Establishing good study habits

Create the best environment to maximise study time.

For some people, the background noise of a café is the perfect place to study. Other people prefer studying in a quiet space such as a library. Some students prefer to study at home but studying at home can also bring a lot of distractions (housemates, TV, dirty dishes). It’s important to separate sleep and study, so try not to do your homework in bed.

How much noise is too much?

Some students enjoy listening to music when they study but for others, it can be a distraction. If you like listening to music, instrumental music may help keep you focused. The optimal noise level is around 70 decibels (anything louder can increase stress levels).

What is the best time of day to study?

Some experts say that studying in the morning is better for learning new material, while the afternoon is best for reflecting on content that you have already learnt.

How long should you study each day?

Extended periods of study can result in loss of concentration and sleepiness. It’s important to take regular breaks and to do some physical exercise. Research shows that 50 minutes of study followed by a 15-minute break is best for learning and concentration.

Ensure you are eating well

Sometimes eating too much can make you sleepy. Avoid eating food that is high in carbohydrates (like bread, sugar and pasta) and fats. Instead, try eating food that is high in protein and low in fat as this will help you concentrate. Examples include meat, fish, eggs, poultry, legumes, nuts and seeds, dried beans and lentils, low-fat dairy products and soy products.

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Establishing good study habits