Top Study Tips For Success
by Emilia Pelesz
by Emilia Pelesz
With testing coming up, projects, and what seems to be never-ending homework, studying and keeping up with assignments can feel extremely overwhelming. Don’t worry—just implementing a few strategies can make your study sessions far more effective and much less stressful. Here are some of the best and easiest ways to keep your grades and your sanity intact:
LISTS! Staying organized is the first and most important step to success. Use a planner, calendar, or even your notes app to keep track of assignments and deadlines. Breaking big tasks into smaller goals makes everything feel more manageable and less intimidating. Even having everything written out can give you peace of mind that you’re not forgetting to submit any major assignments.
Find Your Perfect Study Spot Try doing your work somewhere other than your usual spot. You might be too used to your bedroom or kitchen, and being too comfortable can make you slack off. Switching it up—going to the library, a café, or even a park—can help reduce distractions and improve focus, especially when a deadline is near.
Take Care of Yourself A good night’s sleep is often more beneficial than pulling an all-nighter. The ideal approach is to start studying early, but if you procrastinated, don’t worry. Study what you can in the time you have, and still leave enough time to sleep. A tired brain doesn’t learn well, no matter how long you stare at your notes. Eat a healthy breakfast and review major topics before your exam—you may do better than you expect.
Bonus — Do Homework on Your Phone! These days, nearly all assignments are online, and doing them on your phone can make them feel less like work. Writing an essay in the Google Docs app can feel like texting a friend, and studying on Quizlet can feel like playing a trivia game, because you often associate your phone with fun. It might even solve the problem of your phone being a distraction—if the assignment is on it, you can use it productively.
Everyone studies differently, so take time to figure out which methods work best for you. Maybe you focus better with music, group study sessions, or some random super-specific habit that helps you understand a concept. School doesn’t have to be stressful— with the right habits, you can manage your tasks efficiently and maybe even enjoy the process.