Have you ever experimented with study methods? I haven’t either! When I was in high school, I didn’t have to study, but now I absolutely have to learn how to. In the two weeks before this article was due, I would try new study methods recommended to me and record my findings; they are listed below.
Method 1: Pomodoro Technique
In this method, you study for 25 minutes, then break for 5 minutes and rinse and repeat. After 4 “Pomodoro’s” take a break of 15-30 minutes.
When trying Pomodoro’s, it feels like 25 minutes isn’t enough time for someone who is trying to focus. It might be good if you have a lower attention span and need that 5-minute break. Overall, it was okay. I did manage to complete three tasks and solve six math problems, so take my opinion with a grain of salt.
Method 2: Hilbert’s Hotel
“Pick a spot on campus, study there for about 80 minutes, (or until you can feel your focus drifting off; could be longer, could be shorter). Then, move to a different location on campus, and go for a nice walk outside in the process. The going outside part is pretty important.” – ENVE ’28
This method was SO useful. I only managed to do it in one building (RCH), but it was surprisingly effective. There’s something about moving around and switching study environments that keeps your brain fresh. Plus, walking between spots feels like a reward.
Method 3: Study Buddy
“Find a friend who understands better than you and have small group study sessions where they explain it to you and work through practice questions with you until everyone present understands. This also works if you all get assigned a course and you have to become the expert of that course. Then in your own time, you focus on that one. Takes a lot of pressure off and is quite successful.” – SE ’27
“If you have to choose between studying with your gossip friends or studying alone, pick the option that won’t turn your study session into a yap session.” – Marcus Chung, CE ’30
This method was probably the most fun and effective combination. Studying with the right people makes a big difference. You stay accountable, share ideas, and actually learn. But yes, the “no gossip” rule is crucial.
Method 4: Due today, Do today
“Due today, Do today -> push off until the last possible minute. You spend less time studying per mark. About 1 hour for tests, 2 hours for midterms and 4 hours for final exams. Works even better if you zone out during class. Per the Pareto principle, 20% of work gives 80% of the results. While studying, you quickly skim through the notes, identify areas you don’t understand, practice them, then do a practice test, identify areas you didn’t do well on, study them, and repeat until you run out of time.” – ME ’29
I get the appeal of doing this method, but I do not want to ever get to this point, so I did not attempt this. That said, I can see why it works for some people. Pressure can be a powerful motivator, even if it’s not the healthiest one.
Method 5: Cry
“Cry” – Eng Sci 2T7
After doing some research I found Eng Sci 2T7 was a University of Toronto (UofT) thing and I know UofT is literally called UofTears but this isn’t a study technique…
Method 6: Youtube
“Youtube, as long as it takes” – BME ’28
I watched Youtube videos on the topics I needed while I was eating meals, and it helped me realize a few things while I was watching. Good passive technique!
Method 7: Chugging Water
“For when you have a hard time keeping to a deadline you made for yourself, chug water, you must finish the task before you can go to the washroom.” – MTE ’30
This was…terrifying. Effective, but panic-inducing. I finished my work fast, though.
Method 8: Floor and Fort
“Study on the floor and make a sensory deprecating fort.” – MTE ’30
Trying this made me fall asleep and I didn’t get too much done. 10/10 nap though.
Final Thoughts
I think combining a mix of Hilbert’s Hotel and a longer Pomodoro Technique like 90 minutes working/20 minutes break, and of course studying with other people, will help keep you accountable. All in all, what works for other people won’t necessarily help you; and there is a way for you to study, you just have to find it!
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