As a sophomore here at Cal Poly, I’ve finally cracked the code on effective studying. Freshman year was a tornado of energy drinks, all-nighters and test anxiety. I was exhausted from studying longer instead of smarter.
Now, I’m here to share all that I’ve learned and my best study tips for what actually works. Keep in mind: what works for me may not work perfectly for you, but these tips are backed by reliable research and proven to be helpful for many.
1. Location matters more than you expect.
Coffee shops are not always the best solution. I have found that changing my study location each time has helped me retain the information I’ve studied.
But don’t just take it from me; cognitive science backs this strategy up. The brain creates associations between environment and material. By studying in different locations, your brain forms unique connections between each setting’s sensory cues and the information you’re learning. These associations your brain makes creates multiple pathways to access the same material, making it easier to recall during exams.
I typically cycle between the beach, Scout coffee shop, the UU quiet rooms and Seeds downtown. These are my personal favorites, so I recommend finding three to five reliable study spots and rotating between them. That being said, don’t be afraid to try new study spaces and take recommendations from friends and teachers.
2. Eliminate all distractions.
While studying with friends may seem like a fun group activity, it can be a lot harder to actually get work done. Conversations with friends or a ringing cell phone have been shown to affect students’ concentration and ability to learn.
I used to think I was a great multitasker, watching Netflix “in the background” while studying or keeping my phone in my lap. Spoiler alert: I wasn’t. I realized I was taking twice as long to learn half as much information.
Now, I take study time seriously. I find a quiet space alone, power off my phone, turn on some music and dedicate a few hours to focusing solely on studying. This maximizes my productivity and cuts my study time in half, also reducing stress and giving me more free time.
3. Take brain breaks.
Study breaks increase productivity, renew energy and increase focus. I’m sure you’ve heard this everywhere, as it’s the number one study tip that everyone talks about.
But scrolling on TikTok for 30 minutes or turning on a TV show does not constitute an effective brain break. The secret is active breaks that get your body moving and your blood flowing.
I’ve made it a habit to step away from my desk every hour for real rejuvenation. My go-to break activities include a stretch session, a walk around my neighborhood, or my personal favorite, a game of pickleball with my best friend.
The combination of physical activity, social interaction, and mental disconnection from the study material works wonders. When I return to my desk, my mind feels refreshed and ready to tackle more studying.
4. Sleep is a necessity, not an option.
Though cramming all night before a big test might seem like a good strategy, getting proper rest is actually the healthier choice. Research from MIT in 2019 revealed a strong correlation between students’ sleep duration and their test performance. This sleep research shows that rest does more than just provide students with energy for studying and test-taking, it actively helps them learn, memorize, retain, recall, and apply new knowledge to develop creative and innovative solutions.
When students pull all-nighters before tests, they prevent their brains from properly storing the information they studied, making it difficult to recall during the exam. Getting between eight and ten hours of sleep the night before a quiz or exam is ideal.
5. Ask for help.
Teachers genuinely want their students to succeed. Going to office hours, asking for extra practice problems, or getting a tutor will better prepare you for academic challenges.
Utilizing this extra help is not a sign of weakness but rather a sign of commitment to academics. By taking advantage of these resources, you’ll build stronger relationships with your instructors while also being better prepared for tests. I’ve found these strategies have transformed my academic experience. My results speak for themselves: better grades with less stress and more free time.
Remember, effective studying isn’t about marathon sessions fueled by caffeine; it’s about creating intentional habits that work with your brain instead of against it. College is challenging enough without making studying more difficult than it needs to be. Your future self—well-rested, less stressed, and academically successful—will thank you for making these changes now.
