The Best Study Techniques for University Students
The note-taking templates, weekly planner and exam-revision checklists that go with our guides — free.
There is no shortage of study techniques — the trick is knowing which ones actually build memory and which just feel productive. Here are the techniques the evidence supports, and how to use them.
Active recall
Test yourself from memory instead of re-reading. Flashcards, past questions, or explaining a topic aloud all work. The effort of recall is the mechanism, which is why it beats every passive method — more in our retrieval and spacing guide.
Spaced practice
Spread study across several days rather than cramming. The same hours produce far more durable memory when spaced — and it only works if you plan your time to allow it.
Interleaving
Mix related topics or problem types in a session rather than blocking one at a time. It feels harder and slower, but it trains you to choose the right approach — exactly what exams demand.
Elaboration
Ask “why” and “how” and connect new ideas to what you already know. Explaining material in your own words and linking it to examples makes it far stickier than memorising in isolation.
What to drop
Highlighting, re-reading and marathon cramming feel useful but do little for recall. Swap them for the four techniques above. For how they fit into one system, see our guide to studying effectively and the full study skills method.
Want the full guide?
Enter your email for free access to the rest of this article and the study-skills resource library.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most effective study techniques?
Active recall (self-testing), spaced practice, interleaving different topics, and elaboration (explaining why/how). These consistently outperform highlighting and re-reading.
Is highlighting a good study technique?
Not on its own - it is passive and rarely improves recall. Turn what you would highlight into questions you test yourself on instead.
What is interleaving?
Mixing related topics or problem types within a study session rather than doing one type at a time. It feels harder but improves your ability to pick the right method under exam conditions.
How do I choose a study technique?
Default to active recall plus spacing for almost everything, add interleaving for problem-based subjects, and use elaboration to understand rather than memorise.
