Published: 30 July 2021
Your time at the University of Sunderland in London will be defined by one thing more than anything else – studying.
The process of reading, learning and understanding large amount of academic texts from journals and books is a vital part of your education.
But how do you make sure you’re getting the most from your studies? Follow our tips below to study smarter, not harder.
Print it out
Digital technology like computers and smartphones have transformed the way we learn.
But did you know some studies show relying on screens means having to re-read things several times before you remember it all?
By contrast, 90% of students said they would prefer to read their articles and books in print.
It’s best to figure out what works for you through trial and error, but you might find that you enjoy your learning more if you use it as an excuse to step away from the screens.
If you’re worried about the impact printing out your articles has on the environment, check out this article from Eco-Office Gals on staying green.
Exercise first
Working out, whether that’s spending an hour in the gym, going for 10k run or simply walking around your area for ten minutes, has a huge impact on your brain’s chemistry.
Exercise causing blood and oxygen to pump around your body at a faster pace giving you nutrients that help with things like concentration and understanding.
Before your next study session, try a quick workout and notice how much more alert, open and able to pick up new information you are.
For a place to start, visit the NHS’s 10-minute workouts page.
Sleep learning
You might be asking yourself how you could possibly study while you’re asleep, but this practice is quite effective.
Studying when you are at your tired can help you remember more information.
It works because your brain is designed to process your memories at the end of the day just before and while you’re sleeping.
This doesn’t mean you should always read the hardest things right before falling asleep.
But you could try reviewing the notes you made that day and see how much you remember when you wake up.
For more on this, check out the article on Sleep Hygiene from our Health and Wellbeing team.
Use the Feynman Method
Developed by physicist Robert Feynman in the 1940s, this technique allows you to learn huge amounts of information in a reasonably simple way.
First, write down what you want to learn. It should be something you don’t know about yet.
Then try writing an explanation of it as if you are talking to a five-year-old.
You’ll quickly realise you need certain basics pieces of information which you then know to go look for.
A core concept for the Feynman Methods is to make analogies. For example, ‘a bonsai tree is a lot like a big tree, only smaller.’
For a more in-depth look at the technique, check out this article on Medium.
Studying can, and should, be an enjoyable experience because you are learning something exciting and new.
Plus, you’re here at the University of Sunderland in London because you have a passion for your subject.
Follow our tips above to put that interest to its best use and get the most from your degree.
We’d love to hear about the study techniques that work for you.
Share your ideas with the University of Sunderland in London community on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram using #WeAreSunLon.