Finding study patterns that work for you can be challenging, especially in a new college environment. However, there are many scientifically backed and proven study methods that are guaranteed to help you succeed academically. Let’s talk about some of the most effective ones.

Group studying

Distraction-free study groups can be an excellent way to reinforce classroom knowledge. One study backing this claim asked 463 undergraduate students across 38 institutions and five majors about their experiences in study groups. Researchers found that many of the study strategies that these groups used, such as quizzing each other, are scientifically backed methods to remember course materials better, promoting active recall. Active recall is the practice of testing your memory by continuously thinking about topics instead of simply reading the materials. Lab studies show that repeated testing led to better results that spaced out studying. Group sessions also tend to bring students from similar classes and disciplines together, promoting solidified session outcomes.

Try different study methods

There are a lot of things that go into a successful exam day, but ultimately it does boil down to how we process and absorb information. Everyone is different, but whether you are a visual or auditory learner, for example, there are several foolproof ways to ace any assignment.

One of the most popular methods of studying is known as the Pomodoro Technique. This is a time management technique that is structured by an interval of studying called the “Pomodoro” — typically 25 minutes, followed by a five-minute break. The Pomodoros are repeated four times, with the fourth break being longer, typically 15 minutes. The additional time is more effective because studies have shown that self-regulated breaks last longer and lead to more distractions, not only lowering motivation to study but also making it harder to get back on track after the break is over.

A method known as the Feynman Technique, used by Richard Feynman, a Nobel laureate in physics, is an effective method to learn difficult concepts through a deep understanding. This procedure starts with students selecting a concept they are trying to learn and creating a knowledge map. This is then followed by teaching concepts to someone or even yourself as if you had almost no mastery of the subject. The next step is to identify any gaps in understanding and fix them, finishing this sequence off by working on simplifying your explanation further, ensuring that you can explain the concept to anyone, including a child. This final review may seem miniscule, but it really helps solidify your idea to convey the topics effectively. Through repeated review, it can help you gain a deeper grasp of the skills. Many techniques like these exist and is a matter of what works best for you and the way you learn, so don’t be afraid to try new techniques to help you find what helps you succeed! 

Self-care

Adequate self-care is extremely crucial to success in academia. Not only does this encompass sleep and taking proper study breaks, but also nutrition and physical activity can help ensure that you don’t experience burnout during intense periods of reviewing, such as during midterms and finals weeks. Self-care is important because it is one of the ways we can replenish our mental and physical capacity.

Between 2015 and 2016, a survey was sent out to over 800 medical students spanning over 49 medical colleges. The survey assessed various factors such as perceived stress, self-care and quality of life, like analyzing the relationship between self-care and quality of life. Overall, the research indicated that engagement in self-care activities significantly decreased the strength of the relationship between perceived stress and psychological quality of life. Even moreso, sleep supports brain dependent memory consolidation during slow-wave and REM stages, enhancing long-term retention of newly acquired information. Chronic stress elevates cortisol, which disrupts prefrontal cortex-controlled executive functions and impairs hippocampal plasticity.

Stress reduction strategies such as mindfulness and controlled breathing have been shown to mitigate these effects. Nutritional status influences neuronal energy metabolism and neurotransmitter synthesis, with adequate glucose availability and omega-3 fatty acids supporting sustained attention and synaptic function. Aerobic exercise increases cerebral blood flow and regulates brain-derived neurotrophic factor, thereby promoting neuroplasticity and working memory performance. Finally, incorporating brief cognitive rest intervals reduces mental fatigue and improves attentional control during subsequent study periods.

Collectively, these self-care behaviors maintain the physiological and neurochemical conditions required for efficient learning, memory retention and academic achievement.

In conclusion, effective studying does not only depend on how much time you spend reviewing flashcards or notes but also depends on evidence-based study strategies and self-care techniques such as working with study groups and finding the review methods that work best for you. By combining these approaches early in the year, students can enhance their academic performance and overall well-being. As the new school year kicks off, we wish all you Gauchos a productive, balanced and rewarding term ahead!

A version of this article appeared on p.15 of the Oct 2, 2025 edition of the Daily Nexus.