Tips on good study strategies

Prepare to study

Prepare your study materials ahead of time: make a table of the different subjects to review. Create a complete binder for each class with your notes, files and exercises, and then arrange your binders. Taking these steps will already help you put your thoughts in order. 

If you try to absorb too much information in a short timeframe, you won’t be able to implement “in-depth” learning strategies. To store information in your long-term memory, you should go back over your materials several times, on separate occasions if possible (one to three revisions of each subject are recommended, according to the book Apprendre à étudier). 

Plan out your time

Map out a detailed schedule – hour by hour and day by day – and set realistic study objectives. Plan to review the most difficult materials and subjects at the times of day when you’re the most productive, which is generally in the morning. The maximum amount of time a person can concentrate effectively is 40–50 minutes; after that, you should take a break before getting back to work.

Take breaks

Maintain overall balance by taking breaks throughout the day, since memorizing information requires a lot of energy and is tiring. At lunchtime, a break of at least one hour can recharge your batteries for the rest of the day. You should also take a break of 5–10 minutes every 50 minutes: move, stretch, breathe deeply, drink a glass of water or eat a healthy snack. Or if you prefer to work in shorter bursts, you can use the “Pomodoro” method – work for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break, and after every four cycles take a 20–30-minute break.

Adopt a routine

Set a specific time when you’ll start in the morning (8–9am) and when you’ll stop in the evening. Eat regular, balanced meals so that you have enough energy. Reduce the level of visual and auditory distractions around you. We also suggest you turn off your smartphone so that you can stay concentrated. Don’t work at night, and be sure to get the hours of sleep you need to feel good. And take some time every day for outdoor exercise, so that you can feel refreshed and release tension.

Study tips 

• Prepare your study materials ahead of time.
• Make a to-do list and assess how much time each task will take.
• Create a detailed study schedule, hour by hour and day by day, with a specific time that you’ll start in the morning and finish in the evening, along with planned breaks.

EPFL support services:

If you would like to speak with someone, our Social Consultation offers free, confidential appointments with counselors. They can help identify what you need and help you to find the right resources. You can also schedule an appointment with the Psychotherapeutic consultation.

Take care!

The EPFL Social consultation, Student Affairs (SAE)