Tips on studying at university

Hi, my name is Amy! I’m a second-year student at York St John University!

After recently being diagnosed with ADHD, I have always found studying quite difficult and have had to learn different ways to help myself focus and stay productive. These tips can be applied to anyone looking to improve their study habits, but they may be particularly useful for neurodivergent students.

Focus on targets, not timetables

A study tip that I have found particularly helpful is setting targets instead of strict schedules. Rather than saying, “I’m going to work from 2pm to 5pm,” I might set a goal such as, “I’m going to write 300 words today.”

This gives you the flexibility to complete your work when it feels most manageable and allows you to take breaks without feeling guilty. When you focus on achieving a target rather than sticking rigidly to a timetable, it can be easier to avoid procrastination while still making steady progress.

Give yourself an earlier deadline

Another study tip is to create your own deadline before the official one. For example, if your coursework is due on a Friday, aim to finish it a week earlier.

Doing this gives you extra time to proofread your work, check your references and make improvements before submission. When it comes to referencing, I would also recommend using Cite Them Right to make sure your references are accurate, as referencing can contribute significantly to your overall mark.

Find a study routine that works for you

One of the most important things you can do is work out what helps you study most effectively as an individual.

This might include considering where you work best, what time of day you’re most productive, whether you prefer silence or background noise, and even whether having your phone nearby helps or hinders your focus. Everyone studies differently, so it’s important to experiment and find what works best for you.

Most importantly, be kind to yourself. University can be demanding, especially during busy assessment periods when multiple deadlines arrive at once. Remember that taking breaks and making time for activities that make you happy is just as important as completing your coursework. Looking after yourself will help you study more effectively in the long run.

Find out about the study support we offer at York St John here: https://www.yorksj.ac.uk/study/student-support/course-and-study-support/