For a number of reasons, getting into a solid study flow can be a challenge. Maybe your mind’s elsewhere. Perhaps you’re just really excited about the upcoming Love Island season, or maybe you’re distracted by the prospect of getting a chocolate lab puppy. 

And really, there’s just countless possibilities for distractions—especially if you’re studying on the computer…it’s just too easy to open up a tab and then 20 minutes later, find yourself going down a deep Reddit rabbit hole. 

That’s why we’ve compiled a list of study tips that hopefully, can help you get into your study groove. 

  1. Circle/highlight all exam dates on your syllabi. 
  2. Start with the most difficult material.
  3. Create a study checklist for each subject.
  4. Attend at least one of the offered review sessions.
  5. Jot down questions you have while reviewing.
    • And then ask them in class.
  6. Create collaborative Quizlets with your classmates. 
  7. Keep a running list of topics that will be covered on each exam. 
  8. Highlight main ideas in your textbooks. 
  9. Come up with questions to ask yourself based on readings.
    • Then try answering them without looking at your notes. 
  10. When dealing with complex info, read your textbook aloud. 
    • And then try explaining the information to someone else.
  11. Take regular study breaks to improve your focus.
  12. Break down overwhelming material into smaller chunks. 
  13. Try to understand concepts before memorizing them. 
  14. Ask your teachers about the structure of their exams. 
  15. Ask your teachers for any recommended extra resources. 
  16. Avoid studying in your bed. 
  17. Remove distractions before starting a study session. 
  18. Avoid studying while watching TV.
  19. Practice deep breathing exercises to reduce stress.
  20. Exercise regularly—which improves your ability to retain information.
    • Even better, exercise right before studying. 
  21. Use mnemonic devices to help you memorize concepts. 
  22. Take advantage of helpful study apps.
  23. Create a study schedule. 
  24.  Silence your cell phone. 
    • If you still find yourself tempted, put your phone out of sight. 
  25. Utilize site-blocking programs to avoid online distractions.
  26. Use noise-canceling headphones if there’s distracting noise around you.
  27. Snack on brain food.
    • Nuts, dark chocolate, berries, eggs.
  28. Jot down key vocabulary words.
  29. Utilize the sample problems in your textbook.
  30. Provide yourself small rewards for achieving your goals. 
  31. Study to music—research shows that this may help with retention.
  32. Declutter your study space. 
  33. Don’t forget to review “the easy stuff”.
  34. Figure out what time of the day yields your best concentration—and study then. 
  35. If you have a lot of questions, try joining a study group.
  36. Make a running list of mistakes you frequently make.
    • Then prioritize those areas next time you review.
  37. If the test is on physical paper, prepare by rewriting your notes by hand.
  38. Try The Pomodoro Technique. 
  39. If you’re studying at home, tell your family to avoid distractions.
  40. Utilize diagrams when studying complex processes & systems. 
    • I.e. the human brain
  41. As you review your reading, make active notes in the margins.
  42. If the exam is cumulative, review all old exams. 
  43. Utilize study techniques that cater to your unique learning style. 
  44. After reading a section in your textbook, try to summarize in your own words.
  45. Hydrate while studying. 
  46. Switch between topics every half hour or so. 
  47. If you missed any required reading, do it before your exam. 
  48. Use mind-mapping to organize your thoughts. 
  49. Turn memorization-based learning into songs.
  50. Try meditating before a long study session.