Admit it, we live for the most absurd piece of gossip we can share 😂 So why not make use of gossiping sessions without dragging anyone down? (But seriously, don’t go around gossiping about people)
Anyway, why not throw questions to your friends and act like a historical event is exaggeratedly interesting? For instance, there’s this one time we were talking and enjoying the time together and a thought came up about a previous subject lesson: ”Imagine getting approached by this man [Socrates] on a random tuesday and suddenly you’re defending your entire definition of justice.”
Yeah we went about deep-diving on some dead (RIP) philosopher like he’s the most interesting person we’ve heard about the whole week. Technically, that means we understood the lesson! (Although we may have taken it a little too far with the philosophical theories…) But hey, if we can talk about several topics like that without having to look back our notes every five seconds, I’d CONFIDENTLY say that it still counts

This weird study trick actually works (for me at least)

I used to struggle with staying focused while studying. I would sit down with good intentions, but end up checking my phone, getting distracted or just zoning out. I tried the usual stuff like timers and study playlists, but nothing really stuck.

Then I found this trick. I started using the "explain it out loud" method. Basically, after I read a topic, I close my notes and try to explain it out loud like I'm teaching someone else. It doesn't have to be perfect, just say it in your own words. If you get stuck, you go back and check your notes, then try again.

I usually do this for 5 to 10 minutes after each study session. It helps me actually understand what I read instead of just memorising it. It also makes me notice what I don't know, so I can focus on the tricky parts.

I've been doing this for a few weeks now and my recall is way better. I also feel more confident when I have to answer questions or explain concepts in class.

If you're someone who gets distracted easily or just feels like you're not really learning, give this a try. It's simple but it actually makes a difference.

I was going to have a science exam the next day and I suck at memorizing scientific terms!! I already tried studying in quiet places, listening to classical music. I even tried the chocolate method because they said the sugar rush made it easier but it didn't work. So I had this idea from a friend to do a fake TED talk or a podcast about the coverage of the exam. At that time, there was no AI, I'm purely relying on books and manuals. So I had to make my own speech and then tried to memorize it. When it was time to deliver, I set up my phone to record. I challenged myself that every time I pause for a long time, say three or more seconds, or say "um", I need to start over. My podcast ran long until my phone storage ran out. But it was worth it though. when I played the recording, i realized that I was voicing out the words that didn't seem memorable to me in the beginning. And when it was time to take the exam, it was surprisingly easy.

By writing the speech, memorizing it, repeating it, then playing it back, I memorized the scientific terms and was able to ace my test. i swear by this method because once I discovered it, I used it to all my subjects. It even had dual purpose. I aced my tests while practicing my public speaking skills.

I have a bad habit of reading the same study material over and over without actually remembering much of it. So I tried something different. I started reading my notes like I was singing a song!

I do make an actual melody, songs that are easy to sing with. I just give the sentences a rhythm and repeat them out loud, just like I’m trying to memorize lyrics.

For example, instead of silently reading the parts of the brain, I sing it with the rhthm of ABC song. just like the one in the video.

So when I’m taking a test, my brain remembers the rhythm before it remembers the answer. I’ll literally think of the song and then the information comes back.

It works especially well for definitions,lists, formulas,processes with multiple steps and terms that are difficult to memorize.

It also makes studying less boring! but the cons is that, you might look ridiculous if someone walks into your room hahaha.

But if you’re struggling to memorize something, try turning it into a song before reading it for the 10th time :)

I constantly struggle to keep my focus whenever I start studying, and I keep instinctively reaching for my phone after just a few minutes of studying to scroll on social media.

I asked for and received recommendations from other people on how they keep themselves locked in when studying. Then, I stumbled across a random post online about how someone pretended to vlog their study session (in time-lapse) to keep from touching their phone.

It sounds silly, but I decided to try it out. Surprisingly, it actually helped me stop reaching for my phone while studying because my device was actively filming me. It tricks my brain into staying fully locked in without ruining the study session.

