps to understand the material. This works to reduce mental clutter which leads to better concentration and less stress. When one can find what one needs quickly, it leads to studying more efficiently and avoiding wasting time. Here’s how to do it:

1. Keep notes organized by subject, topic or date. Use binders or digital tools like OneNote, Notion or Evernote for easy access.
2. Color-code or highlight key information to make it easier to identify when reviewing.
3. Use to-do lists to keep track of assignments, with realistic deadlines and reminders.
4. Regularly clean up one’s study space to keep distractions at bay. A tidy space leads to a clear mind.

Minimize Distractions — Distractions are everywhere — social media, messages and constant notifications can easily pull you away from studying. While multitasking may seem like an efficient strategy, it often leads to decreased productivity. According to Brown Health University, “In reality, our brains are not set up to multitask. We are designed to be ‘mono-taskers,’ that is, to focus on and complete ‘one task at a time.’” This becomes even clearer when one tries studying with each method. There’s a clear difference when it comes to brain fatigue at the end of a study session. Minimizing distractions allows one to complete tasks faster and retain more information. Concentration on material leads to an improvement in one’s overall academic performance. Here’s how to practice this:

1. Turn one’s phone to focus or do not disturb mode to limit distractions during study time. 
2. Find a quiet place, such as a library, to study.
3. Set specific, intentional times to check one’s phone or respond to messages, preferably during breaks. 
4. Try using the “Pomodoro Technique”: Study for 25-30 minutes and then take a short break. After a few cycles, take a longer break.

Take care of mental and physical health — It’s easy to neglect the other parts of health when one is drowning in assignments, exams and other deadlines. However, the mind and body are the foundation of academic success. Good physical and mental health will improve focus, memory and overall performance. Its importance continues to boost mood, reduce stress and increase motivation. This can be done by: 

1. Exercising regularly: Jogging, yoga or even a brisk walk can boost brain function.
2. Getting enough sleep: seven to nine hours per night helps consolidate learning and enhances memory retention.
3. Eating a balanced diet: A nutritious diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains can boost energy and focus.
4. Practicing mindfulness: Meditation, deep breathing exercises and journaling can reduce stress and improve mental clarity.
5. Seeking help when needed: If struggling emotionally or mentally, don’t hesitate to reach out to a counselor or therapist through the Student Health and Counseling Center. 

Collaborate with Classmates — Studying with classmates is a highly effective way to learn outside of the classroom. Group study sessions allow one to share ideas, clarify questions and help to approach problems from different perspectives. Also, explaining concepts to others helps to reinforce one’s understanding. This could be done through:

1. Joining or forming study groups to review key topics before exams.
2. Using online forums or platforms like Discord or Slack to collaborate remotely.
3. Share notes, quiz each other or review difficult concepts together.
4. Participate in group discussions or attend office hours held by professors.

Review Regularly — Instead of cramming the night before an exam, regular review is much more effective. Weekly review ensures that material stays fresh and contributes to information retention over the long term. The brain remembers information better when it’s revisited over time, rather than when it’s crammed into a single session. In order to do this, one should be sure to: 

1. Schedule weekly review sessions for each subject to revisit lecture notes, assignments and key concepts.
2. Use active recall techniques, such as using flashcards, filling out practice problems and completing practice tests.

Studying doesn’t have to be a never-ending race against deadlines. By developing effective study habits, staying organized, and focusing on physical and mental health, one can create a productive and balanced academic experience. The key to success is consistency, active engagement with materials, and a proactive approach to managing stress and distractions.

Contact the author at howllifestyle@wou.edu