42 Proven Study Tips That You Must – Follow in 2024

Looking for study tips? If yes, hold your seat and be with me till the end.

Every student has their ways and strategies to study. Maybe the study strategies that work for you might not work for your friend or others. Isn’t it?

However, many study tips and study guides are ideal that every student needs to follow to get success in their studies and college.

So, in this article, we are going to break down 42 such proven study tips that you must follow for studying better, improving grades, and becoming a discipline and straight-a-student.

Note: Reading and knowing a study tip is easy but the hard thing is to follow the study tip consistently.

Are you in hurry? Click here to check the amazing infographic of this post.

So, let’s dive into the all study tips…

1. Find a distraction-free study area:

A place or environment where you study really matters for your effective study. A lot of research has shown that a good study environment can motivate a student to study. That’s why our first study tip for you is to find a distraction-free and dedicated study place at your home.

A place where you can study whenever you want and their surroundings must support you while studying.

2. Use a study table and chair:

If you have found a good study place then also set up a study table and chair there. Although I have made a guide on how you should study in bed (that many students prefer) still I would suggest you use a study table and the best dorm chair while studying.

Using on a study table sharpens your mind and the right chair keeps you away from back pain and neck pain that you often feel while studying in bed or couch.

3. Set your time for study:

Following a routine is a sign of a disciplined student. However, we all know making a routine is easy but it’s very difficult to stick with it. So, instead of the following routine, you have to set your time only for studying.

Here is the deal:

Before going to your bed or after waking up just make a note (kind of to-do list) about the time you have available tomorrow or today where you can study, put an alarm on for that time so that you won't forget your study time.

Writing a note about your study times will automatically manage your day with other works. However, If you can stick with a routine then I must allow you to make a routine.

4. Avoid phone and other entertaining gadgets:

In today’s world, your phone is the most distracting thing that you have. If your phone is not a part of your study then I’d suggest you either switch off your phone or keep it aside until you complete your one study session and use it on study breaks.

However, If your phone is a part of your study then make sure to block all other apps (especially social media and games) that you’re not using while studying.

Similarly, whatever the things you have in your study room distract you or grab your attention keep them aside from your study area.

5. Make a To-do list before you study:

A To-do list really helps you to complete your all work on time. So here you have to also make a To-do list before your study. Whatever the study materials or homework you have to study make a list about it with a time limit and try to finish each task within time.

This will help you to finish your homework on time and enjoy your rest day. And, when you complete any topic from the list make a cross on the list that will motivate you to complete the rest of the topics.

6. Study in small chunks:

Research has shown that students who study in small chunks have better focus while studying. When you study in chunks you also remember the information more easily rather than cramming. Try the Pomodoro technique that allows you to study for 25 minutes with 5 minutes break. However, you can adjust this Pomodoro duration and set it according to your comfort.

If you want to study longer then follow 4 Pomodoro and then take a long break for 20-30 minutes.

7. Take a light meal before you study:

To stay focused in your study what you eat before studying really matters. Your body’s energy will be focused on the digestive process rather than on providing your brain with the energy it needs to function efficiently.

Having a light meal before you study also keeps you awake rather than feeling sleepy while studying.

On other hand, if you take a strong meal then you must feel tired and sleepy during studies or classes. Try a light meal such as an apple, salad, or salmon.

8. Don’t forget to take breaks during studies:

I have seen many students who keep studying for long hours without taking a single break. Taking breaks during studies is very important to refresh your mind and prepare for further studies.

Sometimes taking a break works like an appreciation when you solve a difficult mathematical equation.

In a break, you can perform these activities…

• Take Tea or Coffee with snacks
• Take a small nap
• Use your phone
• Do a 5-minutes workout at home

Now, it depends on you how long you allow yourself to enjoy a break. However, it should not be longer than 20-30 minutes for 1-2 hours of straight study.

9. Write down the problems that seem hard or where you always make mistakes:

During the study, you may have many problems or concepts where you always make mistakes or find problems difficult to solve. Isn’t it?

So, all you need to do is make a list of all such questions and always review those questions once a week until you learn them completely. This study tip really works for tough questions.

You don’t need to remember the questions with solutions, just focus on learning and understanding the concepts.

10. Pay attention in class:

Whether you take classes online or offline, always pay attention in your class and be active when your professor teaches something. Not only, do you learn and understand the information easily but also it motivates your professor to give their best.

Also, keep a pen and a notebook near you so that if you hear something you can write it down. Always write points, not explanations. But make sure, don’t write when your professor teaches you something.

11. Don’t hesitate to ask:

It’s a good sign when you get stuck somewhere while studying and some problems irritate you. If you’re understanding something then you must have doubt. Isn’t it? But don’t keep your doubt at yourself, or leave the doubt as it is.

