The old aphorism says that practice makes perfect. When it comes to studying, the key to success is to work out an effective study routine which will enable you to spend less time hunched over your books. Developing smart study habits requires hard work, but it also guarantees an amazing payoff. If you are curious about what to do to boost your studying techniques, read on because what follows are the five smartest strategies for learning more efficiently. 

Make a reasonable schedule

In 1981 George Doran came up with the criteria for setting S.M.A.R.T. goals, which stands for specific, measurable, assignable, realistic and time-related. His categorisation is commonly used in time and project management, but it is equally applicable to studying. In order to plan a beneficial study session you need to choose a goal, estimate how much material you need to cover, and specify the timeframe. If you need to memorise a lot of material before a huge exam, you can think about creating a tailor-made study schedule and divide your notes into equal parts in order to review examination topics one at a time, as learning systematically is much better than pulling an all-nighter at the last minute.

Try out new things

When it comes to your study environment, everyone has their favourite places. Some people study only at the school library, others hit the books in a busy cafe, and then there are those who learn best at home. Experts claim that the place where you study is very important for your memory and strongly recommend trying out new environments in order to maximize the efficiency of learning. This simple tactic will challenge your memory, heighten your senses and, as a result, help you quickly memorise and recall new material.

Avoid distractions

Portable devices and modern technology can undoubtedly facilitate the process of learning. Despite this, they can also be a huge source of distraction. You can play games, chat with friends, endlessly scroll Facebook or waste time on unproductive Twitter discussions. Therefore, if you want to have an effective study session, it is best to turn off your iPad, laptop, smartphone and all unnecessary devices – or just leave them at home. 

Think outside your regular curriculum 

There are times when generic lectures are not enough if you want to excel in a particular discipline. For these moments it is worth considering alternative means of getting information, such as online courses. On platforms such as Study Select you can enrol in courses aimed at boosting particular competences, expanding your knowledge of new subjects and mastering specific skills.