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How to Study Well

Four Parts:Taking Care of YourselfStudying SmartPreparing for Your StudiesSetting the Right MindsetCommunity Q&A

The main thing about studying well is to first study smart.[1] Preparing for a test shouldn't involve staying up all night before an exam. Studying well requires preparation ahead of time. The trick to studying well is learning a few tricks as well as your own preferences. Studying depends on your commitment and what type of environment you strive in.

Part 1
Taking Care of Yourself

  1. 1
    Drink plenty of water. Water is the fuel of our bodies. Having a glass of water available while studying will help enhance your concentration during studying. Staying hydrated can benefit your memory as well.
  2. 2
    Eat well. Treating your body well is half the battle of entering the right mindset. There are certain foods you can eat that will improve your focus and your general well-being. Studies show that eating high-carb, high-fiber, slow-digesting foods like oatmeal are best for the morning of a test. The food you consume the two weeks leading up to the exam are just as important and affect how well you study. Eat a well balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables.[2]
    • Incorporate superfoods into your diet like blueberries and almonds.
  3. 3
    Stimulate your circulatory system. This system controls your heart and blood path. Part of healthy studying is a healthy flow of blood to your brain. Studies have proved that 20 minutes stimulating this system improves your memory. Don't feel obliged to go on a run if you don't want to. Bust a move in your living room to your favorite dance track. Let this be your time to unwind and alleviate stress during your study break.[3]
    • The main thing is to get your heart rate up. Once it is faster, continue doing an exercise for at least twenty minutes.
  4. 4
    Sleep well. Getting a full nights rest (at least 7-8 hours) helps motivate you to study. If you are sleep deprived, studying will feel like a chore. You won't learn nearly as much information sleepy as you will after a good night's rest.
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Part 1 Quiz

What kind of food should you eat the morning before a test?

Not exactly! While you should eat breakfast the morning before a test, you don't need to eat more calories than usual or choose foods that have higher calories than others. Try another answer...

Nope! While a diet that is low in fat has many health benefits, you don't necessarily need to eat low-fat food the morning before a test. Guess again!

Absolutely! Studies show that eating high-carbohydrate, high-fiber foods that take time to digest, like oatmeal, are best the morning before a test. The food you consume in the 2 weeks leading up to an exam is just as important as how well you study! Read on for another quiz question.

Try again! Your body uses protein to build and repair tissues. That's why many studies recommend a high-protein diet. There’s a better option out there!

Part 2
Studying Smart

  1. 1
    Stick to a schedule. After planning out when the best times are for you to work, follow through. Set aside a chunk of time every day for studying. Even if your exam or presentation is two weeks away, a little each day goes a long way.
  2. 2
    Understand what you're learning. It's common for students to memorize what they know they'll be tested on, but it's not as efficient. Understanding what you study increases your chances of retaining it. You might not care to retain trigonometry past your final exam, but in the long run, you will.[4]
    • Create links to what you are studying. Establishing connections to what you are studying to your everyday life is not always easy. This is a skill that you can improve over time. Spend extra time using your imagination to draw links from what you're studying to aspects of your life.[5]
  3. 3
    Use flash cards. This is one of the best techniques you can use in studying that stretches across almost every subject. The act of writing out the information onto the card begins your brain's focus onto the subject. Once you've finished you can test yourself for an extended period of time, and then let others test you.
    • If you read the definition side of the card and quiz yourself on the term, switch sides. Force yourself to give the definition or formula to the word or concept.
  4. 4
    Rewrite your notes. Some people may find this excruciating because they already spent a fair amount of time creating the notes in class. Rewrite your notes by adding more information to them. Don't just sift through your notes mindlessly transcribing them. Use external sources like a textbook or an assigned essay.[6]
    • This is a good way to study because it requires you to take an extra step past reading your notes and textbook. Reading, thinking, and writing are ingredients essential for an efficient study session.
  5. 5
    Take breaks. After spending a decent amount of time studying, between 45 minutes to an hour, take a quick break, 10-15 minutes. This is a tried and true learning method. After your break revisit what you were previously working on as a test. Revisiting subjects after distancing yourself will reinforce the materials into your brain.[7]
    • Don't watch a television program or play a video game on your break. You might become too engaged and distracted to go back to work. Try walking the dog or go out for a quick run.
  6. 6
    Test yourself. After studying for your allotted chunk of time, test yourself during the last 20 or 30 minutes. This is a good way of reviewing everything you just went over and will cause the concepts you've learned to sink deeper into your brain. Textbooks often have practice tests at the end of a chapter. Try your best to go through one of these even if it isn't assigned.[8]
    • You don't need practice tests to test yourself. You can always use your hand to cover up definitions or parts of your notes. Then say the idea of what you've covered up out loud.
    • If you're wrong, go through the correct answers.
  7. 7
    Avoid cramming. Cramming, or studying extensively the night before, doesn't work. Most people need a few days to review their notes for the information to really sink in.[9] By cramming, the information you're memorizing will not be retained. Ignore those who claim to cram for everything. Sometimes people are freakishly good at testing and school. Don't compare yourself to them! Everyone is different and you'll need to do whatever fits your needs.
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Part 2 Quiz

Why should you rewrite your notes when studying?

