Your first year at university is exciting, overwhelming, and a major adjustment all at once. The coursework is demanding, deadlines pile up fast, and suddenly, staying on top of your assignments feels like a full-time job. If you’re feeling the pressure, you’re not alone – 72% of Canadian students admit to pulling all-nighters just to keep up with deadlines.
The key to surviving and thriving at university is developing the right study techniques, staying organized, and building good study habits from day one. Let’s explore effective study tips to help students stay focused and achieve ongoing academic success.
Study Tips for University Students
Study Organization & Planning
It’s easy to fall behind if you don’t have a structured plan. Here’s how to stay ahead of deadlines and manage your workload effectively:
- Create a semester calendar – Write down all assignment deadlines, exam dates, and important events to avoid last-minute scrambling.
- Use a planner or study app – Tools like Notion, Google Calendar, or Todoist help you keep track of tasks and block study time.
- Break work into smaller tasks – No one likes studying for hours at a stretch. Break assignments and readings into smaller chunks and spread them out over days or weeks.
Class Participation & Engagement
Showing up to class is only half the battle. Active participation helps you understand the material better and makes studying easier later on.
- Ask questions during lectures – If something isn’t clear, don’t wait until exam season to figure it out.
- Engage in discussions – Talking things through helps reinforce learning and builds connections with classmates.
- Attend office hours – Professors are there to guide and support you – use their expertise to your advantage.
Note-Taking & Study Techniques
Copying everything down might not be the best approach to note-taking. Instead, focus on organizing information efficiently so you can recall it when needed.
- Use active note-taking methods – Try the Cornell Method (dividing notes into summaries, key points, and details) for better retention.
- Highlight key concepts – But don’t overdo it! If everything is highlighted, nothing stands out.
- Review notes weekly – This minimizes cramming and sticks information into your long-term memory.
Study Environment
Where and how you study matters. Your brain needs a distraction-free environment to absorb information effectively.
- Find a dedicated study spot – Whether it’s the library, a quiet café, or your dorm, make sure it’s a space where you can focus.
- Minimize distractions – Turn off notifications, put your phone on silent, and use website blockers if you tend to wander online.
- Try background sounds – Some students focus better with white noise or instrumental music instead of complete silence.
Study Support
You don’t have to go through university alone. Taking advantage of study groups, tutoring, and academic advising can boost your learning.
- Form study groups – Explaining concepts to others helps solidify your own understanding.
- Use academic support services – Some universities – like the International Business University (IBU) – offer access to teaching assistants and peer tutors to help you with study strategies, program planning, and future career paths.
- Ask for help early – Struggling with a subject? Don’t wait until finals. Reach out to professors or tutors as soon as you hit a roadblock.
Self-Care & Motivation
Avoiding burnout is just as important as mastering study techniques. When you take care of your body and mind, you perform better academically.
- Get enough sleep – Sleep-deprived studying leads to poor concentration and retention. Consistent rest is key.
- Take breaks – Use the Pomodoro Technique (study for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break) to improve focus.
- Stay active – A quick workout or walk can boost mental clarity and reduce stress.
Effective Study Habits
Develop long-term study habits to make learning feel less stressful and more intentional.
- Use spaced practice instead of cramming – Studies show that students who space out study sessions retain 47% more information than those who cram last minute.
- Teach what you learn – One of the best ways to retain material is to explain it to someone else.
- Use practice tests – Testing yourself regularly helps strengthen recall and prepares you for real exams.
What Are the Best Study Methods for Students?
Different study techniques work for different people – find what works for you:
- Spaced Repetition – Spread out study sessions for long-term retention.
- Active Recall – Instead of passively rereading notes, quiz yourself for better engagement.
- Mind Mapping – Organize ideas visually if you’re more of a visual learner.
- Feynman Technique – Teach concepts in simple terms to test your understanding.
How to Stay Focused While Studying
Staying on track can be hard, especially with distractions everywhere. Here’s how to stay focused while studying:
- Set micro-goals – Instead of “study for five hours,” set goals like “complete two practice questions.”
- Eliminate multitasking – Focus on one subject at a time—multitasking reduces efficiency.
- Use the 5-minute rule – If starting a task feels overwhelming, commit to just five minutes. That’s often enough momentum to keep going.
- Stay hydrated & eat brain food – Snacks like nuts, fruit, and dark chocolate help keep energy levels steady.
IBU: Supporting Your Academic & Mental Well-Being
The IBU philosophy? We believe students succeed best when they’re supported – academically, mentally, and socially. As such, we provide guidance and resources every step of the way.
When studying with us, you have access to:
- Academic Support – Every student is assigned a professor as an academic advisor who can help with study skills, program planning, and career advice.
- Health & Wellness Resources – Need healthcare guidance? Enrollment Services can connect you with walk-in clinics, vision care, dental care, and pharmacies in the IBU neighborhood.
- Mental Health Support – IBU offers free, unlimited counseling services through the GuardMe Student Support Program and the Reflections Mental Health Group, so you always have emotional and psychological support when you need it.
- Student Community & Engagement – Need a break from studying? Connect with classmates in the student lounge, join a club, or participate in university events and volunteering opportunities.
University can be intense, but you won’t have to navigate it alone when you’re at IBU. Explore our BCOM programs and MBA programs to look at the education that awaits you. Alternatively, contact us for more information today.