If you think your friend could help you with your doubt then don’t hesitate to ask him. You can also take help from your professors, he must appreciate your question.

Remember, first try to put all your efforts by yourself for the doubt you’re asking, then ask for help.

12. Kick the tough subject first:

Do you have any tough subjects that you don’t want to study anymore?

I had one ‘Trigonometry’ and I was very weak in it, that’s why like you, I always used to escape from it. Whether I had to finish my all subject’s homework or solve maths exam papers, I took trigonometry always in last, And, because of this I would have never improved until or unless I took it first and focus on it more.

So, instead of giving less time to your tough subject, kick it first so that you can give enough time to that subject.

13. Don’t skip any topic without understanding:

I have seen many students who skip the topic without looking at it, they assume this is not gonna come in exams so why do they need to study.

However, you can’t predict which topic is important to study and which is not for your exams. Every topic and its concept is important and you must study them. These topics are like miscellaneous problems that improve your thinking ability and prepare your brain for a tougher one.

So, don’t skip them, if you don’t know and find any doubt then ask for help.

14. Learn the same information by different mediums:

Reading only books or notes for learning information is not a good thing always. You may get bored by learning through one medium. So, why don’t you try to learn the same information in a variety of ways by watching video lectures, Infographics, charts, making notes, and others?

Make sure you focus more on visual learning. It is said that videos and images are directly processed by long-term memory.

That’s why this way you not only learn and understand easily but also keep remember for a long time.

15. What you learn must teach others:

If you have ever heard about the learning pyramid then you must know after learning any concepts when you teach others you can retain most of the information. However, if you’re not familiar with the learning pyramid theory then this image can explain everything.

This theory suggests that students only remember about 10% of what they read from textbooks, but retain nearly 90% of what they learn through teaching others.

So, whatever the concepts and theories you learn must try to teach others. If you don’t get an opportunity to teach others then teach yourself, whenever you find yourself alone explain the concepts by assuming you’re are explaining to others.

16. Use mind maps:

Mind maps use visual cues, words, and images to create strong associations that help you remember what you’re studying.

Mind maps make connections and Identify relationships between different topics that make your study more interesting and develop your subject understanding. Even, because of mind maps, you explore subjects broadly and go in-depth.

You can easily find maps around any topic by just googling it, but I’d suggest you create your own which improves your creativity as well.

17. Don’t forget to make your homework:

Homework is nothing but a way to check how much information you actually learn and grab. And, it’s a great way to practice and take command of something. Being a student, you should always finish your homework whether you find it easier or harder.

It encourages the discipline of practice. When you practice a lot of questions based on the same theory it makes the theory easier to learn. Or, if the homework is already easier for you then do it fast to improve your speed and save time for other works.

Read more: How to do homework fast?

18. Study every day, don’t break consistency:

It’s okay if you don’t like to study but it’s like your duty that you have to do every day and an ideal student doesn’t forget to study any single day. Whether it is doing your homework, reviewing flashcards, or others, you should study every day.

Taking even one day gap to your study won’t let you focus properly and the next day again you want to procrastinate your study.

So, don’t break your consistency. If you don’t have any homework to do then you can revise your notes or take a look at a new (upcoming) chapter of your book. Study for less period but study effectively. Be honest with your work.

19. Don’t study only in room:

As I already told you, you should have a good study environment and a distraction-free study room if you study at home. But studying all-time only in your room is not a good thing though.

For me, It could be monotonous.

Sparing time in a library, coffee shop, park, or other places with your book and studying there someday can be more interesting. Isn’t it? Whatever the study place you choose make sure you’re comfortable there and can make focus well.

 20. Track your progress:

Being a blogger and I never forget to track my site’s progress. Just like I do, you should also track your study progress daily.

Before going to bed, write a note or visualize what you studied and learned today. Did you learn something new today?

I know it could be hard to recall for you but this study tip is gonna be very useful for you. This way when you track your progress it improves your memory and motivates you to study daily and learn new things daily.

21. Clear your mind before studying:

Clearing your mind before taking a class or when you study can be helpful to maintain focus and study effectively. Before reading a book many things can be running in your mind and it can be hard for you to prepare your mind next and concentrate on your study.

So, take a few minutes, close your eyes, and do a small meditation to erase all unnecessary thoughts from your mind before the study.

22. Put some music on while studying:

With music, your study can be more interesting. Isn’t it?

But, what if I tell you music improves your concentration even while studying. Yes, it’s a scientifically proven study tip.

However, it doesn’t mean you should tap on your favorite playlists and then study. It is clearly said that some types of music can boost concentration and memory as well as increase alertness.

