1. Active Recall

Best for: Almost every class

Active recall is exactly what it sounds like: instead of looking at the information, you force yourself to remember it.

For example:

• Cover your notes and explain the concept out loud.

• Turn headings into questions and answer them from memory.

• Use flashcards.

• Write everything you remember on a blank sheet of paper before checking your notes.

It feels harder because your brain is actually doing the work—and that's what makes it effective.

2. Spaced Repetition

Best for: Memorization-heavy classes

Cramming the night before might help you survive tomorrow's quiz, but it won't help you remember anything next month.

Instead, review material over time.

A simple schedule looks like this:

• Day 1: Learn it

• Day 2: Review it

• Day 5: Review again

• One week later: Quick review

• Two weeks later: Final review

Each review gets easier, and you'll remember much more.

3. Practice Problems

Best for: Math, economics, chemistry, accounting, statistics, finance, and physics

Reading how to solve a problem isn't the same as solving it yourself.

The best preparation is doing as many practice questions as you can.

When you get one wrong, don't just check the answer. Figure out why you got it wrong so you don't repeat the same mistake.

4. Teaching

Best for: Understanding difficult concepts

Pretend you're teaching the topic to someone who's never heard of it before.

Use simple language.

If you get stuck or realize you can't explain something clearly, that's where your understanding needs work.

If you can teach it, you probably know it.

5. The Pomodoro Technique

Best for: Staying focused

Trying to study for four straight hours usually ends with you scrolling your phone.

Instead, try this:

• Study for 25 minutes.

• Take a 5-minute break.

• Repeat four times.

• Then take a longer 20–30 minute break.

Breaking studying into smaller chunks makes it feel much more manageable.

6. Study Like It's the Test

Think about how you'll actually be tested.

If your exam is multiple choice, practice multiple-choice questions.

If it's short answer, practice writing full responses.

If it's an essay, outline essays without looking at your notes.

The closer your practice matches the real exam, the more confident you'll feel.

7. Study With Friends—The Right Way

Group studying can either be incredibly productive or become a two-hour gossip session.

A good study group should:

• Quiz each other

• Explain difficult concepts

• Compare notes

• Solve practice problems together

If everyone spends more time talking about weekend plans than the class, it might be time to study solo.

Study Habits That Don't Work as Well

We've all done these...

❌ Reading your notes over and over

It feels productive because it's easy.

Unfortunately, recognizing information isn't the same as remembering it.

❌ Highlighting everything

If your entire page is yellow, nothing stands out.

Highlight key ideas after you've already understood the material—not before.

❌ Cramming

Sometimes it's unavoidable.

But if you consistently start studying earlier—even by a few days—you'll retain far more information and feel less stressed.

❌ Multitasking

Watching Netflix, checking TikTok, and "studying" at the same time usually means you're not fully doing any of them.

Try putting your phone on Do Not Disturb or leaving it across the room during study sessions.

My Favorite Study Setup

You don't need an expensive aesthetic desk setup to study well.

A few things that make a big difference:

• A water bottle

• Noise-canceling headphones or calming music

• A planner or to-do list

• Highlighters (used sparingly!)

• Good lighting

• Healthy snacks

The goal is to create a space where it's easier to focus and harder to procrastinate.

Final Thoughts

Everyone studies differently, so don't feel like you have to use every method on this list.

Start by trying one or two techniques this week. You might be surprised how much easier studying feels when you're using methods that help your brain remember—not just reread.

Remember: success in college isn't about studying the longest. It's about studying in a way that actually works.

Quick Recap

✅ Use active recall instead of rereading notes.

✅ Review material over several days with spaced repetition.

✅ Practice problems are your best friend for quantitative classes.

✅ Teach concepts out loud using the Feynman Technique.

✅ Break study sessions into manageable chunks with the Pomodoro Technique.

✅ Match your practice to the format of the exam.

✅ Study with friends who keep you accountable—not distracted.

XOXO,

Broke College Girl