There are lots of things that affect your studying. It could be a distracting phone or a noisy neighbour. You might even feel a little homesick, which is completely normal. Luckily, these are all easy to overcome.
Here are eight of the best study techniques to help you succeed in your academic work and get the most from your social life.
- Put a study schedule together and stick to it
- Make time to see the sights
- Listen to the radio, stream music or podcasts
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help
- Combat homesickness while studying
- Get an early start
- Visit the library
- Study in a social setting
1. Put a study schedule together and stick to it
The best students are usually the ones who create a study schedule and stick to it. It helps you decide what to focus on, what tasks are in the future and how much time you can give to certain things.
A study schedule allows you to efficiently balance both studying and other things like spending time with friends or personal tasks. It’s a lot easier than improvising every day and helps to make things less stressful.
2. Make time to see the sights
You’re at University to study but you should also set aside some time to explore the place you live in. You’re in a completely different country so it’s the perfect opportunity to explore your city and other places around the UK.
While you’re at University, plan some journeys with your friends to the places that interest you. You might want to go to London or Edinburgh for the weekend or even see more remote places like the Lake District or the Scottish Highlands.
It’s important to take some time away from studying so you can give your brain a break. You can see these trips as rewards for all the hard work you’ve been doing. They’re something to work toward and are a great way of relaxing.
3. Listen to the radio, stream music or podcasts
While you’re studying in your student accommodation, it’s easy to put on videos or stream films. These can be really distracting because your eyes will be focused on them rather than your books.
A better way of studying with a bit of sound is by turning on the radio or a music streaming service, like Spotify.
There are so many amazing radio stations that broadcast 24/7 and playlists you could play on a loop. You could catch up on politics and global news by listening to BBC Radio 4. Do you like studying to classical music? Listen to Classic FM. There are also plenty of playlists on music streaming services in a variety of genres, from pop and rap to KPOP and Bollywood.
Alternatively, why not find a podcast? You could listen to comedy, conversations about science or even a podcast focused on something similar to your course.
In particular, listening to the radio or podcasts also helps you to understand the English language better, presenting you with native speakers and different words and ideas.
4. Don’t be afraid to ask for help
Studying for a degree can sometimes present a situation where you’re unsure what to do. This is OK - it’s a learning experience.
The whole point of University is learning by asking questions, so if you’re stuck, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Even though this might not sound like it, this is one of the very best study techniques to use.
A University is full of fellow students and lecturers who might have the information you’re looking for. If you’re ever unsure, ask someone on your course. If they don’t have the answers, ask your lecturers for advice and guidance. Even if it's not the answer you wanted, you might discover an idea you’d have never considered before.
5. Combat homesickness while studying
Studying abroad can make you a little homesick, which is only natural. Everyone feels it when they’re away from home for a long time. But there are many ways to help you feel better:
- decorate your University room with things that remind you of home, like pictures of families or friends
- prepare your favourite food to eat while you study in the evenings
- organise a study group with your fellow students
- join a club or society. This is a chance to meet new people with similar interests to you, whether they’re other international students or people from the UK, and share experiences
6. Get an early start
One of the best study tips to prevent work from getting on top of you is by getting an early start on your assignments. It can be stressful finishing an assignment that has been left until the last minute. Getting an early start protects you from any rushed work.
It's a great way of getting all your work done before a deadline, leaving you with more time to relax and do other things.
7. Visit the library
The next best study technique is to visit the University library. It’s probably the best place to study that you can spend all day in. It’s quiet and contains an incredible amount of books and resources you can use in your studies.
Head to your library in the morning and find a nice quiet spot to settle in. Bring a water bottle or flask of tea, your headphones and your laptop. You’ll be amazed at how much work you can get through in an environment with no distractions.
8. Study in a social setting
Studying with fellow students in your University flat or even in a coffee shop can really help you all to understand key ideas and concepts.
Collaboration is one of the best study techniques for understanding your current work. By having a productive discussion with others, you can learn more, bond with others and have an enjoyable time. It can also help to fill in the knowledge you might be missing.
These tips can help you when you first start to study in the UK, but there is a lot more to University that you’ll need to prepare for. To help, we’ve got the perfect guide for you.
Your study abroad starter guide
This guide is all about studying abroad and how to get the most out of it. You’ll discover the best tips on preparing for University, how to make the most of your time away and how to best experience a new culture.
You’ll also find great information on how to network and showcase your talents. If you’re interested in reading the free guide, click the link below.