20 Study Habits That Actually Work
These study habits help you stay focused, learn better, and ace your exams with less stress.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 4 min read
Studying smartly, not harder, is the key to academic success. These 20 simple habits help you understand, remember, and focus. Using these, you can study smarter and get better results on your next exam!
1. Use Active Recall
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Instead of just reading your notes, try to recall the information from memory. This helps your brain remember things better. Testing yourself is much more effective than passive reading.
2. Break it Down
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Don’t try to study everything at once. Break your study time into smaller chunks and focus on one thing at a time. This will make learning easier and help you remember more.
3. Teach Someone Else
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If you can explain what you learned to someone else, it means you truly understand it. Teaching helps you remember better. Plus, it’s a great way to test your knowledge.
4. Take Short Breaks
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Studying for hours without a break can make you tired and less focused. Take a short break every 25-30 minutes. A little rest helps you stay sharp and determined.
5. Use Flashcards
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Write down questions on one side and answers on the other. Flashcards help you test your memory. Regularly quizzing yourself helps keep the information fresh.
6. Stay Organzied
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Keep your study materials neat and easy to find. A messy space can make studying harder. When everything is in order, you can focus better.
7. Set Clear Goals
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Instead of saying, “I’ll study for two hours,” set a goal like “I’ll finish chapter one today.” Clear goals help you stay on track. You’ll feel accomplished as you finish each one.
8. Use a Study Schedule
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Plan your study time. A study schedule helps you stay organized and cover everything you need. Always stick to the plan and avoid last-minute cramming.
9. Change Your Study Spot
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Studying in different locations can help keep you focused. Try studying at a library, a coffee shop, or even outside. A chance of scenery can make learning more enjoyable.
10. Drink Water
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Drinking water keeps your brain working well and helps you concentrate better. Keep a water bottle with you at all times while you study.
11. Sleep Well
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Getting enough sleep is essential for memory and focus. Lack of sleep can make it harder to remember things. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night.
12. Use Mnemonics
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Mnemonics are tricks that help you remember information. Try making up a phrase or word to help you recall something. They make rigid material more accessible to remember.
13. Practice with Old Exams
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Looking at past exams helps you know what to expect. Practice solving problems within a time limit to prepare for the actual test. This will help you feel more confident on test day.
14. Avoid Multitasking
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Trying to do too many things at once can make you less productive. Focus on one task at a time. By staying focused, you’ll get more done and remember more.
15. Use Visuals
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Drawing diagrams or making charts can help you understand complex ideas. Visuals help you remember information better. Try turning your notes into pictures or graphs.
16. Stay Positive
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Having a positive mindset helps you stay motivated. Focus on how much you’ve learned instead of how much you still need to do. A positive attitude makes studying feel easier.
17. Study with Friends
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Studying with others can help you see different ways of thinking. Discussing topics with friends enables you to understand them better. Just make sure you stay focused on learning.
18. Limit Distractions
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Turn off your phone and close extra tabs on your computer. Distractions can make it hard to concentrate. A quiet space will help you focus and complete more things on time.
19. Reward Yourself
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After finishing a study goal, reward yourself with something small. Whether it’s a snack or a quick break, rewards keep you motivated, making studying feel less like a chore.
20. Review Regularly
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Don’t wait until the night before an exam to study. Review your notes a little every day. Spacing out your study time helps you remember things longer. After all, small steps are all that it takes, right?