3 answers
Ashlyn
Student
Auburn, Washington
1
Question
Asked
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What is the best study tip that you have?
I have a hard time focusing without unconsciously spacing out in any subject I'm not passionate about. My study habits aren't the greatest, and a lot of the time I feel unprepared for tests. I want to start college with good study habits and not be stuck on my bad ones, thank you so much! #fall25 #Fall25
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3 answers
Yasmin Mohamed Alamin
Clinical Nutrition Student
63
Answers
Cairo, Cairo Governorate, Egypt
Updated
Yasmin’s Answer
Hi Ashlyn 👋🏻...
The study tip that changed things for me is this: don’t wait for motivation, build a small, predictable routine that your brain can slip into automatically.
Most people think they need to “feel focused” first, but focus usually comes after you start, not before.
Here’s how to make that happen:
Choose one tiny action that signals “study mode.” It can be opening your notebook, setting a 10-minute timer, or playing the same quiet playlist every time you study. Your brain starts pairing that cue with concentration, almost like muscle memory.
Then break whatever you’re studying into very small chunks. Ten minutes where you actually focus is worth more than an hour of spacing out. When you finish a chunk, take a short break so your brain doesn’t wander off. Short, steady sessions beat long, painful ones.
And when you’re not passionate about a subject, try giving your brain a simple question to answer before you start: What’s the one thing I need to understand today?
It stops the mind from drifting because it creates a “target” to aim at.
You’re not bad at studying... you just haven’t built the right habits yet. Once you create a routine your mind can trust, focus becomes a lot easier, and preparing for tests won’t feel like a lucky accident.
If you want to strengthen this even more later, you can build your own study system around it.
The study tip that changed things for me is this: don’t wait for motivation, build a small, predictable routine that your brain can slip into automatically.
Most people think they need to “feel focused” first, but focus usually comes after you start, not before.
Here’s how to make that happen:
Choose one tiny action that signals “study mode.” It can be opening your notebook, setting a 10-minute timer, or playing the same quiet playlist every time you study. Your brain starts pairing that cue with concentration, almost like muscle memory.
Then break whatever you’re studying into very small chunks. Ten minutes where you actually focus is worth more than an hour of spacing out. When you finish a chunk, take a short break so your brain doesn’t wander off. Short, steady sessions beat long, painful ones.
And when you’re not passionate about a subject, try giving your brain a simple question to answer before you start: What’s the one thing I need to understand today?
It stops the mind from drifting because it creates a “target” to aim at.
You’re not bad at studying... you just haven’t built the right habits yet. Once you create a routine your mind can trust, focus becomes a lot easier, and preparing for tests won’t feel like a lucky accident.
If you want to strengthen this even more later, you can build your own study system around it.
Wong Loke Yuen
Head of Programme cum Senior Lecturer
645
Answers
Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Updated
Wong’s Answer
Hi Ashlyn. One of the best study tips is to study in short, focused sessions instead of trying to study for hours without a plan. Many students lose focus, especially in subjects they don't enjoy, and it's normal to space out sometimes. A good method is to study for 25-30 minutes, then take a 5-minute break. This helps your brain stay fresh and makes it easier to pay attention and remember what you study.
Another helpful tip is to actively work with the material instead of just reading or highlighting. Reading notes over and over is not very effective. You need to summarize the information in your own words, teach it to a friend, or do practice questions. These activities make your brain think about the material, which helps you remember it better.
It is also important to set up a good study space. You need to find a quiet place with no distractions. Put your phone away or turn it off, and close any tabs that are not related to studying.
Another tip is to review your material regularly instead of cramming the night before a test. Going over your notes for a short time every few days helps you remember more for the long term.
Hope this helps. All the best.
Another helpful tip is to actively work with the material instead of just reading or highlighting. Reading notes over and over is not very effective. You need to summarize the information in your own words, teach it to a friend, or do practice questions. These activities make your brain think about the material, which helps you remember it better.
It is also important to set up a good study space. You need to find a quiet place with no distractions. Put your phone away or turn it off, and close any tabs that are not related to studying.
Another tip is to review your material regularly instead of cramming the night before a test. Going over your notes for a short time every few days helps you remember more for the long term.
Hope this helps. All the best.
Amy Lloyd
3
Answers
Updated
Amy’s Answer
Ashlyn,
I was in a similar situation. My study habits in high school weren't great, and I quickly realized that wouldn't work in college. You're already ahead by recognizing this, so well done!
Here are some tips that helped me:
1. Set a weekly study schedule. Write down specific tasks like "study for history test" or "read chapters 3-4 for English."
2. Break study time into smaller sessions to avoid feeling overwhelmed or distracted.
3. If you start losing focus, take notes. Writing them down or typing them helps keep your mind engaged.
4. Use a timer to stick to your planned study time.
5. Be flexible. Building new habits takes time, so keep practicing.
6. Take advantage of campus resources. Join study groups and seek help from counselors, professors, and classmates. Don't hesitate to ask for help.
Good luck with everything!
Amy
I was in a similar situation. My study habits in high school weren't great, and I quickly realized that wouldn't work in college. You're already ahead by recognizing this, so well done!
Here are some tips that helped me:
1. Set a weekly study schedule. Write down specific tasks like "study for history test" or "read chapters 3-4 for English."
2. Break study time into smaller sessions to avoid feeling overwhelmed or distracted.
3. If you start losing focus, take notes. Writing them down or typing them helps keep your mind engaged.
4. Use a timer to stick to your planned study time.
5. Be flexible. Building new habits takes time, so keep practicing.
6. Take advantage of campus resources. Join study groups and seek help from counselors, professors, and classmates. Don't hesitate to ask for help.
Good luck with everything!
Amy