Studying can be challenging, especially with so many distractions and the pressure to succeed. Whether you're a first-year student or in your final year, learning how to focus and study effectively at university is essential for academic success. Here are ten actionable tips to help you concentrate and make the most out of your study time…
To improve your concentration, start by creating a dedicated study space. And no, not in your bed! While it might be tempting to study in bed, this is one of the least effective ways to focus. The comfort of your bed can easily lull you into a state of relaxation, making it difficult to concentrate on your work.
Instead, designate a separate study area that is well-lit, comfortable, and free from distractions. Whether it's a desk in your room or a quiet corner in the library, having a specific place to study helps signal to your brain that it's time to focus. Keep this area organised and clutter-free, and decorate it with personalised things that inspire you, like motivational quotes, photos, or plants.
Creating a consistent study routine is a powerful way to enhance your focus. Even on those days when you simply can’t focus or concentrate on anything, the power of routine can help.
Designate specific times each day for studying (and make sure you stick to it!), just like you would for attending classes or going to the gym. This helps your brain know when it's time to study and when it's time to relax.
And avoid the temptation to pull all-nighters! They might seem like a good idea, but they often lead to sleep deprivation, negatively impacting your performance and health. Instead, use a calendar or timetable to plan your tasks. A clear routine allows you to track your progress and gives you a sense of accomplishment as you complete tasks, and it means you know exactly what to focus on when you sit down at your desk.
Some students like a colour-coded chart, outlining all their subjects and study sections. Others like to use a calendar app or a chalkboard.
If you study better early in the morning, prioritise your sessions then. Mark them somewhere you can see them, prepare the study area the night before, set your routine and go for it.
There’s no ‘right’ way to set a study schedule, just the way that works for you. Just make sure to factor in enough downtime to enjoy being a student and relax between study sessions.
Goal-setting is everywhere. At school, sports teams, and at work. We need something to aim for and something to achieve. We need that goal to compare our achievement to be able to effectively assess whether we succeeded or not.
Setting goals can provide a clear direction for your study sessions and keep you motivated. Break down your study material into manageable tasks and set specific, achievable goals. For example, aim to complete a chapter by the end of the day or write a certain number of words for an essay.
You can start easy with quantifiable goals like:
Study for two hours between 6pm – 8pm Monday to Thursday.
Complete one chapter of a given text book per night.
Write your essay before x time on x date.
Each of these are specific and measurable. Yours can differ from this, of course, but these goals should give you an idea of how to get into the habit.
Don’t forget rewards, either.
Our brains are wired for rewards, which is why gamification is such a powerful force.
For instance, treat yourself to a square of chocolate for each paragraph you write or an episode of your favourite TV series after revising a topic.
Use a similar setup to goals, like:
Study for two hours between 6pm – 8pm Monday to Thursday and watch Netflix for two hours after.
Complete one chapter of a given text book per day then grab a coffee at the local cafe.
Write your essay before x time on x date and go shopping and buy something nice the next day.
Once you've completed major assignments or exams, reward yourself with something special, like a night out with friends or a new piece of clothing you've been eyeing. Remember, it's essential to balance studying with enjoyment, even during exam season!
Distractions are everywhere, from social media notifications to noisy roommates. To stay focused, try downloading browser extensions like StayFocusd to block your most distracting websites for a set period of time. There are also mobile apps that can set filter modes to block access to certain apps while you’re trying to study, and you may be able to restrict how much time you spend on specific apps in your phone’s settings.
Put your phone on Do Not Disturb or silent mode, so you don't get interrupted by notifications mid-study. If you have the willpower, you can even turn off your phone or put it in a drawer away from your desk to avoid the temptation to check it during study sessions.
Using noise-cancelling headphones can also help reduce background noise, allowing you to concentrate better. Whether from cars on the road or other students in your accommodation, it’s a great way to stay focused.
For some students, listening to music can help create a productive study environment. If you find that background noise helps you focus, try listening to music while you study - but choosing the right music is essential!
