Starting university, balancing part-time work, and managing multiple assignments can quickly become overwhelming. Finding effective study techniques and maintaining healthy study habits will help you stay on track.
At Journal Student Living, we know how intense student life can be — that’s why we’ve rounded up our top tips to help you make the most of your study time and energy.
1. Master Essay Writing With a Clear Framework
Step-by-step breakdown:
- Understand the task: Is it asking you to evaluate, compare, or discuss?
- Circle action words. Highlight the scope and keywords.
- Check marking criteria: Most unis provide rubrics. Print it. Refer to it throughout writing.
- Draft a mini-plan:
- Introduction (context + thesis)
- Body paragraphs (1 idea per paragraph + evidence + explanation + linking sentence)
- Conclusion (no new info — just wrap it up!)
- Use real-world examples: Not everything has to be textbook theory. Case studies, current events, and well-sourced statistics often impress markers.
- Edit in layers:
- First pass: logic and flow
- Second pass: sentence clarity and grammar
- Third pass: spelling, formatting, citations
✅ Start with the easiest paragraph to build momentum. Leave your introduction for later. If you’re working in a study group, peer reviews can help refine your work and sharpen your study skills.
2. Read With Purpose (and Remember More)
You’re not expected to read everything — just to extract what matters and improve retention. Here’s how to do that efficiently:
Smart reading workflow:
- Start with the structure: Read the title, abstract, intro, subheadings, and conclusion. It’ll give you a framework to hang details on.
- Turn headings into questions: For example, turn “Globalisation and Higher Ed” into “How does globalisation impact universities?” — then read to find the answer.
- Annotate as you go: Don’t highlight full paragraphs. Instead, write margin notes or use a digital tool (like Hypothes.is or Notion) to tag key takeaways and take notes you can revisit later.
- Use the Feynman Technique: After reading, summarise what you learned in your own words as if teaching a friend.
3. Study Methods That Actually Work
Not all study time is created equal. These study methods turn effort into real results. Mix and match these techniques:
Mix and match these techniques:
- Active recall: Don’t just reread. Quiz yourself using flashcards or write down everything you know about a topic before checking your notes.
- Spaced repetition: Review topics at increasing intervals (Day 1, 3, 7, 14). Apps like Anki and Quizlet are built for this.
- Blurting: Grab a blank page and dump everything you remember about a topic. Identify knowledge gaps, then revisit the material.
- Use dual coding: Combine words and visuals. Try mind maps, flowcharts, or diagrams to reinforce concepts.
- Avoid cramming the night before exam day: Spread learning across multiple study sessions as part of your exam preparation.
Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash
4. Optimise Your Study Environment
Where you study shapes how you study — and how well.
- Find your focus zones: A consistent study space trains your brain to concentrate. Whether it’s a quiet room, a rooftop view, or a dedicated study area, assign different zones to tasks — reading, writing, study group work, or relaxing.
- Minimise distractions: Choose a setting with strong Wi-Fi, good lighting, and minimal background noise. If you live at Journal Student Living, take advantage of the on-site library, rooftop lounge, or our inspiring study spaces.
- Switch locations to stay fresh: Studying in the same spot for hours can lead to burnout. Alternate between Journal’s indoor lounges and open-air terraces to reset your focus.
- Work near other focused people: Silent libraries or study group lounges foster collective motivation.
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5. Master Referencing and Bibliographies
Referencing isn’t just about avoiding plagiarism — it can directly impact your grades and contribute to your academic skills:
- Know the style guide: APA, Harvard, MLA — every unit might be different. Check your course materials for referencing instructions early.
- Use reference managers: Tools like Zotero or EndNote can help you store, organise, and auto-format citations.
- Keep records as you go: Create a folder or doc to log each source with notes and quotes. Leaving this to the last minute wastes time and adds unnecessary procrastination.
- Proofread carefully: Pay attention to italics, punctuation, and order. A clean, accurate bibliography reflects strong attention to detail.
6. Time Management = Stress Management
Managing time means managing stress — here’s how to make it work:
- Create a realistic study schedule or study timetable: Map out lectures, deadlines, and key tasks, and leave buffer time between them.
- Break big tasks into smaller actions: Instead of “write report”, schedule “gather references” or “draft intro”.
- Pomodoro your way through the day: Study in focused 25-minute blocks, with 5-minute regular breaks in between — a great way to take breaks without losing momentum.
- Monitor notifications and social media usage: Turn off distractions during your study sessions.
Final Thoughts
Studying isn’t just about books and motivation — it’s about consistent study habits, tailored study strategies, and prioritising your wellbeing and mental health. Whether you’re a high school graduate starting university or a seasoned student juggling responsibilities, a solid study plan will make all the difference.
At Journal Student Living, you don’t just get a place to sleep. You get an environment designed for student success, equipped with welcoming spaces where you can take regular breaks, stay motivated, and connect with fellow learners, whether you’re a visual learner or prefer more traditional learning styles.
📌 Let your study life start with the right setting — Book your tour today
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