Top 64 Study Hacks to Excel in Your Studies

Are you finding it challenging to manage your time?

High school and college students have to juggle a heavy workload in class. They also attend to other responsibilities in life. As a result, things can get out of hand.

Here are some proven study hacks that actually work to improve your performance.

Studying Hacks for Improved Productivity

Work smart instead of working hard to boost your productivity. Try the cool ways below to perform better and do more in less time.

Set Realistic Goals

The secret to achieving your goals is to set realistic goals. Don’t aim to do more than you can handle.

Assess your capabilities and plan your objectives accordingly.

Create a Routine

A routine works best to maximize your productivity and prevent wasting time. Plan your study sessions in advance with the time and date.

Moreover, write down the key concepts you want to tackle in each study session. However, leave room for flexibility to unplanned events.

Prioritize Your Tasks

Identify the tasks you need to do first or are important. Your aim should be to complete these things first.

You can try several ways to prioritize your duties, like using the Eisenhower Matrix. It sorts your jobs into:

Do	✔️
Decide	❓
Delegate	➡️
Delete	❌

Take Enough Breaks

Take a break of 10 - 15 minutes after studying for one hour. You can take a longer break of 20 - 30 minutes after four hours.

It can help study better and retain information longer.

Get a Good Night’s Sleep

Don’t make the mistake of compromising your sleep for college or doing homework. Get at least 7 - 8 hours of sleep every night.

It will improve memory, assimilation, and the ability to recall information.

Get Comfortable with Your Learning Pace

Your study habits may be different from your peers. So, don’t compare yourself with your friends or classmates.

Learn at your own pace, even if it is slow. There is no need to feel bad.

Walk to Snooze

Don’t keep your alarm clock or mobile on your bed. Keep it some distance away on a table or shelf.

This way, you must get out of bed to snooze your alarm. Moreover, you are less likely to fall back into bed once again.

Jumpstart Your Day

Make a cup of coffee and open the windows to let the sunlight in. You can also try doing some exercises.

Study Hacks for Exams

Are your final exams giving you nightmares?

Worry not, as we have the best study hacks for exams to manage your time and get better grades.

Don’t Memorize

One of the best study hacks for students is not to memorize your texts. Your aim should be to develop a better understanding of your topics.

This way, you can answer any question that comes up for tests and tutorials.

Tackle Important Topics First

Determine the most critical topics for your exam. Learn them first and move to less important topics.

It helps in time management for students and gives you a sense of accomplishment.

Try Active Studying

Among the top exam hacks are trying active study methods like:

• Summarizing your whole text
• Note-taking to absorb information better
• Creating mind maps
• Using visuals like graphs and charts to learn
• Doing group projects

Take Practice Tests

An excellent study hack is to practice past exam questions. It will help you become familiar with the questions you might get for your exam.

Moreover, you can develop confidence and answer your paper correctly. Additionally, you can determine areas of improvement.

Start Studying in Advance

Don’t put off your work for finals week. You are more likely to stress and get a brain freeze.

Determine how much time you need to complete everything. Next, start studying early to complete your syllabus.

Don’t Stay Up

It is necessary to get enough sleep the day before your exam. All studying hacks recommend you get adequate sleep to concentrate and perform better.

Use essay helpers like Studybay if you have to save time.

Drink Enough Water

Staying hydrated is super important on your exam day. It supports your cognitive function and helps you think better.

Water is also necessary for memorization and retention. You can carry a chilled bottle of water with some ice in it to stay cool throughout the day.

Write Down Information

Writing down the main parts helps when you can’t focus or memorize. Moreover, do it with a regular pen on a notepad to boost retention.

However, you can also take notes on your mobile or laptop.

Learning Hacks to Concentrate Better

Some students find it difficult to concentrate. So, we thought of presenting top study tips and hacks to overcome the problem.

Create a Dedicated Study Space

Experts will tell you one of the best study hacks is to create a dedicated space for learning. Choose a quiet and peaceful room where you can concentrate in silence.

Moreover, remove any distractions to help focus better.

