If you're anything like me, you've probably spent a significant part of your academic life feeling lost when it comes to study methods and techniques. I wasn’t exactly the poster child for organisation—last-minute cramming sessions were my norm. For the longest time, I had no idea how to approach my studies effectively. However, through trial and error with different study techniques, I discovered what works for me—and, just as importantly, what doesn’t.

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Find a balance

First and foremost, it’s important to find balance between going easy on yourself and holding yourself accountable. If you struggle with perfectionism like I do, it’s easy to think you need to have everything figured out from the start. But trying different methods to see what suits you best helps in the long run.

One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is the importance of consistency. While it might not always be possible to study at the same time every day, especially when we have varied class schedules. Even just catching up on readings for an hour or two after class can help maintain steady progress. I usually get my best work done after attending a workshop. Socialising or networking can inspire you to study at times.

Take a tour of the McClay Library

Many of my friends have told me that they get more work done in an hour at the library than they would in 3–4 hours in their rooms. On the other hand, some friends can’t get any work done in the library at all. Personally, I’m a bit of both. Your study environment plays a crucial role; some people thrive in the bustling atmosphere of a coffee shop, while others need complete silence to focus. Whether it’s music, concentration sounds, or total silence, finding the right environment for you is key.

Support and techniques

It’s also important to remember that you don’t have to do everything on your own. There are plenty of resources available, from talking to professors to accessing support from your faculty or the Students’ Union (SU). Utilising these resources can provide guidance and support when you need it.

As for study techniques, I’ve found the Pomodoro Technique particularly helpful. I first learned about it during a workshop at The Thomas J Moran Graduate School. The standard 25-minute sessions didn’t quite work for me—I needed more time to build my concentration. So, I adjusted to 45-minute Pomodoro sessions, which has made a big difference in my productivity.

Take a tour of the Thomas J Moran Graduate School

Here are a few links to Pomodoro Techniques:

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mNBmG24djoY&t=19s
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DyiPr9jkW38
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P4u38XirY9c

The key is flexibility; tweak and adjust techniques until you find what truly works for you. Some days, you might get more done than you planned, while other days, you might accomplish less.

If you’re a last-minute person, don’t be too hard on yourself. I used to stress about not doing enough, which only made me feel worse and less able to enjoy my downtime. Now, I’ve learned to start with a loose structure and allow myself the flexibility to adapt as needed.

Check out how student Kathryn revises at the weekend!

Taking notes is crucial for retaining key information from readings. There are various tools for taking notes, whether pen and paper or digital. I sometimes struggled with merging my physical and digital notes, so I’ve developed better note-taking systems based on the content I’m learning from.

Establish a self-care routine

Avoiding burnout has been another critical lesson. Incorporating self-care into your routine can make studying something to look forward to, rather than a burden. It’s essential to balance physical, mental, and social health to feel well. Physical health affects our resilience and tolerance levels, so registering with your GP early is important. Self-care can be as simple as taking your Vitamin D supplements; a deficiency can greatly affect your mood. As students, it’s easy to skip sleep or meals, but these habits can impact our mood and, in turn, our productivity.

The University Health Centre at Queen’s – The How, What, Why, and When Answered

Ultimately, finding what works for you is a personal journey. It’s okay to try different methods, make mistakes, and adjust along the way. The key is to keep going, stay flexible, and take care of yourself—both mentally and physically.

I want to thank the SU Wellbeing team and Queen's Student Experience team, especially Orla and Christina, who have organised numerous events throughout the year focused on mental health awareness and rejuvenation. Their warmth and friendliness, along with the relaxing activities, have made a big difference for many of us. The SU Sensory Den is my favourite, and it’s quite popular among the students!

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Sai Sree Kurra MSc Management | Postgraduate Student | India Hello fellow students and passionate readers!! I'm an enthusiastic cinephile, cynophile and bibliophile. Watching and occasionally participating in sports gives me immense joy, with cricket being my favourite. I am extremely passionate and devoted to mental health awareness. Volunteering for significant causes makes my heart feel full. Coming to my professional background, I'm an ambitious student pursuing a Master's in Management. Former perfectionist, now striving to balance ambition and passion with compassion and self care. My professional interests include Leadership, Marketing, Strategy, and Business Consulting. As a lifelong learner, I constantly seek opportunities for learning and development and love to challenge myself.