How to Study Longer and Smarter for International Students

With competition rising everywhere, it is very difficult to simply study the bare minimum of hours and expect to excel. Today the need of the hour is to effectively study for long hours without burning out. And how do we achieve that? By following the below-mentioned expert tips on 'How to Study for Long Hours.'

How to Study for Long Hours: For Indian students studying abroad, it can be difficult to navigate the new academic environment when they are a student. Effective study strategies are needed to be able to study abroad for longer hours to be able to excel in the juggling of unfamiliar languages, cultural differences and demanding assignments. But how do you "study" for hours and not burn out or get distracted? Balance, efficiency and techniques adapted to your style of learning are essential. With this guide, you will learn practical tips and advice that will help you overcome the length of your study time while maximising learning results.

How to Study for Long Hours - Expert Tips

In this section, we will discuss expert tips on 'How to Study for Long Hours' for international students studying abroad. This guide can also be used for students in India looking to study for long hours. 

Create a Winning Study Schedule

The first question you would be asking yourself is how is a winning study schedule different from a regular one. Well, for starters here we are looking to determine your peak learning hours and using this time to focus on subjects that need more attention. This step requires the candidate to identify their peak learning hours and schedule demanding subjects during their most focused times.

It is also advisable to divide lengthy study sessions into manageable shorter durations of study or follow the Pomodoro Technique which requires 25 minutes of dedicated focus on one task followed by a 5-minute break. Using online tools such as a planner or online calendar to structure your week is another effective way to allocate time slots for each subject considering deadlines and workloads.

Key Highlights

1. Determine your peak learning hours
2. Divide lengthy study sessions into smaller manageable portions
3. follow the Pomodoro Technique
4. Use online tools

Choose Active Learning over Passive Reading

Gone are the days of highlighting text. Candidates should opt to summarize key points, create mind maps, or draw diagrams to actively engage their brains. Flash cards, practice questions or explaining concepts to friends are good examples of improving memory and identifying areas of development. Education apps, online resources and study tools are other effective ways to harness the internet to benefit studying for long hours.

Students should also look to embracing various learning styles such as flashcards, diagrams and videos for visual learners, listen to recordings, discussions and lectures for auditory learners and practice problems or activities for Kinesthetic learners. Study groups can also prove to be beneficial when used in the right way. This includes collaborating with classmates to discuss challenging concepts and quizzing each other to gain diverse perspectives.

Key Highlights

1. Opt to summarize key points, create mind maps, or draw diagrams
2. Education apps, online resources and study tools should be adopted
3. Tailor method learning methods for Visual, Auditory and Kinesthetic Learners

Enhance your Study Environment

Adopting the best studying practices is important. What is equally important is creating a space that is free of clutter. Candidates should find a quiet, well-lit and organized space to be able to study dedicatedly for long hours. The space should be free of digital clutter, social media notifications and noise. Setting your phone to silent mode or using apps that block social media are good ways to ensure a disturbance-free environment.

Key Highlights

1. Find a quiet, well-lit and organized space
2. Ensure a disturbance-free environment
3. Use apps to block out social media noise

Nourish Your Brain for Optimal Performance

In all of this chaos, we should not ignore our bodies. Our brains and bodies need equal attention and nourishment to sustain long study hours. Consuming food which boosts our brain health should also be our number one priority during this time. Students looking to study for longer hours should resort to eating berries, citrus fruits, dark chocolates and cocoa products, nuts, eggs, fish, beets, and red, green and orange vegetables and remain hydrated throughout the day. Sugary drinks and processed foods should be avoided as they lead to energy crashes.  

Getting the right amount of sleep is equally important for your body. Students who are indulging in long hours of study should try to get 7-8 hours of sleep every night to be able to maximize their efficiency. Poor sleeping habits can hamper productivity. Students should also indulge in regular exercise to improve blood flow to the brain which would improve our memory and concentration power. Candidates who are not inclined to join a gym can switch to sports or schedule short walks and stretches to get similar benefits.

Key Highlights

1. Consume food that boosts brain health
2. Sleep for 7 - 8 hours
3. Indulge in regular exercise or activity

Cultivating a Well-rounded Life

Studying for long hours requires dedication and commitment. To stay motivated students can surround themselves with people who share the same goals and dreams. To stay positive, and meet like-minded people, candidates can join cultural clubs, student organizations, or volunteer activities. This will not make them feel lonely in their learning journey. Students should note that failures and success are sides of the same coin.

They should learn to celebrate every milestone and learn from every failure. No amount of failures or successes should deter them from their path. Students should never hesitate to reach out to academic advisors, tutors, or mental health professionals when facing challenges. They should always remember that asking for help is a sign of strength and not weakness.

Key Highlights

1. Surround yourself with like-minded people
2. Celebrate every milestone and learn from every failure
3. Ask for help when required

Candidates should be realistic in their approach. Starting early will always help the candidate avoid an overwhelming schedule.  While it is important to block out all distractions, however, candidates should make an effort to stay in touch with the outside world, their parents and a few select friends. Candidates should be able to track their progress, celebrate every win and dust themselves at every fall. Remember, international students studying abroad bring unique perspectives and strengths to the academic table. With dedication and the right approach, they can conquer the curriculum and excel in their academic journey. Candidates looking for assistance with university applicants can get in touch with our Shiksha Counselling Services for assistance with university admissions.