Note: You have to only listen to music that should be different from your genre and have a repetitive pulse. Choose classical music, instrumental music, or any music that has no lyrics and you won’t have a strong feeling or any emotions with that music. 

23. Try Group study someday:

Do you ever involve in group study?

If yes then you can skip this study tip and if not then you must try someday.

An effective group study can help with your study in many ways. Not only do you enjoy it but also you study longer. And, the best thing about a group study is you get an opportunity to grab others’ knowledge while sharing your knowledge.

In a short period, you learn many things that you don’t know, but you should be active in the group study.

If you don’t have too many friends then find a study buddy (or your roommate) and study with them. Whether you do homework together or learn a new topic together, it must be worth it.

24. Weekends reserve for revision:

With learning new information daily it’s very important to keep revising your notes and what you learned. I have seen many students neither make notes for each subject nor they revision anytime and when their exams come near they regret why they didn’t revisit and revise the materials.

So, you should not forget to revision. If you have a free weekend then you can revision and revisit all the topics that you studied in 7 days.

I know your weekends are made for fun but saving and studying for at least 2 hrs can be beneficial when your exams come.

Remember, it’s easy to understand a new topic but the challenging thing is to retain it.

25. Organize your study notes:

Books and notes are the best friends of a student. An ideal student always takes better notes and keeps organizing their notes. In my post on ‘Notes Writing Tips‘, I told you also how students should organize their notes.

Think carefully about where to keep your notes and how to store them so they are easily accessible. Organizing your notes and keeping them tidy will save you time, and is as important as knowing which notetaking techniques are most effective for you.

Use multiple colors while writing notes and use colors in such a way they should define a specific purpose. For example, you can use…

• Red for key points
• Yellow to highlight something important
• Blue or Black for writing theory or answers.

26. Study in the morning:

Early to bed and early to rise to make a man healthy, wealthy, and wise; you might have heard this line. Similarly study in the morning is one of the best study tips that you will get from everyone.

After a complete sleep at night when you wake and study you’ll refresh throughout the day. With having fewer distractions in the morning, you can concentrate better, understand, and learn the material easily.

If you’re a morning person then it will be easy to study in the morning but if you’re not then you have to struggle to get up. Check out this article on how to wake up in the morning and study.

27. Study before bed:

Rather than pulling an all-nighter, studying for half an hour can be more worth it. Whether you have to revise your notes or review your flashcards this time would be great.

According to Scott Cairney, “When you are awake you learn new things, but when you are asleep you refine them, making it easier to retrieve them and apply them correctly when you need them most. 

But make sure like the above image, you won’t study in bed, otherwise, you’ll feel sleepy.

28. Use study techniques in your study:

Study techniques work great to boost your learning, productivity, and focus ability. You may have familiar with study techniques like Pomodoro Technique, SQ3R, Feynman Technique, and many more. Even, we have published an article about study techniques where I’ve given you 15 Study techniques that always work and every student must use them.

These techniques are reading techniques, memorization techniques, time-management techniques, and more types. If you want to study smart then you should use these study techniques.

29. Take regular quizzes and tests by yourself:

There are many benefits of tests and quizzes. Tests and quizzes are parts of learning that reflect what you know and what you can do. Tests results show your strengths and weaknesses, that you should know.

So whether your class teacher conducts tests or not, you must take them regularly by yourself. Taking tests by yourself improves your confidence and prepares you for upcoming exams.

Decide a time and date, take the test. You can browse many test series and quizzes on your phone as per your syllabus.

30. Challenge yourself with the time:

When you take a test or solve a question always challenge yourself with the time. Put the timer on when you start solving and check it when you completely solve it.

Whether you prepare for a competitive exam or for board exams you might have a shortage of time. This small study tip increases your efficiency and improves your test-taking ability. With this when you challenge yourself with the time while studying it also makes your study more interesting.

31. Reward yourself for a good study session:

How do you feel when you solve a tough mathematical question after putting in enough effort?

Amazing! I know the feeling, it looks like you got something special. So, why don’t you celebrate it?

For appreciating your effort or after having a good study session you should reward yourself. Now it doesn’t mean, you splash out money for a party. Enjoying an ice cream, a cold drink with snacks or anything that you like can work great to boost your motivation and interest for further study.

32. Avoid multitasking while studying:

Using your phone, munching on snacks, or watching television while studying is not a good thing, this is what we called ‘Multitasking‘ and a student never does multitasking.

Even, I have seen some students who study multiple subjects at a time especially when their exams are coming up.

Multitasking does not allow you to make focus on one thing and when you perform other activities while studying it can be harder to focus on your study properly.

