My study rituals

No matter what year you are in, no matter how many years you’ve already been studying, it always takes some time to get into the groove of sticking to a productive study routine. Each one of us has our own unique ways of getting things done but it is important to find the routine that works best for you. Especially for international students, coming to a different country with a different learning system can be quite challenging as it forces you to find a new routine.

Depending on your course, your assessments may include different activities such as essays, reports, presentations, and tests. The frequency at which it is given also varies from course to course. Nonetheless, as long as you manage your time and tasks well, you should be able to prepare for it with ease.

1. Plan a study schedule

Whether it be just for the day, for the week or month, creating a schedule will help you visualise what needs to be completed, and guide you on how much time you should spend on doing your tasks. This will help you stay on track and keep things organized. You can create your schedule using the calendar on your phone, or if you’re an analog person, write it down in your diary or journal.

2. Prepare everything you need before starting

Nothing is more annoying than having to get up to get things or search for a pen or notebook when you are already in the middle of studying. This kind of disruption can almost always throw your concentration off. Make sure to gather everything that you need from your pens, books, notes, gadgets to your snacks or water and have them near you.

3. Choose a study place beforehand

For others, having a dedicated study spot is what works for them but I’m one of the few people who can’t stay put in one area because my mood and the tasks at hand always determine where I want to study during that time. For example, if I’m feeling relaxed and I only want to do some reading, I wouldn’t mind studying in a café, or just in my room. However, when I am stressed and can’t afford any distractions, I set up camp in the library where I can stay focused and not get easily distracted by my environment.

4. Pomodoro Technique

There are different techniques on how to study effectively but this time management method is something I highly recommend. It basically involves working in focused intervals of 25 minutes then followed by a 5-minute break which is designed to enhance productivity and maintain concentration. After four 25 minutes of work, you get to have a 15-minute-long break at the end.

5. Relax or stretch during breaks

6. Write

In this day and age, we tend to do our note-taking on our laptops or iPads. But if you need to easily retain information, writing it down on paper with a pen can lead to more brain activity which then helps you remember things quickly. 

7. Read ahead of time

Reading the study material before class helps you be prepared and gives you an idea of what will be discussed in class. It will be easier for you to understand it and the more time you are exposed to it, the more you’ll be able to internalise it.

8. Reward yourself

There’s nothing like rewarding oneself to keep you motivated. After all your hard work, you deserve some fun. Whether you give yourself a small or big reward, make sure you acknowledge all your hard work and celebrate your achievements.