This is a response to “A Simple 4-Step Guide To Studying For University Students.”

Getting in the mood to study is one thing, but how do you make the action of studying last longer and be more productive? As a college student myself, I find that oftentimes I can get myself to start studying but have a hard time staying consistent. After some reflection, I found a list of things to do that make studying go by faster for me and maybe for anyone out there looking to do the same.

1. Try breaking up your studying into breaks

The pomodoro method is a good one. 25 minutes of work with 5 minutes of break and repeat until you want to stop studying. You can try any method of studying and breaking up time that works for you though. I like this method because I can pace myself and not feel overwhelmed while working.

1. Make a visual to-do list and check things off as you finish them

I use an app called notion to make a to-do list and check things off as I finish them. I find it to be good motivation to check things off as I finish them. Not only does this help me see all I have to do, I also feel accomplished after I check things off.

1. Make a study playlist

This one is easy. I have a playlist I like to listen to when studying. As the playlist finishes, I realize the time I put into working and I feel accomplished after. Also, I now associate my study time with that certain playlist and motivate myself more.

1. Work at different times to see when you work best

Some of my friends work better during the daytime and have the most productive studying in between classes. I found that their study schedule does not align with mine though. I found that I work best at night when I have no choice but to get things done. At night, I take the least amount of breaks and study my hardest. That’s what works best for me though, I would suggest doing the same and reflecting on what time of day works best for you.

1. Record yourself doing work on your phone

For me, the greatest distraction while studying is none other than my phone. I find that I take countless breaks while studying to scroll. To stop that, I started recording myself through a time-lapse on my phone to not go on any apps. I find that when I record myself studying, I want to accomplish more so I can watch the video later and have physical proof of the work I put in.