The Secret to Top Grades: Proven Study Strategies for University Success 🎓
1. Active Recall: The Power of Retrieval
Active recall is one of the most effective study techniques out there. Instead of passively reading or highlighting, you challenge your brain to retrieve information from memory. This forces deeper cognitive processing, which strengthens your long-term retention.
One practical way to implement active recall is through quizzes. After studying a chapter or topic, close your notes and test yourself on the material. Try to recall key points, definitions, and processes without looking at the book. By consistently pushing your brain to remember, you'll retain the material more effectively.
You can make active recall even easier by using the JisiCampus Active Study Recall Table —designed to help you structure your recall sessions and track progress!
2. Get at Least 8 Hours of Sleep a Night: The Academic Game-Changer
Getting enough sleep may sound cliché, but it's one of the most overlooked yet essential parts of studying effectively. When you're well-rested, your brain processes and stores new information more efficiently. Studies have shown that sleep helps consolidate memories, meaning what you studied before bed is more likely to stick.
(meaning that the better quality of sleep you have, the less effort you have to put in to study 🤯)
During busy periods like finals or midterms, it's tempting to stay up late cramming. However, this can backfire. Sleep deprivation diminishes your focus, reduces problem-solving abilities, and hampers creativity.
On the other hand, by getting at least 8 hours of sleep each night, you'll notice that you can retain information more easily, think more clearly, and tackle exams or assignments with greater confidence.
3. Use Study Timers: Stay Focused
Time management is one of the biggest challenges students face in university. It’s easy to get distracted or procrastinate, but using a study timer can help you stay on track.
A popular method is the Pomodoro Technique: study for 25 minutes, take a 5-minute break, and repeat. After four cycles, take a longer 15-30 minute break.
Study timers help create a sense of urgency and make long study sessions more manageable by breaking them down into smaller, focused intervals. This strategy not only helps improve focus but also prevents burnout.
We recommend this study timer, used by the YouTuber Yoora Jung, to help boost your productivity!
4. How To Efficiently Take Notes without Wasting Time
Taking notes during lectures may seem straightforward, but it’s more than just mindlessly jotting down information. Effective note-taking requires you to actively engage with the material, which deepens your understanding and makes it easier to recall later.
As you listen to lectures, try focus on what your professor is actually saying- make notes onto the lecture slides about anything extra that the lecturer mentions during the session.
Then straight after or later in the day, try to summarise your professor’s insights along with the lecture slides to create your very own ultimate summary that is personalised to your own understanding. This little bit of extra effort ensures that you’re processing the information rather than just transcribing it and in turn will reduce your overall revising time.
5. Stay Consistent and Avoid Procrastination
Cramming might seem like the only option when deadlines loom, but it’s not a sustainable way to learn. While it might help you pass a test, cramming doesn't allow for deep understanding or retention of material. Instead, aim for consistent, shorter study sessions spread out over time.
If you review material regularly, not only will you be less stressed before exams, but you’ll also retain the knowledge long after the test is over. Schedule a few hours each week to review past topics, practice problems, and test yourself on key concepts. This kind of spaced repetition allows for deeper comprehension, making it easier to recall information when it matters most.
6. Incorporate Physical Activity into Your Routine
Another cliché but something that is sooo important. Exercise can play a significant role in improving your academic performance. Physical activity boosts blood flow to the brain, improves concentration, and reduces stress—all of which contribute to better study sessions.
It can be as simple as going for a walk, attending a fitness class, or doing a quick workout at home, regular exercise can refresh your mind and body, making you more alert and ready to tackle your studies. Try scheduling short bursts of physical activity during your study breaks to recharge.
7. Create a Dedicated Study Space
Where you study MATTERS. A cluttered or noisy environment can make it difficult to focus and retain information. Designate a specific area for studying, free from distractions like your phone, television, or other interruptions. Make sure the space is organized and equipped with everything you need, like textbooks, stationery, and a comfortable chair.
Creating a study space conditions your brain to associate that environment with focus and productivity. Over time, this will help you get into the right mindset quickly and make your study sessions more effective.
I recommend this book that helps people to create an effective study space and majorly improve their concentration. I believe that there is also a video version of YouTube- check it out!
8. Use Study Groups Effectively
While studying alone has its benefits, collaborating with peers can help you gain new perspectives on the material. Join a study group where you can exchange ideas, quiz each other, and clarify difficult concepts. Teaching others is also a great way to reinforce your understanding of the subject matter.
However, make sure that study groups stay focused and productive. It’s easy for group sessions to become social gatherings or distract from the task at hand. Keep your discussions on topic and set clear goals for each session.
9. Take Regular Breaks to Prevent Burnout
It’s essential to give your brain time to rest and recover during long study sessions. Taking breaks prevents cognitive overload, reduces stress, and helps you stay motivated.
Plan for short, timed breaks after intense periods of focus—whether it’s 5 minutes to stretch or a 20-minute walk to clear your head.
By pacing yourself and integrating regular breaks into your study routine, you’ll be more productive in the long run and prevent burnout.
Study Smart, Not Hard
University life is demanding, but by implementing these strategies, you can study more effectively and manage your time better. Remember that it’s not just about working harder but working smarter.
Incorporate active recall, get enough sleep, use timers, summarise your notes, and prioritise consistency over cramming. With a little effort and the right techniques, you’ll see improvements in your grades and reduce the stress of academic life.
For more tools and resources to elevate your study habits, explore our JisiCampus Study Resources.