10 Study Hacks That Actually Work

Studying can feel like a chore, but using the right methods can make it easier and more effective. Here are ten study techniques to help you understand topics better and recall important information when you need it.

1. Try the Pomodoro Method

Instead of cramming for hours, break your study time into 25-minute sessions with a 5-minute break in between. After completing four cycles, take a longer 20 to 30-minute break. This prevents your brain from becoming overwhelmed by too much information at once.

2. Teach Someone Else

When you explain a topic to someone else, your brain processes it more deeply compared to just reading it. This helps you understand it better. You can practice with a friend or even just talk to yourself.

3. Use Highlighters and Colours

Our brain is drawn to colour patterns, and we can utilise this to our advantage. For example, highlight definitions in yellow, examples in blue, and key facts in red. This makes important information stand out and easier to remember.

4. Summarise in Your Own Words

Reading the textbook repeatedly isn’t effective. Instead, write a short recap of what you just studied. This helps the information stick better since you only focus on the most important details rather than trying to memorise everything.

5. Listen to Music

Soft instrumental music or classical tunes can help with concentration. Avoid songs with lyrics, as they can distract you without you even realising it! White noise or rainfall sounds are also great options. If you’re studying a creative subject, movie soundtracks might help, while classical or instrumental jazz can enhance focus for math and physics.

6. Try Active Memory Recall

After studying a topic, close your book and write down everything you can remember using one colour. Leave gaps for anything you forget. Then, go back and fill in the missing information using a different colour. Repeat this process until you can recall everything—this strengthens your memory over time.

7. Switch Up Where You Study

Sitting in the same spot every time can get boring and make it harder for your brain to focus. Change it up by studying in a library, a park, or even just another room in your house. A different setting can be refreshing and help you concentrate better.

8. Get Enough Sleep

You might think staying up all night helps, but sleep is actually crucial for memory. Aim for at least 7-8 hours of sleep so your brain can properly absorb everything you’ve learned.

9. Use Old Exam Papers

Practising with past papers helps you get used to the types of questions you’ll face and how detailed your answers need to be. It also highlights the topics you need to focus on more.

10. Give Yourself Small Rewards

Set study goals, and when you reach them, treat yourself! If you memorise a whole chapter flawlessly, take a well-earned break. Rewards could be as simple as a snack or watching an episode of your favourite show. This keeps you motivated and makes studying more enjoyable.