Sometimes it can be hard to settle down and study effectively what with all our modern distractions like mobile phones getting in the way. Ensure you put these study tips for students below into action to achieve success.
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Putting Study Tips Into Action
Create A Study Plan
The first of our study tips for students is planning. To study effectively you should create a plan and prioritize tasks. Set them in the order of most important first. Having a written plan makes you more likely to adhere to it. And ticking off goals once they are achieved provides a sense of accomplishment.
No Mobile Phones
Whenever you prepare to study, ensure all mobile phones and other devices are switched off. These are major distractions – even when put on silent. Keeping them switched off will prevent the temptation to periodically check for messages.
Wake Up Earlier
Many successful people tout the benefits of waking up early. It can help give you more time to organise and plan your day. This in turn reduces stress. It also gives you chance to enjoy a filling breakfast to set you up with energy for the day ahead.
Hardest Task First
The harder the task, the more physical and cognitive energy is required to be spent on them. By completing the hardest task first, when you are at your most productive ensures you dedicate the appropriate energy. The smaller tasks will then seem easier to complete.
40 Minute Study Session
People often fall into two camps when studying. You either spend half the time procrastinating and thinking about what you are going to do. Or you knuckle down and study non-stop without a break for hours on end. Both of these are bad.
Procrastinating doesn’t lead to anything being achieved. Whereas studying too intensely can lead to mental fatigue and lower productivity.
One of the most effective ways to study is to split up study sessions into small periods, interspersed with short breaks. This uses a time management technique known as the ‘Pomodoro Method’.
We usually find 40 minutes per session is an optimal timeframe – not too short but not too long either. If shorter or longer periods work better for you then by all means adapt this.
At the end of each 40 minute study period you take a 5-10 minute break and then continue with the next timed session. After a set of 3 study/break sessions, it is advisable to take a prolonged 15-30 minute break.
You can set a timer for these sessions. Most people will prefer to use their phone for this, although we advise keeping phones off when studying. An actual timer or watch would be better for this but if you have no other option then use your phone. Just be sure to keep it out of reach so you aren’t distracted.
Look After Yourself
One of our most important study tips for students would be to look after yourself both physically and mentally. Ensure you take enough breaks away from your studies – everybody needs a time out now and then. You should also make sure you eat a healthy balanced diet and get plenty of sleep. These are essential for providing the energy and focus required for a successful day of studies.
Learn From Mistakes
The final of our study tips for students is to learn from your mistakes. Don’t waste time beating yourself up when something doesn’t go right. We all have moments of fatigue and brain fog when something just won’t go into our brain or we get something wrong.
Simply take the time to focus on what isn’t working and why it isn’t working. Don’t be afraid to adjust your study methods or ask for help when you need it.
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Post Study Tips For Students
So, now you’ve completed your studies and hopefully passed your exams. After graduation you may now be turning your attention to the world of work and looking to secure your dream job.
It is not enough to just have the right qualifications for the role. It is also essential to have a professional resume prepared when applying for jobs. This should provide an employer with a clear but concise view of your skills, education, qualifications and career history. Keep it brief – an employer doesn’t want to read through your life story.
Do you need help crafting a resume or want a second opinion from an expert? Get a free resume review from Top Resume.
Once your resume is in place you can start to apply for jobs. The internet is full of places to find work including job websites and even social media like LinkedIn.
Most sites allow you to upload a resume and make it searchable so that prospective employers can contact you. You should ensure you register and upload your resume to as many relevant sites as possible. Some good places to start are ZipRecruiter and FlexJobs.
More Help For Students
After all that studying you need to unwind. Perhaps with a shopping trip to treat yourself, or a short break. Whatever you do ensure you get the best value on all your shopping, travel and experiences by utilising a free student discount scheme like Student Beans.
You can also read our top tips on student money management. Here you will find advice for ways to save money as a student, like refinancing student loans. Plus some great ideas for student side businesses to make some spare cash.
If you’ve found these study tips for students helpful, please join our newsletter to keep up to date with all our latest content. And don’t forget to check out our blog where you will find lots of helpful personal finance related posts.
