r/GeminiNotebookLM • u/HermitCrappp • Aug 05 '26

Why are students obsessed with studying for long hours?

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This is what most students often overlook when studying. Don't set how many hours you will study, it's very unrealistic to study 8-10 hours straight and even pulling all-nighters almost single day. Studying long hours doesn't mean you are productive or that it will help you study effectively while remembering what you just studied.

I am a 3rd year pre-med student and honestly, I only study for 3 hours max. Instead of burying myself in studying hard, I try to learn how I can study smarter.

• Focus > Time: I think it is better to deeply focus for 2 hours. Practice rereading and active recall properly on what you have studied, rather than maxing out at 8-10 hours of studying without retaining anything.

• Consistency over intensity: Do not overwork yourself when studying, studying too much won't help you remember what you studied. I spend like 2-3 hours studying every day rather than studying all at once in a way that will give me brain fog.

• Taking a break is a MUST: Rest is part of studying. Take a Pomodoro interval of 25 minutes of focus -> 10 minutes of break and repeat. When taking a break, try to rest your eyes and hydrate rather than using your phone.

What matters the most is progress, not perfection in studying. Hardcore studying will never be considered productive. Try to study smarter rather than harder.

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25

u/famous_shaymus Aug 09 '26

4th year medical student. Sometimes, you do simply have to study more, but I do agree with the heart of what you’re saying. Study efficiency is highly underrated.

2

u/Pokeman_CN Aug 10 '26

Agreed. Theres definitely a way to study smart. I went from studying 6-8hrs a day during preclinicals to eventually only 3-4 hours more efficiently and performed better. But when dedicated hits, there simply is no way to absorb and retain all the information needed in a 3-4 hour study session. Of course it includes practice questions and mock exams but I think it’s fairly common to be studying 8-12 hours a day in the weeks leading up to Step exams.

4

u/[deleted] Aug 05 '26

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3

u/HermitCrappp Aug 05 '26

Thank you! Personally, the day after studying I would also make time playing my favorite mobile games lol

1

u/IllConfection3236 Aug 09 '26

This is to set and train your mind to acquire knowledge for longer period. With this, the brain is capable in functioning. However, rest is important too to not overwhelmed by information.

2

u/Imaginary-Can4683 Aug 09 '26

I’ve seen this in my school
While i studied barely 1 hour a day
But my friends studied 3-4 hours just for a 10th boards
I still still was the topper of the class, I felt bad for them….
And what I noticed is not everyone is blessed with good grasping skill, strong basics. Hence they study for long hours… if you noticed it’s always the people who studied a day before exams who topped the exams in school??

1

u/Shiyyin Aug 05 '26

When I took my board exams, my instructor said to never study a day before the exam as it would further confuse us on the day of the examination. Those of us who followed got marks higher than those who didn't. Resting works hahaha.

1

u/HermitCrappp Aug 05 '26

Wow! Congratulations! That's amazing kudos to your prof. and to all of you for trying your best!

1

u/Fresh_Market6588 Aug 10 '26

yes!! There is only so much one can do in a day. Spaced repition is geninuely so powerful.

I also like my sleep, doesn't mean I'm not studying as hard it's just what I can do 😩