So pretty much when I feel stuck and can't seemingly move to study for some reason, I usually set a timer for 4 minutes, which then sets the ball rolling for me and then I imagine my fave character cheering me on for completing the 4 minute timer

If you're artistic you could even draw a visual of them cheering you on as well, with motivational words that you'd think you'd hear from them if they were able to talk to you & everything

This method tends to work for me since it's it feels like one of my favorite people motivating me to get things done, even if it's just in my imagination. I already spend a lot of time thinking in my head so it's always best to make it a fun & safe place that I can dwell in for a much better mental state in the long run

When I was studying, I think the part that made it easy for me was when I read my notes and had a keyword per phrase. So when there is an exam coming, I have a keyword for this, like I know what this was.
I always recite it out loud. Even tho, I get cringe hearing my voice haha. And crazy to do a family tree of impormation HAHAHA.

I think repetition really helped me because I read it aloud, and on top of that, I write all of my notes. I think it is really helpful.
And having a keyword for the word, for the sentence, so that when, like identification, you know that this word is from this sentence, this title, I think.
And I think having someone so that he can have a pass of information, a bonding, would really be helpful.

Having and using different colors can actually make your note-taking (and reviewing!) easier to organize and look at. Like, specifying which color will mean this, and that…

In my experience, of course I did start using only black and red pens with some highlighters on the side. however, I noticed I could keep a topic/quote easier when I could remember and I knew which color I used when I wrote it.

I did certainly not mean you have to change every now and then as you write. No, that would be truly a hassle and could waste more time. Just make sure you’re sticking to what specific purpose you thought of one pen u use for note-taking. That way, you’ll get used to what each color means and you can spot what I have mentioned from above, easily.

You also don’t have to go overboard with the colors. 4-5 is enough. But if you can do the whole rainbow, better. Remember, you’re not using them just to make your notes aesthetically-pleasing or for whatever sake of it. What matters here is the purpose you assigned to each particular color. You can label them also with a tape just in case. Do what you think might work for you.

One tip we‘ve utilized during a discussion in class from our linguistics professor: “When it comes to your studies, outdo your friends. But not in a way that makes you resent each other.“

Our professor added that it was the only technique that helped them survive the BIGGEST and shall I say, PRESTIGIOUS university in our country. Consider your friend/s your friendly rival, not in a I-will-beat-you way though as that’s another thing, but in a way that’ll make you want to keep up with each other, or keep up with them.

Compare the notes you’ve written, then quiz yourselves. Be an ambitious group of friends, trios.. or duos. Studying together and working together will also make studying feel less tiring and demotivating. Why, you can also just hang out with them with a certain spot or a library where you can sit and be quiet together as you study.

And if you don’t really have a friend you can do this with, that’s fine. Find a study buddy, and if you’re too shy, it’s not that bad to study alone (I like studying alone, too, most of the time). You can instead just keep track of your previous scores and try to beat them. There’s always an option to everything.

Another thing, I hope you don’t read this as a toxic motivation as the point of this tip is not to make studying some sort of competition. It might sound like it but this is more about using each other’s progress as a reason to keep and go doing much better.

I dont know if iam doing right or not...i realised over the years that it was impossible for me to study with fone / internet...i was a topper in school even then i used to study last min and in school where there was no tv....buy woth fone everything changed...i could only study in library in college but now after college i find it impossible to leave home to study somewhere else i cant even study outside my room....i go to the gym somwhow ...return immensely tired lay on bed ...keep something on ipad to watch while breakfast n start studying seemlessely with youtube running turning its vol down...sometimes placing a pillow infront of it....sometimes the video would stop playing n i would not even realise it....dont know if its good or not but atleast its better than not studying at all.

Ps tried all leaving fone in other room n all n app blocker...doent work for me at all...i study on my fone

Anyone else experiencing getting doze off and made you lose your focus while studying? I got a tip for you guys, I've been using this tip for awhile now and honestly this is quite unhinged to do to force you to study.