Yup! Rewriting your notes is a great way to study because it requires you to take an extra step, past just reading your notebooks and textbook. For an even better study technique, copy external information from sources like a textbook or essay into your notes as you rewrite them! Read on for another quiz question.

Not quite! While your notes may be sloppy, they are your handwriting and you should be able to read them. Click on another answer to find the right one...

Nope! Rewriting your notes is a study tactic - and a good one! If you're worried about losing your notes, keep them in a notebook or binder, and put them away in the same place every day so you always know where they are. Pick another answer!

Not exactly! You can highlight or add symbols to your existing notes to help you study. You do not need to rewrite your notes to do so. Click on another answer to find the right one...

Part 3
Preparing for Your Studies

  1. 1
    Keep an agenda. In class it's important to write your assignments down.[10] When your teacher tells you about an exam next Friday, write it down. Place a note about the exam for each day until the exam. Writing down your assignments will reinforce homework into your mental to do list.
    • An organized schedule for your school work prevents you from being overwhelmed.
    • For it to work, you need to use it everyday and look at it every time you sit down for homework.
  2. 2
    Plan your study time. Different people like to work and read at different parts of the day. Try out a few time slots to figure out when you're most productive. It's common for students to take a small break after school and then study. Take time to have a quick snack and then sit down to study. If you finish your work in the afternoon, you can relax in the evening.[11]
    • Some people find it more beneficial to work on homework and study at night or early in the morning. This all depends on your schedule and habits.
    • If you're committed to sports or an after school activity, you'll need designate your time to study carefully. It's easy to blow off studying after an intense training, so be aware.
  3. 3
    Have a good space to study. You need a desk or a table with a decent amount of space. You will also need good lighting. Students will often say that listening to music, having the TV on, or keeping their phone out helps, but these are all distractions. If you can't work in silence, listen to ambient music instead of music that's lyric driven.
    • Avoid reading textbooks on your bed. The temptation to sleep increases when you study on your bed.
    • Studying outside of your house can help you focus. Changing the literal room of where you study can improve your retention rate.[12] Try visiting a local coffee shop or a nearby library. It depends on your preferences.
  4. 4
    Plan a study group. A lot of people benefit from participating in study groups. These can be extremely informal and are usually very effective. You don't need to be a lone wolf when it comes to academics. Humans are social creatures. Even if you feel that you don't know as much as these other students, you should still try it. You'll find that you do have something to contribute to the group.
    • Studies show that those who prepare for exams studying in a group have higher passing rates.
  5. 5
    Know your learning style. There are three different types of learners: visual, auditory, or kinesthetic. If you're a visual learner, you might need to highlight your notes. If you're an auditory learner, you may need to make a song out of your notes. If you're a kinesthetic learner, you might need to act out your notes.
    • Your learning style is a big part of studying success. If you're not studying in a way that complements your learning style, the information won't sink in as well.
    • You need to at least study 2 and half hours everyday. So you need to study 30 minutes for each subject you have.
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Part 3 Quiz

When is the best time of day to study?

Nope! While some people find it more beneficial to work on homework and study in the morning, others are more focused in the morning. This all depends on your schedule and habits. Guess again!

Not necessarily! There is no time of day that is better for studying than others. Do whatever works best for you! Pick another answer!

Not quite! Different people like to study during different parts of the day. Try studying at different times to figure out when you're most productive. Choose another answer!

That's right! It is completely up to you as to when you want to study. You need to figure out what works best for your personality and schedule. Read on for another quiz question.

Part 4
Setting the Right Mindset

  1. 1
    Give your full attention. In the classroom, you should be ready to learn and not view it as a time to laugh at jokes. Sit in the front row, if you don't have assigned seating. Avoid classmates who like to joke around in class. This attitude will sink into your study time.[13]
  2. 2
    Change topics. Concentrating on one subject for an entire study session can be counter-productive and vary on what subject you are studying. This will freshen your concentration by fixing your eyes onto a new topic.[14]
  3. 3
    Be here now. It can be the hardest thing to do in today's world of distractions. If you begin to feel like you're not being as productive, say to yourself, "be here now." Then slowly focus back to what you were studying. It might sound gimmicky, but reminding yourself in this way could help. It doesn't work for everyone.[15]
    • Say this with a deep breathe while your eyes are closed for a deeper calming effect.
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Part 4 Quiz

Why should you vary the topics you focus on during a study session?

Not quite! You don't want to cram too hard, or you might burn yourself out. Set up a study schedule so you can organize which subjects you study at which times. There’s a better option out there!

Absolutely! Concentrating on one subject for an entire study session can be counterproductive. When you vary the topics you study, you will refresh your concentration. Read on for another quiz question.

