Learning how to learn: there’s no such thing as one-size-fits-all
In this blog, Manahil breaks away from preaching specific study techniques and, instead, lays emphasis on finding one to fit you. She presents common learning personas and offers advice to take inspiration from each case.
Do you procrastinate? Are you feeling burnt out? Do you have overwhelming responsibilities? Do you find studying tiring at times? You’re not alone, but you’re certainly unique.
Many students share the same set of obstacles in their study journey. But, even if you are experiencing the same situation, you are still unique. This is why it is so important to find a study technique that specifically works for you!
Now, how can you do that? While no specific technique is fool proof, you could look into your personal traits to understand how you learn best.
The Procrastinator
Do you find that your biggest hurdle is bringing yourself to get started? In that case, you’re probably a procrastinator. There can be a variety of initiatives you can take to overcome this:
- Break tasks down: maybe you’ve been procrastinating a big task because it seems overwhelming. Remind yourself that you don’t need to finish it in one go and can break it down into smaller, less intimidating tasks.
- Limit and reward: it’s easy to get distracted by activities that you may find more enjoyable than studying. Restrict these activities until a specific task gets done. This way, you motivate yourself by looking at the resumption of your favourite activities as a reward.
- Utilise the five-minute rule: mentioned often for good reason, this technique works wonders. Simply put, you tell yourself to dedicate the next five minutes to working on a task and you can stop working afterwards. This is usually enough time to get started (which is the hardest part) and into the rhythm of completion.
The Feeling Burnt-out
Do you feel like you have worked so hard that you have no energy left to give? You might be burnt out. The appropriate thing to do is take time off. If you’re unable to afford this, then:
- Take frequent breaks: it is vital to make time for rest. Whenever you feel like you can’t keep studying, take a break. Don’t start again until you have enough energy. Allowing yourself to recharge ensures better quality of work.
- Change your environment: looking at the same view isn’t going to help. Try moving spaces. This move could simply be facing a different direction or maybe leaving for a cafe or a library. In any case, a change in scenery is bound to uplift your spirits.
- Reduce screen time during breaks: digital burnout links mental exhaustion to excessive screen time. You may have turned to your gadgets in times of fatigue, looking to relax, but then wasted time instead. Find alternatives to digital media in the form of physical hobbies, such as reading, sport or even taking a nap!
The Overwhelmed
Do you have too many responsibilities and are unsure about how to proceed? You may feel overwhelmed. We’ve all been there, and it can certainly be difficult to find a balance. Here are some ideas:
- Make a schedule: this sounds obvious enough, but it’s important to realise that this is only useful if you end up following the schedule you made, so keep it realistic and explore different techniques. No matter if your schedule ends up looking like a to-do list, a calendar, both, or neither, make sure it works for you.
- Set priorities: some tasks are more important than others. Make a list of everything you need to get done and organise this in order of priority. Pair this with the amount of time that each task will take, and you’ll have a formula for what to focus on first.
- Stress then rest: consider letting the stress push you into getting work done. Work as much as you can for a while and then rest. Granted, you’ll get a lot out of the way and feel at ease.
The Uninterested
Do you feel melancholy every time you study? Perhaps you’re uninterested in that particular module in the programme. Take inspiration from the following:
- Study with peers: this will motivate you to study whether you’re interested or not. You’ll also connect with peers who are passionate about the topic, increasing your interest in the area.
- Watch engaging videos: try finding videos related to what you’re studying. There are many on YouTube, for example, that you could explore. Watching such videos will intrigue you to explore further.
- Organise your space: feeling disorganised can negatively affect your motivation to work. Try making your workspace feel more comfortable and like a space you would want to spend time in, exceeding your disinterest.
One thing is for sure: there’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all approach. Find the technique that is right for you. Whether this changes over time or remains consistent, as long as it is allowing you to efficiently study and get things done, it is relevant.
Manahil studies BSc Computer Science in Pakistan.
This page was last updated on 4 February 2025