Read on to find tips on effective study techniques and overcoming procrastination – designed to help you breeze through your studies.
Plan a study timetable
Allocating time to spend on specific subjects, is an easy way to manage your time and make sure that you’re giving all your subjects the necessary attention they need. Find a routine that works for you, and don’t be afraid to adapt and change if it doesn’t feel right. Include time for rest, socialisation and your hobbies, as regular breaks are essential in studying effectively and avoiding burnout.
Sophie, Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting and Finance)
“Make a schedule to stick to and create small goals for your study day. Get started on assignments early as a little bit every day is so much easier than doing the entire thing the day before (you don’t need the unnecessary stress!) Also, don’t forget to look after your mental and physical health.”
Remove distractions
It’s easy to forget to remove distractions from your environment. If possible, ensure you study somewhere where you feel comfortable and won’t be distracted by people or other things. This could be a quiet corner of your local library or a dedicated study space in your home.
Your phone can also be a distraction. Turn on ‘Do Not Disturb’ mode or put your phone on silent to stop notifications and other messages from distracting you. If you still find yourself being distracted, try leaving your phone in another room or giving it to someone you trust while you study.
Charlie, Bachelor of Science (Physics) and Bachelor of Engineering (Electrical)
“Study for 25 minutes at a time without distractions and take a five-minute break, and repeat this as many times as needed. Don’t forget to take breaks – go outside, catch up with friends, go to work. Whatever helps clear your mind and relaxes you.”
Break down tasks
The thought of sitting down and studying an entire year’s worth of content is terrifying. So, break it down into bite-sized chunks to make it more achievable. Start simply by studying a chapter or completing a small task, and then reward yourself with a break.
Study with others
Talking with your peers can be a great way to understand difficult topics. It also makes learning more fun as you are studying in a social environment.
Take some time to relax actively
When your brain is overworked, its effectiveness decreases. Having regular breaks will give your mind a chance to relax and think about something other than studying. Practising mindfulness, meditation or breathing exercises can help you relax and give your brain the rest it needs.
Charlie, Bachelor of Science (Physics) and Bachelor of Engineering (Electrical)
“I make an effort to give myself room for breaks. This helps boost creativity and keeps me motivated to stick to my time planner. I also try to reward myself for completing tasks and be realistic with just how much time I allocate to things.”
Exercise and sleep
Exercise works wonders for your physical and mental well-being. It relaxes your mind and helps you re-energise. Try to fit a physical activity you enjoy into your schedule at least once a week.
Equally, it is important to prioritise sleep to optimise your brain function and ability to concentrate. Each person needs a different amount of sleep, so figure out what’s best for you. On average, young adults need around 7 to 9 hours of quality sleep each night.
Shara, Bachelor of Science (Psychology), Bachelor of Commerce (Human Resource Management and Industrial Relations)
“Planning out my tasks each day has significantly helped me keep up with my studies and allocate time for myself. Make sure you have an idea of how long it will take to complete each task and not have too many to complete in one day. You want it to be realistic for you to complete.”
Check out this video for more study tips
We hope these tips help you to study more effectively and bring you closer to achieving your academic goals.
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