How to study more effectively

Getting the best out of your studies comes down to time management.

That includes understanding the best times for you to study.

Because people don't just have different learning styles – they also have different learning times.

Just like you have a timetable for classes in high school, you also need one for your study days and times.

This becomes even more important if you decide to go to university.

Planning to succeed

If you have a part-time/casual job, you know you have to plan your day around the time you start and finish work.

Study is no different. That's why you should make yourself a weekly planner.

A weekly planner helps you keep track of your different responsibilities and better schedule your study time each week of a term or semester.

It's just a wall chart you can put up in your study area at home, but you can see what you're meant to be doing – and when – at a glance.

Whether you have some paid work or not, think of your study as another job and give it the same kind of attention.

When you set some study time aside each week, break it down into blocks that include short breaks.

Break down those blocks into smaller parts. So, a one hour block should have:

5 minutes of planning time, thinking about what you want to achieve over that hour
40 minutes of concentrated work – most people find it difficult to concentrate effectively for more than 40-50 minutes at a time
5 minutes reviewing what you've done
10 minute break

At our university we help students with their exams, assignments, study techniques and plenty more.

We even have a free counselling service if anyone needs it.

This one-page Tip Sheet has advice about 12 effective study techniques.

You can also watch this short video we made with some of our clever students about what works for them.