A new school year is always a fresh start. Whether you’re beginning university, returning after the holidays, or studying abroad for the first time, this is your chance to set goals and build habits that will help you thrive. But between classes, part-time jobs, travel, and social life, it’s not always easy to stay productive.

That’s where smart study hacks come in. These simple, science-backed strategies help you work smarter—not harder—so you can improve your grades, reduce stress, and still make time for the fun parts of student life.

Here are 10 study hacks that every student should know.

1. Master the Pomodoro Technique

Long study sessions can drain your energy and attention. Instead, try the Pomodoro Technique:

• Study for 25 minutes with full focus.

• Take a 5-minute break.

• After four rounds, reward yourself with a longer break.

This method helps beat procrastination, keeps your brain sharp, and makes studying feel less overwhelming. It’s perfect for students with busy schedules or who get easily distracted.

Pro tip: Use free apps or timers online to keep you on track.

2. Create a Dedicated Study Space

Your environment affects how well you study. If possible, set up a consistent, clutter-free space that’s only for studying. It could be a library corner, your desk at home, or even a favorite café.

When your brain associates that space with focus, it becomes easier to get into “study mode.”

Tip for international students: If you’re studying abroad, explore campus libraries or local coworking spaces—they often have discounts or even free access for students.

3. Take Notes That Work for You

Copying lectures word-for-word might feel safe, but it doesn’t help with understanding. Instead, try:

• Cornell Notes (structured with keywords, details, and summaries).

• Mind mapping for visual learners.

• Digital note-taking apps like Notion, Evernote, or OneNote.

Experiment and find the method that helps you recall information most effectively.

4. Teach It to Learn It

One of the best ways to check if you truly understand something? Teach it to someone else.

Explain a concept out loud, simplify it for a friend, or even talk through it in front of a mirror. If you struggle to explain it clearly, it’s a sign you need to review it again.

This technique turns passive learning into active engagement—and active learning always sticks better.

5. Practice Active Recall

Instead of rereading notes (which tricks your brain into thinking you understand), quiz yourself. This is called active recall, and research shows it’s one of the most powerful ways to boost memory.

Try:

• Flashcards (physical or digital).

• Quiz apps like Quizlet or Anki.

• Covering your notes and testing yourself.

It might feel harder than rereading, but that’s the point—your brain builds stronger memory connections.

6. Organize Your Time with Planners & Apps

Between assignments, group projects, deadlines, and exams, staying organized is half the battle. Use:

• Planners for a paper-and-pen approach.

• Google Calendar for reminders and scheduling.

• Productivity apps like Trello or Notion for managing tasks.

Set weekly goals and check them off. A small bit of planning saves hours of stress later.

Student budget hack: With your ISIC card, you can sometimes get discounts on premium versions of popular productivity apps.

7. Limit Distractions

Distractions are the biggest enemy of productivity. Here’s how to block them:

• Keep your phone in another room while studying.

• Use focus apps like Forest (grow a virtual tree while you stay off your phone).

• Turn off unnecessary notifications.

Social media will still be there after your study session—but your assignment deadline won’t wait.

8. Study a Little Every Day

Cramming before exams feels productive, but it doesn’t build long-term knowledge. Instead, practice spaced repetition: reviewing material in small chunks every day.

This way, information stays fresh in your memory without last-minute panic.

Example: Spend just 20 minutes each day reviewing lecture notes instead of trying to absorb an entire semester in one weekend.

9. Fuel Your Brain the Right Way

Your brain needs energy to focus, and what you eat plays a big role in how well you study.

• Stay hydrated with water (not just coffee or energy drinks).

• Snack on brain-friendly foods like nuts, fruit, and dark chocolate.

• Avoid too much sugar, which leads to energy crashes.

Healthy eating isn’t just about physical health—it directly impacts concentration and memory.

10. Sleep Like It’s Part of Your Study Plan

One of the most underrated study hacks? Sleep.

When you sleep, your brain processes and stores information you’ve learned. Skipping sleep to study late into the night might give you more hours, but it actually reduces your ability to remember what you studied.

Aim for at least 7–8 hours a night. Think of it as an essential part of your study routine.

Balance is Key

Studying hard is important, but so is taking breaks, socializing, and exploring life outside the classroom. International students especially know that studying abroad isn’t just about grades—it’s about experiences.

Whether it’s traveling to a new city, joining a student club, or enjoying time with friends, balance keeps you motivated and prevents burnout.

💡 ISIC Tip: With your ISIC card, you can access thousands of discounts worldwide on travel, food, and essentials—helping you enjoy student life while staying on budget.

A successful school year doesn’t come from endless hours of studying—it comes from studying smarter. By using these 10 hacks, you’ll save time, remember more, and feel more in control of your workload.

The key takeaway? Consistency beats cramming. Small daily habits—like using the Pomodoro Technique, practicing active recall, and prioritizing sleep—will help you perform at your best all year long.

So grab your planner, find your study space, and put these hacks into action. This year is your chance to build habits that not only improve your grades, but also make room for new experiences, friendships, and adventures.