When it comes to studying effectively, I’ve learned that it’s not just about the amount of time you put in, but how you manage your time and energy. Over the years, I’ve developed a few key strategies that have made a huge difference in my learning experience.

First, I always start by setting clear, achievable goals. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer amount of material to cover, but breaking everything down into smaller tasks makes it manageable. I like to write out what I need to accomplish for the day, and then prioritise the most important tasks. This helps me stay focused and avoid procrastination.

Another strategy that works for me is creating a dedicated study environment. I make sure my space is quiet, organised, and free from distractions. This environment signals to my brain that it’s time to focus. I also make sure to eliminate digital distractions by turning off my phone or using apps that block social media during study sessions. This way, I can stay fully immersed in the material and avoid the temptation to check my phone every few minutes.

Lastly, unless I am doing a practice exam, I make sure to take regular breaks. I utilise a method called the Pomodoro technique, which involves studying for 25 minutes, followed by a 5-minute break. It is imperative however, to not just scroll on social media during the break because that does not rest the brain but to instead do something active like going for a little walk or something similar. This helps me maintain focus and avoid burnout, as I give myself time to recharge and refresh my mind before diving back into work.

In the end, effective studying is all about consistency and finding what works best for you. By staying organised, engaged, and disciplined, I’ve found that I can retain more information and perform better in my studies. The key is to keep experimenting and adjusting until you find the study routine that suits you best.

Michael Fry