Interview: Study Habits

Personally, I learn better in a small group, and here's why. When I study alone, I often get stuck on one idea and waste a lot of time. In a group, though, we explain things to each other, and teaching a concept is actually the fastest way to master it. Last semester, for example, my study group raised my biology grade noticeably. So overall, groups work better for me.

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One method that really works for me is testing myself instead of rereading my notes. I actually discovered it by accident during my first year, when I ran out of time before an exam and could only practice with flashcards. Surprisingly, I remembered far more than usual. Since then, I always turn my notes into questions, because recalling an answer strengthens memory much more than simply reviewing it.

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I think the main solution is to control the environment instead of relying on willpower. To begin with, students should put their phone in another room, because even a silent phone pulls your attention. Also, studying at the same desk and the same time every day trains the brain to focus automatically. In short, if you remove distractions and build a routine, concentration becomes much easier.

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In my view, morning study is generally better, although I understand why some people choose the night. After sleep, your mind is fresh, so new information sticks more easily. At night, by contrast, most students are already tired, and they often sacrifice sleep, which hurts memory the next day. That said, the best time is the one you can keep consistently, and for me that's the morning.

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