Not exactly! Varying the topics you study does not maximize your brain's learning power. If you're feeling burned out, take a break and recoup before another study session! Choose another answer!

Community Q&A

Add New Question
  • How do I stop feeling sleepy when I study?
    wikiHow Contributor
    Sit up straight in a brightly lit room. Avoid strenuous workouts and heavy meals before studying. When you start feeling sleepy, take a five or ten minute break for light exercise.
  • How many hours do I have to study for facing board exams?
    wikiHow Contributor
    You should study for at least four hours before facing a board exam. Best thing you can do is to make a time table and follow it strictly. Sit in a quiet room, keep a water bottle near to you, and just focus on studies. Put away mobiles and other devices so you can concentrate on our studies.
  • Should I study a topic before it is taught or after?
    wikiHow Contributor
    If you can, study your topic before it is taught -- once you read up on an area, you may get some idea and when you listen to your teacher, you will know about it and have different perspectives and understandings. Great for asking those deep and meaningful questions!
  • How do I choose which subject to study first?
    wikiHow Contributor
    Learn your most difficult subject first. If you are getting bored or frustrated, move on to another subject and come back to it.
  • How can I be an active learner and the best student in my class?
    wikiHow Contributor
    To be an active learner in your class, pay attention and think critically. Ask the teacher questions and feel free to disagree with him/her - discussion is key to active learning. Stay away from class clowns. Don't worry about the other students, just be the best student you can be.
  • I keep forgetting what I studied by the time the test comes around. How can I prevent this?
    wikiHow Contributor
    A full night's sleep is so important for memory that it's almost always worth more than the last couple hours of cramming. Reciting the material out loud and/or rewriting your notes can make a much stronger memory than silent reading. Since smell has a strong link to memory, some people swear by sniffing a perfume or other scent while studying, then sniffing it again just before the test.
  • I get very nervous before exams. What can I do about it?
    wikiHow Contributor
    Respect your nerves. They are giving you the sharp focus needed to stay focused and well prepared for the exams. Then, take a few deep breaths before the exam and affirm to yourself that you know the material and that you can do this. Some people like to carry a good luck charm or have something to snack on or drink before the exam starts; perhaps such a routine can work for you too.
  • How do I know what learning style I have between visual and auditory?
    wikiHow Contributor
    If you learn more by seeing examples or pictures, then you are a visual learner. If you learn better by hearing facts or examples, you would be an auditory learner.
  • How do I stay concentrated while I study?
    wikiHow Contributor
    Study in a location that you use only for work, whether that's a desk, a library, or a cafe. Distance yourself from TV, video games, mobiles, or friends who may distract you. If you're still distracted, work with a study group and/or block your access to certain websites.
  • Is it a good thing if I study all over the night?
    wikiHow Contributor
    No, it isn't. Your sleep is an important part of creating both the short- and long-term memory of what you've studied. If you lack sleep, you will not retain the information, thereby making the study pointless. If you're a night owl, adjust to study later and rise later if it's possible but most school and college schedules won't allow for that, so you'll just have to align your sleeping with what works.
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    Quick Summary

    To study well, find a quiet, bright place to study so you can focus without getting tired. Rewrite your notes as you review them so you remember the material better, and use flashcards to reinforce important information. At the end of each study session, test yourself by writing out sample questions or looking up questions online. Finally, if you can, set aside some time each day to study instead of cramming the night before your test.

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    • It is said that if you listen well to the teacher, you have learned 60 percent of what you need. Listening in class is very, very important.
    • Switch your phone off.
    • Don't watch TV, listen to music, eat snacks, while studying. This will lower your concentration, making it harder to study.
    • Be careful to avoid being bothered or distracted by other matters.
    • Underline/highlight the important points from your study material to avoid wasting time stressing over the less important things. But don't end up underlining highlighting EVERYTHING.
    • Doing something exciting boosts your energy while you take a break after studying. You could go to the park, play a sport, run around, or text/call one of your friends.
    • Get extra notes and examples from reference books.
    • Mind Mapping is a very efficient way to study, just like the Flashcard Method. You can study a large chunk of information in short time.
    • Listen to soft and soothing music without lyrics.
    • Seek help before you start studying if you do not understand the material.
    • Taking care of yourself is also necessary. Do exercise and have a balanced diet. Take care of your health.

    Article Info

    Categories: Learning Techniques and Student Skills

    In other languages:

    Español: aprender a estudiar, Deutsch: Gut lernen, Português: Estudar Melhor, Italiano: Studiare Bene, Français: bien étudier, Русский: хорошо учиться, Nederlands: Goed studeren, Bahasa Indonesia: Belajar dengan Baik, 中文: 学得好, العربية: الاستذكار الجيد, 日本語: 上手に勉強する, Tiếng Việt: Học có hiệu quả, ไทย: อ่านหนังสือทบทวนอย่างมีประสิทธิภาพ, 한국어: 공부 잘 하는 방법

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