Eliminate Distractions

You might need to use your mobile or laptop to learn. It is necessary to remove all distractions to prevent your mind from wandering away:

• Remove all social media apps
• Delete all games
• Switch off streaming services like Netflix

Divide Your Sessions

Don’t try to sit at your desk for hours at a stretch. Study in installments and take frequent breaks.

You can use the Pomodoro Technique to manage your time.

Work Out

Among proven hacks to study better is to work out. You can try free-hand exercises if you don’t want to hit the gym.

Exercising helps in:

• Creating new brain cells
• Make you feel alert
• Retaining information

Use Flashcards

Flashcards can be among excellent learning hacks for students. They help you study effectively, facilitating active recall.

You see a word on a flashcard and try to remember the associated information. It turns your short-term memories into long-term memories.

Socialize Enough

Our mind needs relaxation and some time off. We are social animals, and it is necessary to spend time with our friends and family.

It will keep you motivated and act as an inspiring tool to help you focus better.

Start with the Most Difficult Topic

You are alert and ready to absorb information at the start of your sessions. So, it makes sense to tackle the most difficult topics first.

You are more likely to retain information and complete the challenging topics.

Spend Time in Nature

Don’t stay locked inside your room throughout the day. Go out and catch some fresh air. If possible, go on short weekend trips to nearby destinations.

You will come back with a refreshed mind.

Easy Study Hacks

We will now explore a few life hacks for studying. These are pretty simple and don’t need any special preparation.

Most importantly, they can benefit your educational, creative, and intellectual life.

Make Coffee Your Friend

Coffee not only tastes great but also helps you perform better in academics. According to Harvard research, coffee can:

• Increase alertness
• Improve concentration
• Generate more energy

Stick to 50 - 300 mg of caffeine for the best results.

Be a Teacher

Teaching someone else is among the most effective learning hacks. It helps you grasp and understand the key concepts better.

Moreover, you can reinforce your learning when you explain things to someone else. Participating in a study group also benefits you.

Practice Mindfulness

Mindfulness teaches you to focus on everything. It can help you boost your concentration and calm your mind.

Moreover, people who meditate are often more alert, attentive, and patient.

Chill with Music

Listening to music is among the best study hacks for students. According to studies, music can:

• Improve your mood
• Reduce stress
• Increase motivation
• Boost focus
• Help retain new information

You can also listen to background music, like classical music. Moreover, use noise-canceling headphones.

Eat Dark Chocolate

Dark chocolate can improve brain function.

It boosts blood flow to your brain and increases attention and memory. Moreover, dark chocolate supports cognitive function in people over 50.

So, stop chewing gum and start eating chocolates!

Get Your Omega-3

Omega-3 is an essential fatty acid for your brain. It is found in oily fish like salmon and mackerel.

Flaxseed and walnuts are also rich in omega-3, which improves:

• Memory
• Learning
• Cognitive well-being

Rely on Memory Aids

Use mnemonic devices or memorization tools to learn better. It includes associating colors, rhymes, or acronyms with new information.

You recall the information better by associating it with your memory aid.

Capitalize on Technology

Online classes use many interactive learning tools. You can use them to your benefit to improve your learning.

Some useful resources could be:

• Online quizzes
• Flashcard creators
• Memory tools
• Simulations for graduate school
• Studybay app to find help with assignments

Hacks to Study Better

We will discuss a few study hacks to make studying easier in this section. You will be able to focus better and improve your study skills.

Beat Stress

Stress can hamper recall and your performance on exam day. So, try to beat your stress and relax often.

You may try several ways to reduce stress:

• Get physically active
• Meditate (Studybay's guided meditations for students are perfect one-stop source)
• Socialize
• Maintain a diary
• Laugh

Stay Organized

Staying organized is one of the best ways to boost your performance. Keep everything you need nearby when you study. Moreover, sort your notes and books into stacks or drawers on your desk.

It helps you prevent wasting time.

Arrange Your Resources

Don’t wait for the last day to collect your notes and classwork. You must arrange all your resources in advance to make the most of your time.

Moreover, take printouts and prepare your files to stay organized.

Take Care of Yourself

It is a must to keep your body and mind in good shape if you want to excel in your studies. Therefore, you should make an effort to care for your needs.

Eat a nutritious diet, and don’t forget to exercise.

