There is no single way to study. If you have found a technique that works for you, stick with it. However, if you’re looking to improve your focus, retention, and results, this guide will help you explore proven study techniques to maximise your learning.
Setting Up an Effective Study Space
Your study environment can have a major impact on productivity and concentration. Here are some key factors to consider:
Furniture & Posture
- 📌 Tables & Chairs – Choose a comfortable chair with back support and a desk at the right height to prevent discomfort. A chair with good padding and ergonomic support is ideal.
- 📌 Posture Matters – Avoid slouching to prevent back and neck strain. Keep your screen at eye level and ensure your feet rest flat on the floor or a footrest.
- 📌 Stand Up Periodically – Sitting for long periods can be harmful. Set a timer for every hour to remind yourself to stand up, stretch, or walk around for a few minutes. Some students find standing desks or active study breaks useful. Read more about this here.
Lighting & Organisation
- 📌 Good Lighting – Natural light is best, but if you study at night, use a bright, adjustable lamp to reduce eye strain.
- 📌 Keep Your Desk Organised – Use desk organisers, file trays, or storage boxes to keep materials easily accessible. Officeworks has great options, especially during back-to-school sales.
- 📌 Stick Up a Study Timetable – Place a visual schedule near your desk to help you stay on track. Use Learnmate's free study timetable templateto get started!
- 📌 Remove Distractions – Keep your phone out of reach or use apps like Forest to block distractions.
- 📌 Healthy Study Snacks – Swap junk food for brain-boosting snacks like fruit, nuts, and yoghurt.
- 📌 Personalise Your Space – Add motivational quotes, plants, or photos to make your study space inviting. Check out these study space ideas.
Where to Study: Should You Change It Up?
Switching study locations can improve focus and prevent burnout. Consider:
🏫 School Library – Quiet, structured environment.
📚 Senior Study Centres – If your school has one, take advantage of the dedicated study space.
🏛 Local Libraries – A distraction-free alternative to studying at home.
Changing environments can boost concentration, but choose a space that is quiet and free of distractions.
Making Effective Study Notes
Creating effective notes is essential for exam revision and SAC preparation. Here’s how to optimise your note-taking:
✏️ Summarise, Don’t Copy – Extract key points rather than rewriting your textbook but ensure you don't rephrase or branch too far from key definitions!
🎯 Keep It Simple – Notes should be clear and to the point.
📅 Make Notes Throughout the Year – Don’t wait until the end of the year—regularly summarising topics will help reinforce learning. Regularly revisiting your notes, condensing them and staying on top or ahead of the curriculum are key habits to get into to minimise stress, the need for cramming and to generally boost your confidence.
🎨 Use Colour Coding – Highlight key concepts in different colours to improve memory recall.
📄 Typed vs. Handwritten Notes? – There’s no right answer. Some students retain information better by handwriting, while others prefer digital notes for organisation. Choose what works best for you.
🛑 Buying Notes: A Good Idea? – Pre-made notes can be great supplements, but don’t rely on them alone. Writing your own notes improves retention.
📌 Use Study Design Dot Points – If you’re stuck on how to structure your notes, follow the study design key knowledge points as headings. This ensures full syllabus coverage.
For more note-taking strategies, check out these resources:
📌 How to Take Effective Notes in Class
📌 University of North Carolina's Guide to Note-Taking
Revising Large Amounts of Content
Senior students (VCE, HSC, IB, QCE, WACE, SACE) need to retain a full year’s worth of content for exams. Here are proven revision techniques:
🎴 Flashcards – Great for definitions, formulas, and key facts. Try digital flashcards on app or make your own.
⏳ Consistent Revision – Spend 10-15 minutes daily revising past topics to keep content fresh in your mind.
📝 Sticky Notes – Write difficult concepts on sticky notes and place them where you’ll see them daily.
🧠 Mind Maps – If you’re a visual learner, use mind maps to link concepts together. Create them by hand or using tools like MindMeister or Coggle.
📖 Use Study Guides – Study guides summarise key content efficiently, making them a great supplement to your notes.
📑 Practice, Practice, Practice – Apply your knowledge by answering past exam questions instead of just reading notes. This is the most effective way to prepare for exams. Our research shows it is one of the most important and contributive factors to achieving a high ATAR (check out our guide 'How to Get the ATAR You Need' linked below).
🔠 Use Mnemonics – Memory tricks make recall easier. For example:
- In Chemistry, use OIL RIG (Oxidation Is Loss, Reduction Is Gain of electrons).
- To remember the months with 30 or 31 days, use your knuckles as a guide.
For more revision strategies, check out:
📌 How to Get the ATAR You Need
Final Takeaway: Study Smarter, Not Just Harder
Effective study isn’t about spending the most time at your desk—it’s about using the right techniques. Whether you’re preparing for VCE, HSC, IB, QCE, WACE, or SACE, applying these strategies will help you retain information, improve exam performance, and reduce study stress.
Need extra support? A tutor can help you refine your study techniques and stay on track.
📚 Find an expert tutor on Learnmate today!
