Welcome Back Study Tips

Now that we're back to school and work after a long-awaited holiday break, here are some tips to stay on top of studying for tests or exams.

Here are some researched tips for those looking to better their study habits:

1. Study in short, timed chunks

25–30 minutes, then a 5–10 min break. Your brain stays engaged because it knows there’s an end.

✔ Set a timer✔ Stop when it rings (even mid-sentence)✔ Do 3–4 rounds max, then a longer break

2. Start with a ridiculously easy task

Momentum matters more than motivation.

Examples:

• Open the doc

• Write the title

• Read one paragraph

• Highlight anything

Once you start, your brain usually keeps going.

3. Active > Passive (this is huge)

Reading and rereading feels productive, but isn’t always the best method.

Instead:

• Write questions as you study

• Summarize out loud like you’re teaching someone

• Close notes and jot what you remember (even if it’s messy)

If it feels slightly uncomfortable → it’s working.

4. Use blurting (fast + effective)

1. Read a section

2. Close your notes

3. Write everything you remember

4. Check what you missed

5. Repeat later

This beats highlighting every time.

5. Change locations or formats

Same content, different context = better recall.

Examples:

• Desk → couch → kitchen table

• Notes → flashcards → voice memo

• Typing → handwriting

You don’t need variety everywhere — just one change helps.

6. Make a “done list”, not just a to-do list

Write down what you finish, not just what you plan.

This:

• Reduces anxiety

• Shows real progress

• Prevents the “I did nothing” spiral

  
  

7. Study what you don’t know, not what you like

Ask yourself:

• “What would I avoid if this were on the test?”Study that first.

Comfort ≠ learning.

8. Use background sound strategically

• Instrumental / brown noise → focus

• Familiar TV → only for easy tasks

• Silence → great for memorization

If you keep rewinding music, it’s distracting.

Try some of these methods out and see how you feel! It's definitely not a one-size-fits-all style, but you can alter these in a way that feels comfortable for you!