School holidays are a time for students to relax, recharge, and enjoy a break from academic pressures. However, an extended period away from study can sometimes result in “learning loss,” making it harder to re-engage when school resumes. To prevent this, students can use simple study hacks to stay sharp while still enjoying their time off. One effective strategy is to create a light study schedule. Unlike the intensity of term-time learning, holiday study should be short and purposeful. Dedicating just 30 to 60 minutes a few times a week to review key concepts can help students retain knowledge. This approach is especially useful for revising weaker areas in preparation for the next term.
Another way to make learning more engaging is to gamify it. Apps like Quizlet or Kahoot allow students to create custom quizzes, turning study into an enjoyable challenge. Flashcards are another effective tool that can be used with friends or family to make learning feel like a fun game. Beyond games, students can also apply learning to real-life situations. For example, maths skills can be practised by calculating travel expenses, measuring ingredients while cooking, or working out time differences when planning holidays. These activities make academic concepts more practical and memorable.
Educational videos and podcasts are also excellent tools for keeping the brain active without the formality of textbooks. Channels like CrashCourse or Numberphile on YouTube present academic content in an engaging way, while educational podcasts introduce students to new ideas and perspectives. Finally, holiday reading shouldn’t be overlooked. While it’s important to read for pleasure, students can challenge themselves with more complex texts, improving vocabulary and comprehension in the process. By incorporating these simple but effective study hacks, students can maintain their academic skills, avoid learning loss, and return to school feeling confident and prepared for the next term. Holiday study doesn’t have to be intense—it’s about staying curious, engaged, and ready to learn.
Freddie Le Vay
