Achievement week is here and now’s your time to catch up or get ahead of the year – read through a few study tips put together by a member of your student community!

University life is a whirlwind of lectures, deadlines, exams, social events, and maybe even a part-time job. Finding your rhythm can be tough, especially when everything seems to happen at once. As a second-year vet student, I’ve had to learn how to juggle it all whilst staying sane.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or just want to study smarter, here are the strategies that help me stay focused, organised, and balanced.

Master your schedule like a pro

Organisation isn’t just about colour-coded planners, it’s about intentional time-blocking:

• Timetable your week: Slot in lectures, seminars, and study sessions by topic (e.g., “Monday 4–5pm: revise renal physiology”).
• Include downtime: Add free time, hobbies, and social events to avoid burnout.
• Balance is key: A well-rounded schedule helps you stay productive without sacrificing joy.

Experiment with study techniques

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to learning. Try a mix and see what sticks:

• Flashcards for quick recall.
• Active recall by quizzing yourself.
• Teach a friend to reinforce understanding.
• Group study sessions for collaborative learning.
• Switch it up depending on the topic, what works for anatomy might not work for pharmacology!

Create a study checklist

Stay on track with a simple, achievable checklist. Ticking things off feels good and keeps your focus.Try something like:

• Go through individual topic flashcards
• Summarising key concepts from each lecture
• Determine what you understand clearly and what you might need further help with

Optimise your environment

Your surroundings can make or break your focus. Try these sensory and social hacks:

• Scent association: Use a specific candle or room spray during study time to build a mental cue.
• Motivated spaces: Study in places where others are focused, like the library or a quiet café.
• Declutter: A tidy desk = a tidy mind.
   

Break, naps, and Boundaries

Your brain isn’t a machine. Recharge regularly! Try these techniques:

• Pomodoro technique: 25 minutes study, 5 minutes break.
• Power naps: 10–20 minutes can boost memory and alertness.
• Digital detox: Step away from screens when you’re off duty.

Ask for help and prioritise self-care

You’re not alone. Whether it’s academic support or emotional wellbeing:

• Reach out to tutors, advisors, or course mates.
• Schedule in self-care like walks, journaling, or creative time.
• Don’t wait until you’re overwhelmed, early support is empowering!