Hacks that can make studying more fun and effective

It's that time again, where you're doomscrolling for study tips, and each time you see 'make flashcards', 'take breaks' and 'minimise distractions'. Whilst these do help in their own ways, they're a bit boring.

We've found some fun and unique study tips that will make you actually want to study.

1. Study like you're gossiping about the material 💅

If you read the material as if it's the biggest drama you've heard this year, it's weirdly engaging. Literally talk to yourself: "So then this enzyme just shows up and ruins everything for the cell". It makes it 10 times as fun, and you're more likely to remember it.

2. Stop writing pretty notes ✨

Let's be honest, the pink and purple cursive title looks lovely, but are you actually ever going to read it again? A better way to remember your notes and come back to them is to make them absurd. Write them in a rap style, create memes, anything silly. Your brain loves weird things, and like the first point, you are more likely to remember (and enjoy) it.

3. Teach your plants 🪴

Again, that sounds weird, right? But seriously, explaining your material out loud to an audience (even a fake one) can show gaps in your understanding faster than reading quietly. You can even go as far as pretending to be the lecturer teaching your subject; it tricks your brain into understanding the context better.

4. Study in weird places 📍

Your brain also forms location-based memories. Study different topics in different locations: different spots = different neural pathways. It could be as simple as a quick topic to study on your bathroom floor and a more in-depth one in the library. If you spend every study session at your bedroom desk, your mind can't separate topics. (There are many places around campus to study).

5. Stop mid-sentence 🧠

This is the 'itchy brain syndrome' method (or the Zeigarnik effect for those that like technical names). Typically, some people will try to finish a chapter or an essay section before they go for a break, but if you stop mid-sentence, your brain will begin to nag you to finish it. This can stop you from procrastinating when you take breaks. 

These study tips may seem ridiculous at times, but studying for exams doesn't have to be boring - have the freedom to make studying fun and get some enjoyment out of it. 

Need some exam fuel to get you through? See these three cheap and easy meals for exam season.