Study strategies
An effective study strategy is about planning your studies – for example, by scheduling study sessions and setting clear goals. By finding methods that work for you, you can use your time more efficiently, reduce stress and achieve better results.
Key parts of study strategies
Plan your time
Planning ahead for a new course or semester is an important step that is often underestimated. By getting an early overview of key activities and setting aside time in your calendar, it becomes easier to keep up.
Prepare for teaching
Lectures, labs and other teaching activities are central parts of your education. They help you understand the course content and key concepts. Being active before, during and after teaching sessions will improve your understanding and help you get more out of it.
Structure your study sessions
Studying independently requires structure and clear goals. By choosing a study environment that suits you, setting a schedule and working with concrete sub-goals, you can improve both focus and learning.
Find study techniques that work for you
Study strategies are about how you plan your studies, while study techniques are the methods you use when studying – for example, how you take notes, read course literature or review content.
Plan your time
1. Review the syllabus and schedule
Reviewing the syllabus and schedule before a new course or semester gives you an overview of expectations, key activities and deadlines. This makes it easier to plan your time, distribute your workload and reduce stress before examinations.
How to find your course syllabus
2. Add key dates to your calendar
Create an overview by marking important dates:
- Lectures
- Examinations
- Other deadlines (for example choosing a topic, reading a report, registering for a written exam)
- Your personal life (for example exercise, social activities or travel)
- Make sure to also schedule time for rest and recovery
3. Create a schedule for your study sessions
Once you have an overview of important dates, create a structure for your independent studies. Plan study sessions in your calendar, an app, a document or on paper.
Avoid detailed planning at the beginning of a course. Instead, block time for studying so you have space to prepare for teaching, examinations and deadlines.
Tips for your schedule
- Keep your weeks as consistent as possible. Routines make it easier to stay organised.
- Plan study time based on how you function. Are you a morning person or an evening person? Try to schedule your studies when you have the most energy and focus.
- Avoid overly long study sessions. When we take in new information, the brain needs time to process it, which means several shorter sessions are often more effective.
- Start studying well in advance of examinations. This can reduce stress before exams and allow time for revision.
Teaching
1. Get a quick overview beforehand
Before teaching sessions, get a quick overview of the topic. This makes it easier to follow and understand the content.
Good preparation includes:
- Checking the topic
- Skimming relevant literature
- Check if the presentation is available in advance
2. Listen actively and take notes
During teaching, stay active to maintain focus and capture key points.
Taking notes can help you concentrate. Focus on keywords, concepts and processes that will support your memory later. Ask questions if something is unclear.
Tips for your study techniques – note-taking
In the Search, read and write guide you can read more about note-taking strategies.
3. Review immediately afterwards
Go through your notes as soon as possible after teaching. Summarise, clarify and rewrite if needed. This improves understanding and helps you remember what you have learned.
Study independently
1. Choose a study environment that suits you
Choose a place where you can focus and work effectively—at home, in a quiet study area, at a café or at a desk. The most important thing is that it works for you.
At the University and libraries, there are different types of study spaces for different needs, often with designated quiet and collaborative zones.
Study spaces at the University
There are many study spaces across the University of Gothenburg:
- Book a group rooms or other study spaces
- Find study areas via the Campuses and study areas page
- See the University Library information: Group and individual study rooms at the libraries
2. Plan your time and create a to-do list
Start each study session by planning your time:
- How long you will study
- When to take breaks and lunch
Create a short and realistic to-do list. Be specific: what should be completed by the end of the session? Break tasks into smaller sub-goals.
Examples:
- Read and summarise a chapter
- Draft an introduction
- Create flashcards
- Rewrite lecture notes
3. Complete your study session
Once you have planned, carry out your study session. Concentration is often the biggest challenge, so try different techniques to find what works best.
Improve your concentration
- Focus on one thing at a time. It’s better to complete one task than to start several and have to postpone them.
- Take short breaks often. Divide your studies into shorter sessions of 20–30 minutes (using a timer can help). Do something else during your breaks, like moving around or talking to someone.
- Vary how you study. Switch between reading, writing, and doing exercises, preferably with short breaks in between.
- Reduce distractions. Turn off notifications and block certain apps or put your phone away. Use headphones or earplugs to shut out your surroundings.
- Study with others. Studying with others can increase motivation and make it easier to get started. Discussing with others can also give you new perspectives on the task.
4. Reflect at the end
End each session by reflecting on your work. Consider what you have done, what comes next and what you need to prepare.
Support from the University
If your studies affect your health
You can contact the Student healthcare if you need support related to your studies – for example, stress management if you feel overwhelmed or tend to procrastinate.
Read more about the Student healthcare
Writing and reading
The University of Gothenburg and the University Library offer support if you want to develop your writing and reading skills:
- Lectures and workshops on study strategies (see our calendar)
- Studentsnabben – short lunchtime lectures on study skills
- The Search, read and write guide – a guide to academic writing
- Writing support – book an appointment or attend drop-in sessions
Software support
There are tools available to support your studies, for example:
- Text-to-speech
- Magnification software
- Spelling and grammar support
Read more about available tools at the University.
Disability study support
If you have a long-term documented disability, you can receive educational support during your studies. The support is designed to suit your needs and may include different types of adjustments.
Read more about educational support for disabilities.
Support within your education
Your education may offer subject-specific support. You will receive information from your teacher or department if this is available.