Set yourself up for success with these study tips.
Got a multitude of exams on the horizon? Not sure how to approach tackling a lengthy to-do list? Not to worry—there are many ways to make sure you spend your study time productively. UC Berkeley students share how they set themselves up for a study session to make the most out of each minute of work time.
Tip #1: Make a time-lapse video.
“If you’re someone who struggles to stay off their phone while studying, I highly recommend setting your phone up to record a time-lapse video of yourself completing tasks. This incentivizes me to complete my tasks and make my time-lapse last as long as possible. I sometimes work for 5-6 hours straight without touching my phone, completing tasks like cleaning, cooking, reading, and homework!” — Milana Berhe, Class of 2028, majoring in astrophysics and political science.
Recording your study setup, snacks, or yourself in the zone is a great way to form a positive association with studying and ensure you’re focused at the same time.
Tip #2: Choose a good location.
“I find that productivity has much to do with the space I occupy. Where you sit is where you think, so I try to position myself in an environment that informs the ideal of what sort of productivity I’m hoping for. Maybe you’re the kind of person who likes it empty and quiet. Me? I’m a romantic, so spaces with a certain air of character about them are my preference. For the most part, that means cafes, but the more out of the way and idiosyncratic, the better. It makes me feel like a writer, and so it enforces the expectation to work like one, too. Find a place that makes you feel comfortable, but also one that makes you feel cool.” — Vincent Vidana, Class of 2026, majoring in English.
Whether you prefer to work at a bustling cafe or in the quiet atmosphere of a library, get situated in a study spot that’s comfortable for you!
Tip #3: Break up the work.
“Breaking up tasks and my time into smaller increments has been a lifesaver for me, both in classes and assignments! For example, if I have 100 pages of reading to do, I’ll tell myself I need to read 25 pages four times. It helps avoid discouragement when facing the daunting task, and the dopamine boost I get when I reach that mental goal keeps me going.” — Nolan Zils, Class of 2027, majoring in media studies.
Having a to-do list or a set of instructions open as you complete your work is a great way to figure out how you can break up tasks and stay on track.
Start small — but start somewhere!
The most surefire way to have a productive work session is to overcome the hardest part: actually getting started. Though lengthy periods of focused study may seem daunting, promising to commit to just five minutes of work time, or to finishing just one small task, can help you gain the momentum you need to accomplish your studying goals. Whether you use these study tips or have your own preferred method of setting yourself up for a productive study block, know that the most important part is that you make the experience as enjoyable as possible; that’s when you’ll do your best learning.
Reva Gokhale, Class of 2027, is majoring in data science and environmental economics and policy.
Want more?
- Feeling overwhelmed? Discover free academic and wellness resources available to students.
- Learn how to navigate exam season.
- Delve into forming and maintaining study groups.