So, instead of doing multiple things at a time, you should do one thing at a time, take a break while studying and in break either you can use your phone or enjoy snacks.

33. Don’t over study:

You fill a glass with water, what if you try to fill the glass more with water?

Definitely, water will come from outside because of overfilling. The same happens with your study, when you’re in a mood and find your study interesting or when you cramming you keep studying without even looking at the time.

Studying too much is not good for your brain. Overstudying can cause mental distractions and make it difficult to retain information. It also disturbs your sleep and affects your health.

So if you overstudy for any reason, stop it from now. Try to study in Pomodoro chunks as I said in the 6th study tip.

34. Cramming never works:

Just like multitasking, cramming has been also seen in many students during exams days. The students who don’t study the whole session only cram or pull all night. They try to cover the entire syllabus in very little time, which is equal to impossible.

If you cram even for a few days, you’re making a big mistake, it can affect your health instead of getting good grades.

Cramming has been proven to increase stress levels and can lead to panic and anxiety, making it a lot harder to take in information.

So, study the whole session effectively, and when your exams are coming up, start your preparation as early as you can.

35. Don’t study only for exams:

What’s your main motive to study, getting good grades, holding a degree or acquiring knowledge, and becoming educated?

So, don’t too focus on grades and don’t study only for exams. Study to gain knowledge, become educated, and focus on understanding and learning the material more, get deep into every concept you learn.

By learning this way you automatically get good grades, without chasing on which question is important for your exam’s perspective.

36. Take a good amount of sleep:

Sleep is crucial for your health. Taking a good amount of sleep for 7-9 hrs can be beneficial for your health and in your study as well.

Taking a good sleep at night make you feel energetic throughout the day and you have better concentration while studying. Sleep itself has a role in the consolidation of memory, which is essential for learning new information.

Now, it’s on you how long you allow yourself to sleep. However, a student should sleep for 6 hrs – 10 hrs, not more than 10 hrs. Make sure don’t sleep for less than 5 hrs -6 hrs otherwise you’ll feel sleepy while studying and tired the whole day.

37. Stay hydrated:

Drinking water in the right way is a secret of a healthy lifestyle. It’s said that 8 ounces of water 8 times a day keeps you stay healthy and away from many diseases. However, here is one more benefit of drinking water that may surprise you.

Some studies have shown that drinking plain water helps one’s brain work faster. The study found that when adults drink water, they tend to perform better on mental tests.

Since your brain is mostly water, drinking it helps you think, focus and concentrate better and be more alert. As a bonus, your energy levels are also boosted. Drinking water also keeps you away from sleepy feelings while studying.

38. Grab a coffee:

Whether you get bored while working or feel low energetic, grabbing a coffee can make your day. However, there are many benefits of grabbing coffee for studying.

Research has shown that caffeine can improve your short-term memory. Caffeine acts as a stimulant to improve alertness, attention, and wakefulness and can therefore ease the process of learning and processing information.

Along with these benefits, coffee enhances your mood and helps you to stay focused while studying.

39. Use Flashcard system:

Flashcard system is one of the best ways to learn and remember information. Well, this system works when you have to learn many objective or MCQs type questions.

Watch this video you will easily understand how the flashcard system works.

In the flashcard system who write a question on one face of a card and write an answer for that on another face. After that, you review the flashcards in spaced intervals.

40. Include brain foods in your daily meal:

In our busy lives, we never take care of what we eat. Food is as matter to your life as other study tips, you should never ignore it. As a student, you should also include some brain foods in your daily meal.

Here, I’m listing some brain foods that help you in your study…

• Berries
• Brazil Nuts
• Fatty Fish
• Eggs
• Dark chocolate
• Green Tea

For more guides on brain foods, you can get here.

41. Make exercise a part of your daily routine:

Students need to fit in mentally and physically. Doing half-hour exercise daily in the morning can make you fit by both. However, you don’t need to go to the gym and do work out there, a 20-30 minutes exercise or mediation at your home can be beneficial too.

When you do exercise daily, you must see some changes in yourself like you feel refreshed and energetic throughout the day, you will have better concentration while studying and many more.

42. Don’t compare yourself to others:

If your friend fails you feel bad and if he or she gets higher grades than you, you feel worse. I know, it happens to many students but doesn’t compare yourself to others and compete with others.

Believe in yourself, there is only You vs You competition, you only know your limit. So, stay motivated and give always your best.

Conclusion:

So, in this article, we have listed 42 Study tips that every student can follow without having any conditions. All the study tips that I have listed above works all the time.

Now I would like to hear from you:

Which study tips you’re already following and which study tips from this list you found most useful, although all tips are?

Let me know in the comment…