Study tips for students that actually work
Studying longer is not the same as studying better. These habits help you remember more in less time, whether you are in high school, at college or at university.
Study in short, focused blocks
- Work for 25 to 40 minutes, then take a 5 to 10 minute break away from your screen.
- Put your phone in another room or switch on Do Not Disturb while you work.
- Decide before you start exactly what you will finish in that block, for example 'ten algebra questions'.
Test yourself instead of re-reading
- Close your notes and write down everything you remember about a topic, then check what you missed.
- Turn headings into questions and answer them out loud.
- Practice questions show you what you really know; highlighting only feels productive.
Spread your revision out
- Come back to a topic after one day, then after three days, then after a week.
- Mix different topics in one session so you learn to recognise which method each question needs.
Look after the basics
- Sleep is when your brain stores what you learned — aim for 8 hours before tests.
- Drink water, eat properly and move your body; tired brains learn slowly.