Practice All You Can

Practice makes you perfect. Therefore, practicing is among the best middle school study hacks.

It allows you to test your knowledge and spot your weak areas. As a result, you can direct your efforts for optimal outcomes.

Create a Conducive Environment

Set up a conducive learning environment to boost concentration and focus. You can:

• Choose a well-lit space
• Put some plants
• Get a comfortable chair
• Keep things tidy and clean

Try Microlearning

Microlearning helps you learn complex information fast in small chunks. You can divide your topics into smaller parts to learn effectively.

It is possible to go over and revise these small chunks whenever you want to boost retention.

Hang a "No Disturb" Sign

Do you have kids or noisy family members at home?

Let them know when you are studying to avoid any disturbance. You can also hang a "no-disturb" outside your room.

Best Study Hacks You’ve Never Heard Of

A few techniques in this section might come as a surprise. These secret hacks for studying are unique and most likely, you’ve never heard of.

Here are a few you might try:

Walk and Learn

Research shows walking can help us beat stress and refocus our attention. The University of Alberta has installed treadmills in libraries for this reason.

Students walk and learn, staying healthy and improving grades.

Indulge in Hobbies

Hobbies are not a waste of time. However, they can become distractions when you try to master the course.

Spend time on your hobbies once you complete your target for the day. It will help you relax and reward yourself for hard work.

Learn Alone

Many people will never tell you studying alone can be beneficial. It helps when you are learning new concepts or topics.

You can participate in group studies to discuss your ideas and expand your knowledge.

Integrate Humor

Adding humor to your learning materials is one of the best college study hacks. It helps you recall information as you think of the associated joke or anecdote.

For example, name a formula as "Mr. Grumpy."

Tidy Up

Your environment has a significant impact on your learning. So, remove clutter and arrange your desk and room.

Don’t keep things strewn around in a mess.

Don’t Look at the Clock

Stop glancing at the clock frequently if you want to study more. You will get exhausted and unmotivated if you think about when you will get off.

Set alarms on your mobile instead to time your sessions and breaks.

Simplify Complex Terms

Kids don’t understand complex terms. Teachers break them into simpler terms to help them grasp a topic better.

You can do the same as among the top study hacks for high school for improved learning.

Highlight at Will

Highlighting the important facts helps you skim your text. It is among the best study hacks for exams and improved retention.

You can also use this technique to get more time on your study day.

Study Hacks and Tips Proved by Science

It’s now time for some scientifically-proven study hacks to excel in your studies. These are based on psychology and scientific research with proven results.

You probably already know some of them, and now it's time to employ them for excellent academic performance:

Spaced Repetition

Spaced repetition is a great way to improve retention and recall. You learn a fact or concept and try to remember it after a while.

Increase the time interval gradually after you recall information correctly.

Build a Concept Map

A concept map represents information visually. You can create charts, tables, and Venn Diagrams to map your concepts.

It is among the top studying life hacks that come useful in everyday life.

Know When to Quit

The professional productivity of an individual declines sharply beyond 50 hours per week. The same applies to college and school students.

So, don’t stretch your studying hours beyond what your brain can handle.

Move Around

Science proves studying in different locations improves recall. So, get out of your room and try various learning environments like:

• A coffee shop
• Your local park
• Your rooftop
• Libraries
• University or college grounds

Test Yourself

Studies show performing a test after you learn boosts retention. So, it is a great idea to quiz yourself or answer a few questions when you finish a chapter.

Moreover, you can vary your learning methods too.

Ask Questions

Researchers found elaborative interrogation to be an excellent learning method. It helps you dig deep into a concept to learn better.

Therefore, ask yourself when you don’t understand something. Link the information to develop a holistic understanding of your topic.

Explain to Yourself

Among the best studying life hacks is self-explanation. Explain your key concepts and topics to grasp your topics better.

It helps you in the same way, teaching someone else does.

Watch Videos

Videos can enhance learning, according to research. It is ideal for an explanation of complex topics and heavy information.

So, one of the top study hacks for high school students is to watch educational videos.

You can find ample free videos on YouTube on your course. Moreover, your college or school may provide you with more videos.