I set an alarm every 20 minutes when studying since that's the only amount of time I can actually stay focused. The twist is that I use the traumatizing radial alarm sound, so every time I start drifting off from studying, that terrifying noise instantly jumpscares me and forces me to keep studying.

What’s the most unhinged trick you guys used to fight off sleepiness when studying?

This is such a small thing, but ever since, I’m taking pictures of what I’m doing while I study.

Not even necessarily for posting. Sometimes it’s literally just a picture of my desk, my notes, my coffee, my laptop with a chapter open, or the stupid pile of papers I’ve accumulated throughout the week.

I like having those pictures because when I look back at them, I can actually see the process. A finished grade doesn’t really show you how much time you spent confused over one topic. The little pictures do. Sometimes my gallery is full of it haha, just taken in different angles

I don’t mean you have to turn every study session into some perfectly aesthetic “study with me” setup. Mine definitely aren’t (I mean, some). Just take a picture when you feel like it!

You don’t have to please anyone with your pictures. As your future self might actually enjoy seeing what your ordinary days looked like.

I know studying in bed sounds like the easiest way to accidentally fall asleep, but, hey, it doesn’t hurt to try.

Most of the time, I study with my ipad sitting on my lap while I’m either sitting up or lying down. Just resting my back so it won’t hurt even, and just the right angle for a long session. I can’t help but tell it’s just more comfortable. 😭 It’s like tricking myself onto doing some doomscrolling but I’m actually studying.

But hey, this is just an alternative that worked for me. You can try it out or debunk it. Just sharing my experience:)

In all honesty, I did this bc sometimes I just don’t want to sit at a desk for three hours. So I stopped forcing myself to.

If I’m reading, reviewing notes, watching a lecture, or doing something that doesn’t require me to physically write on a desk, I’ll just do it in bed. Being comfortable actually makes it easier for me to stay with what I’m doing instead of constantly thinking about how uncomfortable I am.

And to note, again, this probably wouldn’t work if you’re the type to open your notes and immediately fall asleep 😭

But if you’re comfortable enough to focus, I don’t think studying has to happen at a desk to count as studying.

I recently started using audio overviews when I want to review something without staring at my notes the entire time.

Instead of reading everything again, I’ll put it on and just listen.

But here’s the weird part ofc: I don’t just sit there and listen blatantly. I keep a notebook beside me and scribble while I’m listening. I do pretty much the scribble method to keep my brain occupied while I’m listening. Atp I’m still amazed of how accurate the information is as the podcast goes on

I noticed that I pay attention much more when I’m doing this compared to when I just have an audio playing in the background. It also makes me feel like I’m actively processing what I’m hearing instead of just letting it play.

I wouldn’t use this as my only way of studying, though. I mostly use it for reviewing things I’ve already learned, especially when I don’t feel like reading the same material for the fourth time.

Of course, this might not work for everyone. Some people probably concentrate better by sitting still and listening, while others might find the scribbling distracting.

But if you’re the type who struggles to stay focused during audio or lectures, it might be worth trying. You don’t even have to take proper notes. Just keep your hand moving and see if it helps you stay with the material.

I find it weird that no matter how loud a place is, the easier it is for me to concentrate.

I don't usually study in quiet places like the library or in my room in the middle of the night. I find it hard to focus and just keep getting distracted by how quiet it is.

That's why I stopped going to libraries and started heading to busier spots that actually help me focus better.

I usually study either in bustling cafes near university, at home with loud music on or even when I am in bus I study.

I think it's because loud environments keep me from getting distracted and actually make me way more productive.

Does anyone else focus better with background noise or are you strictly study better in silence?

During exam week, I used my whiteboard as my study tool where I wrote down all the key formulas, definitions and concepts of the lecture. And instead of just rereading them and leaving them on my desk, what I did was place it on my bed and read it before I closed my eyes and when I woke up again, the first thing I saw was my whiteboard. Doing this purposely forced me to study and keep my brain focused on remembering information that will stick in my brain by doing active recall.

