This is the first in a series of blog posts sharing study tips from UoC students. These tips were gathered during library pop-up events in 2024, particularly the popular Library Loves Feedback Valentine pop-up. Thanks to all the students who contributed their suggestions. The tips are being shared in an assignment journey style approach, from nurturing wellbeing for studying in this post, to planning and searching, notetaking and writing, and more in future posts. We hope you find these tips helpful and please keep sharing your tips via this Live Well Learn Well Study Tips padlet.

Right time of day for you

Notice the times of day which best suit you for studying, in which you are most productive and find it easier to concentrate. Don’t push yourself too hard outside of these peak times.

Study space that works for you

If studying at home/accommodation isn’t working, go to University instead.

Some students recommend studying in a quiet room with familiar surroundings and other students recommend shared space with other people. What works best for you?

Distractions or stimulations?

Listening to music is popular, with students suggesting tips like: find out what music keeps you focussed, really helps me. Create a study playlist. Listen to some nice, relaxing music.

Hide your phone: no distractions.

Headphones in. Crack on. (see details about our Headphones in: Crack on webinar below)

Study buddies: accountability partners keep you on track and keep you focussed. I study best with other people like friends and people on my course.

What is a stimulation or a distraction to you?

Keeping going: snacks, naps, drinks …

Make sure you hydrate! Students suggested water and coffee. What drink will keep you going?

Don’t push yourself to write assignments when tired. Try a power nap.

Take regular screen breaks. Break up study with fun activities: listen/watch Dancing Fruits. The music is a vibe and the fruits make you laugh. Talk to a mate. Listen to a podcast.

Study snacks. What’s your preferred study snack? Have you noticed any that help you feel alert and focussed for longer and others that make you feel sleepy after eating them?

Self-compassion

Try not to stress, just start. Take one day at a time.

Believe in yourself, your goals, your dreams. Have confidence in yourself. Be brave.

Be kind to yourself and find a balance between study and meaningful occupations.

Be kind to yourself and recognise your achievements, no matter how small they might seem on some days.

Remember to breathe; pace yourself; you’re doing fine. Make time for yourself.

Headphones in: Crack on. Student study tips webinar

Headphones in: Crack on is a webinar offered by the skills@cumbria team, based on study tips shared by students. Sign up for this, or Managing Academic Stress, or Procrastination, or any of our other webinars via our webinar webpage.

Live Well Learn Well: check out the resources and support available to help develop your mental health and wellbeing, including the Wellbeing Collection, Togetherall, and details about contacting the Mental Health practitioners at UoC.

The Learn Well section of the skills@cumbria webpages offers tutorials, tips, and resources about time management, feedback, working with others, digital skills and more.

We’d love to hear your tips so please keep sharing via our Live Well Learn Well Study Tips padlet.