Study Hacks for Students Who Want to Improve Memory

We will end our study hack blog with a few tips to improve your memory. A good memory allows you to remember and recall information without fail.

Be Mentally Active

Mental activity is essential to stay alert and focused. It also prevents memory loss and cognitive decline.

You can try things like:

• Crosswords
• Puzzles
• Games

Learning to play a musical instrument is also helpful.

Reduce Sugar Intake

Artificial sugar is not only bad for your health but also for your mind. It causes poor memory and affects brain areas that store memory.

Switch to natural sugars for the best results.

Stay Healthy

Don’t neglect your illnesses like obesity or anxiety. They can impact your overall mood and learning.

Always be proactive about your health for improved academic performance.

Stay Off Refined Carbs

Refined carbs like cakes and cookies damage your memory. Unfortunately, Western diets are heavy on refined carbs.

So, switch to healthier diets like the Mediterranean diet.

Get Enough Sunlight

A lack of vitamin D can lead to a decline in cognitive function. Sadly, most of us spend our time indoors at school or college.

So, make an effort to get at least 10 minutes of sunlight every day.

Develop Attention

Maintaining focus is not an issue when you have a good attention. However, you must try to develop concentration if you lack it.

Meditation, practicing mindfulness, and distraction-free environments can help you develop patience.

Vary Your Routine

Varying your routine is among the best study hacks to ace your academics. Do something else when you plan to sit down for a quiz.

Or take a walk and do your quiz in some fresh air.

Look for Inspiration

Pick a role model and decode patterns of success they implement. Gain insights and implement the learning for better memory.

You may need to head back to school or approach top performers in your online school.

Key Takeaways

Our learning techniques will make you a better performer at school or college. Here are the main study hacks and tips to remember for excellent grades:

• Create a schedule with room for flexibility
• Arrange your learning materials and notes
• Create a conducive learning environment
• Sort your topics into smaller chunks
• Take enough breaks and sleep well
• Exercise and stay mentally active
• Experiment with different learning techniques
• Take care of your health and well-being
• Use memory and learning aids to boost retention

For more information watch our video with the best practical and effective study life hacks to nail down your success in academics.

FAQ

Will these hacks for studying improve my academic performance?

Your academic performance will improve when you use our easy study hacks. You will be able to fetch better grades in your assignments and semesters.

Are there any study hacks for school that can make the learning process actually enjoyable?

Divide your lessons into small chunks to make your life a little bit easier. Talk to yourself positively and set smart goals. Moreover, a planned routine works best.

Here are 64 learning hacks for students, should I try each one?

You can try as many strategies as you find appropriate. Do your research and choose study hacks that align with your learning style.

References

• How to Improve Memory Based on Research. (2023, March 13). Verywell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/great-ways-to-improve-your-memory-2795356
• Wadsworth, W. (2021, July 30). 28 GENIUS Study Hacks To Save You Time (& Score Top Grades In Exams). Exam Study Expert. https://examstudyexpert.com/study-hacks/
• 25 Scientifically Proven Tips for Effective Studying [2023 Edition]. (2022, November 6). MyDegreeGuide.com. https://www.mydegreeguide.com/how-to-study-tips/
• Spaced repetition: a hack to make your brain store information. (2016, January 23). The Guardian. http://www.theguardian.com/education/2016/jan/23/spaced-repetition-a-hack-to-make-your-brain-store-information
• Exam study hacks. (2023, April 21). Exam Study Hacks. https://www.murdoch.edu.au/news/articles/exam-revision-hacks
• Dunlosky, J., Rawson, K. A., Marsh, E. J., Nathan, M. J., & Willingham, D. T. (2013). Improving Students’ Learning With Effective Learning Techniques: Promising Directions From Cognitive and Educational Psychology. Psychological Science in the Public Interest, 14(1), 4–58. https://doi.org/10.1177/1529100612453266
• What is microlearning (microtraining)? | Definition from TechTarget. (2020, February 1). WhatIs.com. https://www.techtarget.com/whatis/definition/microlearning
• Ingibergsson, E. (2022, March 29). Stress relief ideas from the library sh"elves". news.library.ualberta.ca. https://news.library.ualberta.ca/blog/2022/03/29/stress-relief-ideas-from-the-library-shelves/