There is no escaping exams when you’re a student. But you can nail them by learning how to study smarter. You have to adopt study hacks – effective studying techniques and shortcuts designed to improve your understanding and retention of course material. The following study hacks are practical, easy to use and designed to help you stress less, make the most of your study time, and achieve your academic goals.
Hack #1: use your time wisely with the Pomodoro Technique
Ever catch yourself zoning out and not really getting anything done? Say hello to the Pomodoro Technique! It is one of the best study tips for exams because it’s a simple and effective way to boost productivity without burning out.
Here’s how it works:
- Pick one thing to focus on.
- Set a timer for a 25-minute countdown.
- Work like you’re racing against the clock. Avoid all distractions.
- When the timer goes off, take a short break. Use the five minutes to have a snack, browse social media, or maybe take a walk.
- Do it again. Focus for 25 minutes. Take a break. After the fourth cycle take a well-deserved longer break.
Hack #2: read your notes out loud
If you’re studying in a private area like your room, then this is one of the best memory enhancement tips. It’s a great way to retain more information and more quickly. You are 50% more likely to remember something faster if you read it out loud to yourself instead of reading it silently over and over again. Be considerate though. Do not try this in a library or while you’re sitting in class.
Hack #3: Feynman Technique
Did know the Feynman Technique is named after Nobel Prize-winning physicist Richard Feynman, who was known for his ability to simplify complex ideas? To master it, follow these four steps:
- Choose a concept to study and write down everything you know about this subject.
- Teach it to a friend or sibling to help you understand it better by breaking it down.
- Write down your simplified version leaving out all jargon.
- Now review it, store it safely but keep it on hand to revise.
Hack #4: diagrams, acronyms and visual associations
Taking what you’ve learned and turning it into a diagram or making some sort of rhyme or acronym around it will make it easy to recall when you need to. What you choose to do depends on what works for you. If you’re more of a visual person, then diagrams and mind maps will be better. Whether it’s an actual drawing or something you’ve made up in your head, this is a handy study hack that can help you remember all the facts.
Hack #5: spaced repetition
Spaced repetition is one of the oldest study strategies for students. It helps you remember by going over study material at spaced-out intervals. Instead of cramming all at once, you hit the books right before you’re about to forget something, which helps lock it in. This technique is especially great for memorising formulas. To make it even easier, apps like Anki or Quizlet are available to help you use this technique.
Hack #6: Times New Roman is the best study font
If you’re typing out your study notes then use Times New Roman. The font’s size and easy-to-read letters make it an ideal font for learning and note taking.You can also space out your notes into smaller paragraphs. This will make them easier to read, digest and remember. A page filled with text and no breaks is more daunting than multiple pages with some big gaps.
Hack #7: create mind maps
How much of what was said in the lecture room, do you remember? Your notes do not make sense? Mind maps will save the day. Write down your main topic in a big circle in the centre of your page, then branch out into smaller circles or sections for subtopics, headings or key points. Add the finer details under each branch. This visual layout helps you see the bigger picture, connect ideas and recall information more effectively.
Hack #8: take study breaks
How to improve study habits? Take study breaks. This gives you time to unwind and process what you’ve learned. It will also help keep you refreshed by distancing yourself from your work and then returning with a clear mind. Plan your study schedule according to this rule to make the most of your time.
Hack #9: study at your best times
When are you most focused? If you’re a morning person, use that burst of energy to power through a study session – you might get more done in half the time than you would at night. On the flip side, if you’re a night owl, make the most of those quiet hours when your mind is sharp.
Hack #10: get a goodnight’s sleep before your exam
It is not a good idea to stay up all night learning before an exam. You should give yourself plenty of learning time before the exam and spend the day before revising. By getting good rest before your exam, your brain will be able to better digest what you’ve learned. You also need to feel well rested and be at your best while writing your exams.
Not all study hacks are a one-size-fits-all deal. The trick is to play around with different methods to find what works with your personal learning style. Whether you’re into the Pomodoro Technique, mind mapping or spaced repetition, testing out different strategies to find the best fit will remove much anxiety from the dreaded exam season.
About The IIE’s Varsity College
The Independent Institute of Education (The IIE) of which Varsity College is a brand, is South Africa’s largest registered and accredited private provider of higher education. At Varsity College we understand that no two students are the same or learn the same. That’s why we make sure a student’s education is shaped around them; how they like to learn, what they are passionate about, what makes them tick, and what makes them thrive. Our Education by Design approach allows students to grow into their best, and creates a space where they can live, learn and play – their way.