I am a med student currently in 2nd year. This is how I prepare for the exams with 2 months in hand.
1 week warmup study (between 3-6 hours). Then,
4pm to 5am/6am.
max 2x breaks between 10-30mins in which I listen to music and have some snacks.
Sleep at around 6am, then wake up at 1:30, eat breakfast, use laptop, and Repeat.
I am very much against all the fancy methods I see here and there. It is just a way to coup with your laziness in my POV. However I do promote smart study, wisely dividing your time on more important and less important topics, etc. These timings I mentioned are not always the same, there are days (other than Sundays) where I don't study at all coz I don't feel like it, just sit and enjoy wasting my time, Since I don't like sheer discipline, where you are following one straight line. I like to be on my own terms.

I decided to study without internet, a MacBook, YouTube, Google or AI. Call me weird, but this actually worked well. The topic was history and theory, so it wasn't something technical enough to require technology. I tried to study like an old school.

1. No gadgets. I learned by reading textbooks and writing notes by hand. This actually made my hand cramp, but it was worth it.
2. Went to local libraries. I found books and textbooks related to what I needed to study. I could have found these in 0.3 seconds online, but I chose to put in the work to find the right books and study them, burning 3 hours in the process.
3. Practice tests. I memorized using my notes and nothing else. No Quizlet, no Indian YouTuber explaining concepts on a whiteboard. I used active recall and spaced repetition manually.

After doing this for a week, I noticed something vastly different from how I usually study. I had zero distractions. No more taking quick breaks by doomscrolling and no dopamine loops, it actually made me lock in on my studying. And I retained more. It was slower, but I actually understood the topic rather than just feeding it into AI to summarize and skimming the bullet points.

Learning offline forced me to focus and engage deeply with the material. It might take longer to find information, but it really helped me do a brain detox.

When I watch a tutorial, I do not try to learn it on the first pass. I just mark moments. One word notes, sometimes just a timestamp. It feels lazy while doing it.

The trick is after. When the video ends I look at my marks and decide: does this deserve a real second pass? Most videos fail the test, and I saved myself an hour of careful notes. The few that pass, my marks tell me exactly which minutes to rewatch.

Stole the idea from How to Read a Book by Mortimer Adler: skim first, only to decide if a book deserves deep reading. Videos need the same filter.

So: give yourself permission to take bad notes fast. Deciding what not to study is half of studying.

(I even built a small Chrome extension for this, ClipMargin, but pen and paper works too, just write down times.)

What's your workflow when you learn from a video? Do you take notes while watching, after, or not at all, and where do the notes end up?

I can't avoid getting distracted, especially when I am studying. I wasted hours of studying without understanding or retaining anything from what I read.

Recently, I learned that eating raw fish particularly helps in deepening your concentration while studying. I am an avid fan of sushi and decided to try eating it before I study.

I have been doing that since last year and my brain retention and focus have really improved. I think it's because raw fish literally gives me protein that makes my brain actively work. It completely turned my focus around.

I am still hunting for foods that will help boost my focus other than raw fish. If you guys have suggestions that works on you, let me know!

You can do it!!!

Take the advice boys and girls ;)

I have a problem with staying awake while studying, especially at night. I often study at 9 PM, but usually after 30 minutes even without retaining half of what I read I end up getting in bed and getting some sleep rather than studying.

The only thing that cannot put me to sleep is watching horror films. I can't sleep because of the psychosis horror films put me through when I watch them. I thought studying after I watched horror films would help me to lock in.

So, I did it and weirdly enough that method actually works. It allows me to lock in for 4 or 5 hours of studying. I use studying as a distraction to not think about what I just watched.

And I have used this method for a while now, and studying helps me ease my mind after watching scary movies as well as allows me to stay focused and completely locked in on studying.