Developing Healthy Study Habits

1. Time Management
   • Break down your assignments into smaller, more manageable chunks. Prioritize them based on importance and deadlines. Create a schedule to help you develop a realistic study routine based on your typical week. Make sure you include time for breaks!
2. Environment
   • Working in a clean and clutter-free space can help you focus. If you work better with background noise, listen to some classical or lo-fi music. If you need silence, try noise-canceling headphones or work on the silent level of the Library. Also, don’t forget to turn off your phone to minimize distractions!
3. How Do You Learn?
   • Take one of the quizzes on this page to find out if you’re a visual, auditory, or kinesthetic/tactile learner, then learn some ways to study that will work best for your brain. Try a variety of methods to see which you like best!
4. Self-Care
   • Make getting enough sleep a priority as it will improve cognitive function and memory consolidation! Eating a nutritious diet can help you feel energized, and exercising regularly can help relieve stress. Make time for hobbies and other things you enjoy to maintain a healthy work-life balance!
5. Reducing Stress
   • To reduce stress, try practicing mindfulness or relaxation exercises like deep breathing, body scan exercises, or guided meditation. Avoid caffeine, as it increases your cortisol levels, making you feel more stressed. Also, resisting the urge to procrastinate can help!
6. Seek Support
   • Don’t be afraid to ask for help! Share your experiences with your classmates and create study groups together. When you need emotional support, talk to friends or family you can trust or a counselor. For a full list of services that can assist you, visit the “Need Help?” page of this guide.
7. Take a Break
   • Breaks are an important part in preventing burnout. Try the Pomodoro Technique—study in 25 minute blocks (each block is called a “pomodoro”) with 5 minute breaks between each. Every 4 pomodoros, take a longer 15-30 minute break!
8. Class Time
   • Make the most of class time! Pay attention, participate in discussions, and don’t be afraid to ask questions! If you’re confused about something, chances are that you aren’t the only one having trouble. Also, make sure you take meaningful notes using a style that works best for you.
9. It’s Okay to Say “No”
   • While it’s important to keep up with your nonacademic responsibilities, that does not mean that you need to say “yes” to everything. If you feel stressed and need to rest your body and mind, allow yourself to reject that social invitation or extra shift at work.