Opt for instrumental music or ambient sounds to avoid singing along and getting distracted, and make sure it’s not too loud.
Experiment with different genres and soundscapes to find the beat that best enhances your focus. Whether it's classical, electronic, or nature sounds, music can create an environment conducive to learning and concentration. Many students find that classical or lo-fi music provides a calming background that aids concentration, and you’ll find plenty of study playlists for this type of sound on YouTube.
Never underestimate the power of a good night's sleep.
Sleep allows your brain to process and consolidate information, improving retention and understanding. Aim for 7-8 hours of quality, uninterrupted sleep each night to wake up feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the day.
Establish a regular sleep schedule by going to bed and waking up at the same time every day. Avoid big meals, screens, and caffeine before bedtime, and create a relaxing pre-sleep routine like reading or meditation to help your body unwind.
Food is fuel, and we can’t recommend a good diet enough… Put rubbish fuel in, you’ll get rubbish out!
Proper nutrition and hydration play a significant role in cognitive function and concentration. Eating healthy foods and drinking plenty of water can significantly affect your focus and energy levels, helping you perform at your best. While junk food and takeaways might be tempting, try to limit them in favour of fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Fuel your brain with nutritious foods like nuts, seeds, and fish which are high in Omega-3 fatty acids and known to boost brain power. Staying hydrated is equally important, so always have a water bottle nearby while studying.
Your health and wellbeing are important, especially as a student.
We all know exercise is beneficial for our physical health, but it also has positive effects on our brain too. Regular physical activity increases blood flow to the brain, improving focus and retention of new information.
Incorporate simple exercises into your routine, such as brisk walks around the local area before studying. This is a great way to wake you up from those sluggish moods so you're ready to crack on and revise.
Activities like pilates, yoga, running, and weight training are also excellent options. Many universities run fitness classes and have societies or local gyms where you can work out, or try a local gym membership if your budget allows.
Studying with friends can make exam season less stressful and more enjoyable.
Study groups, book clubs, cram sessions, or whatever your university has going on can all help. So can pairing with a couple of friends on the same course and hitting the books together. You’ll want some solo time, but study time shared can also be amazingly productive.
Organising study groups allows for collaborative learning and can deepen your understanding of complex topics and provide encouragement to stay focused.
Working with peers allows you to ask questions, share insights, learn new perspectives, and hold each other accountable. You can bounce ideas off each other, help each other out with problems and generally push each other towards your goals.
However, be careful not to let study groups turn into social gatherings. Set clear objectives and ensure the group remains focused on studying. Balancing social interaction with productive study time is key to effective group study sessions!
Everyone has unique learning styles, and understanding yours can help you tailor your study approach. Visual learners may benefit from diagrams and charts, while auditory learners might prefer listening to lectures or podcasts.
Active learning is a proven technique for keeping your brain engaged and improving comprehension. This could involve summarising key points, self-quizzing, teaching concepts to others, and applying knowledge through problem-solving and simulations. These strategies help engage the brain, improve comprehension, reinforce understanding, and identify areas for further review.
You can also try the Pomodoro technique, which involves breaking down study sessions into 25-minute intervals, separated by short 5-minute breaks, to maintain concentration and productivity.
By assessing and adjusting your study methods, you can enhance your learning experience and stay focused on your studies.
There’s often an element of guilt for enjoying being a student. For spending time with friends, for being in the pub or the park instead of studying.
Don’t feel guilty.
If it gets too much, you’re going to need to refocus on studying. However, being a student is about all kinds of learning and only some of it comes from books. And achieving top grades at uni isn’t all about sitting exams either – read these 8 tips to help you get a first-class degree.
After all, downtime is rest time. A chance for your brain to process what it has learned and commit it to memory.
The key is balance. Enough downtime to be rested and enjoy being a student but not so much that you become unproductive and fall behind.
Remember, studying doesn't have to be a chore. By implementing these tips, you can create an effective and enjoyable study experience, setting yourself up for academic success.