Tip #2: Only effective study counts

This is probably why most students aren’t as prepared as they think they are. It’s because they’re not studying as much as they think.

Sitting at your desk for a ‘study session’ then going for a quick FB stalk, scrolling through your Instagram feed and then sending a few texts does not count as study…sorry.

Study

Be realistic with what you are actually doing. We say 4-6 hours per day for trials when it comes to crunch time. BUT you’re only allowed to count 'effective study’ - the truth hurts, but it’s better for you, trust us!

Here’s what effective study actually looks like:

• Get a timer and set it to 2 hours (exam length)
• Set up your desk/room in exam style - you might want to pick a different part of the house to be the 'exam room' with nothing except the exam paper, your pencil case and a clock - this is the best training
• Remove all distractions - be real, if your laptop is open on your desk and your phone is within reach there is no way you are not going to look at it for 2 hours. No matter how good you are. So make sure you take them out of the room and put them out of reach!
• Do not get up off the seat until that 2 hours is done

If you do these things you will force yourself to actually work. And because you have nothing else to do it will be 100% effective. You will get SO much more done in that 2 hours (as long as you don’t stare at the wall for significant amounts of time).

Breaks

So many students reduce their effectiveness because they don’t take breaks properly. I know right, how hard is it to stuff that up! But if you study with FB open, whilst texting and then you take a break in which you go on FB and use your phone - then it won't feel like a break. Nor will it feel like proper study.

This is how you take a proper break:

• Change your environment - get as far away from your ‘study room’ as possible. (Drive, run, fly away!)
• Re-connect with society - get on FB or Instagram and get your dose (plus there will be so much new stuff on your newsfeed…win/win!).
• Interact with humans - people are good to talk to, you should try it when you can.
• Get out - any form of exercise, activity, movement will help your eyes and brain readjust but also makes sure you get out of your study funk.

Point is, don’t get stuck in limbo with half studying and half taking a break. Do both properly!

Only effective study and breaks count!! That way you only need to do 3-4 blocks and you will be killing it.