Hitting the books: Study tips

By Grant Longstaff. Published 14 December 2022. Updated 2 December 2025.

Study techniques

You’ve bought all the sticky notes, highlighter pens and cue cards you could get your hands on. Now what?

One of the first steps to successful study is figuring out exactly what works for you. Do coloured tabs help you break down topics into manageable chunks or simply fill you with dread? Would it be more beneficial to rewrite a text in your own words rather than read the same page over and over? Do you prefer listening to information? Is a visual aid a better way to absorb a complex idea? Knowing what works best for you can involve some trial and error, however taking some time to explore different study techniques could help save you time in the long run.

The are many different study techniques. Some of the most common study techniques include:

Active Recall

This is simply a way of testing what you’ve remembered. You recall information from memory, rather than passively looking at textbooks and notes. It can help improve your retention and highlight the areas you need to do more work.

Cornell Notes

Cornell Notes offers a structured approach to notetaking. To begin you’ll break your page into three areas. The first area will cover the majority of the page and will be used for making notes. The second area is a cue column running parallel to the note area, where you’ll write keywords and questions. The third area appears at the bottom of the page. You’ll use this area to create a summary and recap the subject. The Cornell technique can help make reviewing notes and finding key information easier and help identify gaps in your knowledge.

The Feynman Technique

The idea of the Feynman technique is to simplify a concept enough so that you could teach it to someone who has no prior knowledge of it. There are four stages to the Feynman technique. First, you study the topic. Next you “teach” it. You don’t have to do this literally. You could just write it down.  The third stage is to identify gaps in knowledge and areas which are still confusing. Finally, you refine and simplify the knowledge. The Feynman method is particularly helpful for improving your interpretation and understanding of a topic.

Interleaving

Interleaving is a learning strategy where you combine different topics, subjects or questions into a single study session, instead of focusing on one topic at a time.

Mind Mapping

With a mind map you create a visual diagram which connects ideas around a central topic or subject. This can allow you to see connections more clearly and simplify complex ideas into a clear structure. The visual nature can also appeal to your creative side and help make information easier to retain and recall.

The Pomodoro Technique

The Pomodoro Technique was developed in the 1980’s and involves using a timer to manage work and breaks. You set a timer for a period which suits you, usually 25 minutes, and work solidly. No distractions allowed. Not even TikTok. When the timer goes off you rest for five minutes. Leave your desk, walk about and stretch, give your eyes a break from the screen. After the five minutes is up you repeat the process. If you carry out any more than four repetitions it’s recommended you take a longer break.

Spaced Repetition

This involves reviewing your learning at increasing intervals. For example, you’ll begin by studying a particular topic and then review your learning after a day. You’ll review it again on the third day, a week later, then a fortnight later and so on. The approach uses active recall and can improve your long term memory.

Remember, a technique which works for one person might not necessarily work for another. Similarly, an approach you’ve previously used may not work this time around. When it comes to trying a technique, it’s best to remain open minded and adopt those which work best for you. It’s also worth noting that the most beneficial approach is to use a variety of techniques to keep your revision fresh and as engaging as possible.

Schedule your study

Scheduling time to study can be beneficial, especially if you don’t enjoy doing it. Think strategically about the timetable you draw up. Consider the time of day which works best for you and be aware of study fatigue. It’s no good blocking out an entire morning if you know your concentration will begin to wane after an hour. Figuring out when you study best means you’re much more likely to stick to a manageable timetable.

Another tip is to not only map out when you’ll study, but also what. Detailing what you’ll cover in each session beforehand can help avoid time being wasted when you do sit down to study.

Team up

Studying doesn’t always have to be a solo pursuit. Turn to your classmates and arrange study sessions together. Is there a particularly difficult topic you can break down together? You could use the Feynman technique and tackle it over coffee. Your strengths may differ from your peers, so help and support each other to better understand the subjects each of you find challenging.

Additionally, don’t be afraid to ask for help from friends and family. They don’t need to fully understand the subject you’re studying to become the perfect quiz master.

Change your study space

Just because you’re studying doesn’t mean you have to confine yourself to a desk. Visit your campus or local library or escape to a quiet corner of the local park or a coffee shop. Sometimes a change of scenery can have a positive influence on both your learning and mood.

Beyond the books

Reading informs a huge part of study, but there are ways to learn outside of books, so don’t be afraid to look beyond the page. Consider using other mediums, such as videos or podcasts, to research complicated ideas. Sometimes seeing a concept in action, or listening to it be broken down, can help make it stick. Reach out to your colleagues and tutors for recommendations on podcasts or YouTube channels they feel might be beneficial to your studies and start there.

Don’t underestimate the power of alternative study methods. Whether it’s quizzing and team revision or videos and mind maps, these breaks from reading can help you digest and retain information in new ways.

Practice self-care

Studying can be stressful, so it’s important you make time to look after yourself. Ensure you’re getting enough sleep; a tired mind is no good for revision and could have a detrimental effect on your wellbeing. Equally, make sure you eat well and stay hydrated. Take the time to exercise, even if it’s just a short walk, and get some fresh air. Stay in touch with friends. Treat yourself to cake. This leads to our final tip.

Take a break

It may feel counterproductive, but regular breaks from studying are just as important to the study itself. It gives you, and your mind, a chance to rest and recover before you return to the books. To begin, add free periods to your study schedule to ensure you take regular breaks. Don’t feel guilty for watching an episode of your favourite Netflix series. you’ve earned it.

It’s also important to take a break during revision. This might be difficult to manage, especially if you’re deep into a textbook and want to keep going. This is where using the Pomodoro Technique could be beneficial.

Studying can be challenging, however, with better planning and a change in both approach and strategy you’ll hopefully form better revision habits.

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