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Study Tips for Students!

By: Isabella Tao

Study Smarter: Practical Tips for Online & In-Person Classes

School can feel overwhelming—especially when classes shift between virtual and in-person. The good news: a few small habits make a big difference. Here are clear, student-tested tips you can start using today.

1) Preview the Material (Learn Ahead)

Skimming new topics before your teacher covers them builds confidence and makes class time click.

  • Skim first: glance at headings, examples, and summary boxes.
  • Watch a short overview: a 5–10 minute video to see the big picture.
  • Create a “question list”: write 3–5 things you want to clarify in class.

2) Plan Your Week & Day

More classes often means more assignments. Use a simple planning rhythm:

  • Weekly view: drop all due dates in a calendar (tests, quizzes, projects).
  • Daily top 3: list the three tasks that must get done today.
  • Time blocks: schedule 45–60 minute study blocks plus short breaks.

Tools students like: Google Calendar/Outlook (deadlines), Notion/OneNote (notes), Apple/Reminders or Todoist (tasks).

3) Use Active Learning (What Actually Works)

  • Retrieval practice: close your notes and explain the idea from memory.
  • Spaced review: quick refresh 1 day, 3 days, and 1 week later (flashcards work great).
  • Interleaving: mix problem types (A–B–C) instead of doing 20 of the same thing.
  • Teach it: use the “Feynman” approach—explain the concept in plain language.
  • Pomodoro: 25 minutes focus + 5 minutes break. After 3–4 rounds, take a longer break.

Tip: For spaced practice, try Anki or Quizlet to automate review intervals.

4) Use Quality Resources (Fast Clarification)

5) Ask for Help Early

Don’t wait until the night before. Most teachers—and even previous teachers—are happy to help.

  • Office hours: bring your question list and one specific example.
  • Study squads: meet weekly, split topics, teach back to each other.
  • Past teachers/mentors: reach out for quick clarifications or study strategies.

6) Set Up a Distraction-Light Environment

  • One “home” for each class: a single notebook or digital page per subject.
  • Window management: one tab per task; use website blockers during focus time.
  • Note method: try Cornell notes or “question → answer → example” cards.

7) Protect Your Brain (Breaks That Actually Refresh)

Short breaks reduce stress and help memory. Ideas:

  • Go for a quick walk or do light stretches.
  • Power nap (10–20 minutes) if you’re tired.
  • Hydrate, grab a healthy snack, or tidy your desk.
  • Listen to a song—then jump back in.
Student taking a short, restorative break
Micro-breaks keep your energy steady.

Final Thought

You can absolutely do this. Pick one tip to try today (for example, a 25-minute focus block and a quick retrieval quiz), and build from there. Small steps compound fast. You’ve got this!

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