How to Smash Your Exams Without Giving Up Netflix: 8 Genius Study Hacks
by Babe - 18th April 2025
You know the feeling—exams looming like a bad sequel, caffeine levels at dangerous highs, and your flatmate suddenly developing a passion for drumming. Sound familiar?
Whether you’re a third-year at University of Birmingham or a fresher trying to figure out what “Harlaxton House” means on your timetable at Nottingham Trent, these proven student study hacks will help you power through exam season. Minus (most of) the meltdowns.
1. The Pomodoro Technique: Because Your Brain’s Not a Robot
We don’t make the science, we just respect it. The Pomodoro Technique involves studying for 25 minutes, then taking a 5-minute break. Repeat 4 times and take a longer break (15–30 mins). It tricks your brain into focus mode without the dreaded burnout.
Pro tip: Use a timer like the Pomofocus App so you’re not constantly checking your phone and falling into a TikTok black hole.
2. Study Like a Goldfish
No, not in a bowl. Change your study environment regularly—library, coffee shop, the kitchen table in your student house (when it’s not covered in cereal bowls and existential dread). Your brain builds new associations, improving recall.
If you’re in Bristol, try rotating between Senate House Study Spaces and the Waterstones café—solid plug sockets and amazing chai lattes.
3. Teach It Like You’re a Lecturer… With VIBES
Grab your housemates or bond with your succulent collection and teach them your topic. If you can explain it like Attenborough narrating penguins, you’ve cracked it. The act of ‘teaching’ forces you to understand info, not just memorise it.
Extra points if you use a whiteboard. Peak boss energy.
4. Active Recall FTW
Highlighting your textbook in five colours might look like you’re doing bits, but active recall is the move. Close your notes and write out everything you remember about the topic. THEN check where you flopped.
Want to level it up? Create flashcards using Quizlet or just go old school with sticky notes around your house. Yes, even on the bathroom mirror. Educational brushing—iconic.
5. Romanticise the Grind
Make studying an ✨experience✨. Light a candle, make a flat white, put on a lo-fi playlist, tidy your desk (or at least move the instant noodles aside). When your environment feels aesthetically pleasing, your brain actually chills out and cooperates.
Bonus motivation: Post your study setup on your story. If no one sees you revising, did you even revise?
6. Use the Two-Minute Rule for Motivation
If you’re struggling to even start, tell yourself: “I’ll just study for two minutes.” Often, just starting is enough to get you into flow. And if it’s not? Hey, at least you opened the book. That’s better than nothing, champ.
Great for those rainy Monday mornings in Leicester when even getting out of bed feels like a Herculean effort.
7. Reward Yourself Like You’re Training a Puppy
Studied for an hour? You get an episode of Bridgerton. Finished a module? Order takeaway. Completed your dissertation? Mate, go to Ashton Gate Stadium and scream into the void—you earned it.
Your brain loves a little dopamine spike, so treat revision like a quest and reward yourself for completing each level. Gamify it. Be your own hero.
8. Don’t Be a Study Martyr – Ask for Help
You don’t need to suffer in silence. Got a tricky topic? Ask your lecturer, coursemates or that one genius in the group chat who seems to have everything together (they don’t. None of us do).
Also: check out student forums, past paper group chats, and study groups. Crowdsource your way to clarity. Plus, it’s a nice break from solo library life when you’re on your fifth Pret in one day.
Bonus: Quick Checklist to Keep You Studying Smart
- ☑ Set a study goal each day
- ☑ Use timers to avoid burnout
- ☑ Change up your location
- ☑ Actively recall info, don’t passively read
- ☑ Romanticise your environment
- ☑ Ask for help early, not in a panic
In Summary…
Studying doesn’t have to feel like a slow crawl to doom. With a few strategic hacks, you can stay on top of your game while still living your best student life.
Now go forth and revise like the productive genius you are—or at least fake it convincingly in the library for an hour.