Effective Study Routine

Key Concept

• Study routines are essential for academic success, reducing cognitive load and making studying feel effortless.
• The routine becomes a habit, meaning you don't have to think about it; you just do it.

Importance of Planning

• Planning is the foundation of an effective study routine.
• Knowing upcoming exams, homework, and assignments helps filter study activities and improves preparedness.
• Establishing a "mandatory minimum" helps estimate the time needed for tasks accurately.
  • Example: If you know your minimum study time for a class, you can better manage your schedule.
  • Avoids last-minute preparation and ensures you are never overwhelmed.

Estimating Time: Mandatory Minimum

• Mandatory Minimum refers to the least amount of time you need to prepare for classes/assignments.
• Understanding your time requirements helps in scheduling and prevents stress.
• Example of mandatory minimums from personal experience:
  • Philosophy Class: 2 hours of preparation (for readings and pre-class work)
  • Business Classes: 1 hour minimum for homework and pre-class work.
  • Neuroscience Classes: 2.5 hours depending on reading density.

Weekly & Daily Planning

• Use weekly overviews to see class topics and deadlines.
• A weekly planning session (30 minutes to 1 hour) is recommended on Sundays to prepare for the upcoming week.
• Daily to-do lists can be created based on the weekly overview, using tools like Notion, Google Calendar, or planners.

Sanctity of Space

• Sanctity of Space refers to associating physical spaces with certain activities (like studying).
• Create a designated study space to reinforce that mindset.
• Avoid distractions (like phones) in this space to cultivate deep work habits.

Building Habits

• Identify the best times for studying based on personal productivity peaks.
• Establish routines, e.g., getting a snack and then making a to-do list as a post-school habit.
• Create a habit of deep focus (e.g., studying for 30 minutes followed by a 10-minute break).

Recap of Effective Study Routine Components

1. High-Level Planning: Understand what you want to achieve in a week.
2. Mandatory Minimums: Know the minimum time required for each task.
3. Sanctity of Space: Assign specific spaces for studying to reinforce focus.
4. Discipline: Repeat the routine until it becomes a habit.

Additional Resources

• Mentioned a book: "The Only Study Guide You Ever Need" – details on timetabling, study habits, motivation, etc.

Final Thoughts

• Developing a study routine is a concrete step towards feeling less stressed and in control of academic life.