Studying as an adult can be an exciting yet challenging journey. Whether you're preparing for university, training for a new career, or simply expanding your knowledge, it’s important to develop effective study habits. However, many students fall into common traps that can make learning more difficult than it needs to be. If you’re currently enrolled in an Access to Higher Education Diploma or thinking about signing up, avoiding these mistakes will help you make the most of your studies and set yourself up for success.
Procrastinating Until the Last Minute
It’s easy to put off studying, especially when balancing work, family, and other responsibilities. Many students convince themselves they work best under pressure, but in reality, last-minute cramming leads to stress and poor retention of information. The best way to avoid this mistake is to create a study schedule and stick to it. Breaking your workload into manageable sections will make studying feel less overwhelming and improve your long-term understanding of the subject.
Studying Without a Plan
Diving straight into study sessions without a clear strategy can leave you feeling lost and unproductive. A structured plan helps you stay on track and ensures you're covering all necessary material. Before each session, set specific goals. Whether it’s reading a chapter, completing an assignment, or revising key concepts, having a plan keeps you focused and prevents wasted time.
Relying on Passive Learning
Many students believe that simply reading textbooks or highlighting notes is enough to absorb information. While these methods have their place, they don’t actively engage your brain. To truly retain information, try active learning techniques such as summarising concepts in your own words, testing yourself with practice questions, or teaching the material to someone else. These approaches force your brain to process information more deeply, making it easier to recall later.
Ignoring Understanding in Favour of Memorisation
It’s tempting to memorise facts and definitions without fully understanding them, especially when facing a tight deadline. However, rote memorisation without comprehension often leads to forgetting key details soon after an exam or assessment. Instead, focus on grasping the underlying concepts. If something doesn’t make sense, take the time to research further, ask questions, or discuss it with a tutor. A deep understanding will help you apply knowledge effectively in real-world situations.
Studying for Long Periods Without Breaks
Spending hours at a time staring at your notes might seem like a good idea, but long, uninterrupted study sessions can actually reduce concentration and retention. The brain works best when given time to rest. Try using the Pomodoro Technique—study for 25-30 minutes, then take a short five-minute break. Regular breaks help maintain focus, prevent burnout, and improve overall learning efficiency.
Multitasking While Studying
It might feel productive to listen to a lecture while scrolling through social media or checking emails, but multitasking is one of the biggest barriers to effective learning. Studies show that switching between tasks reduces focus and increases the time needed to absorb information. When studying, eliminate distractions by turning off notifications, setting your phone aside, and creating a dedicated study space. A distraction-free environment allows for deeper concentration and better understanding.
Not Reviewing Notes Regularly
Many students take detailed notes during lessons but rarely revisit them until an assessment is due. Unfortunately, information fades quickly if not reviewed regularly. The best way to retain what you’ve learned is to go over your notes frequently. Spaced repetition, which involves reviewing material at increasing intervals, is one of the most effective ways to strengthen memory and understanding. A little revision each day is far more effective than trying to relearn everything in one go.
Neglecting Self-Care
Studying is important, but it shouldn’t come at the expense of your health. Skipping meals, sacrificing sleep, or overloading yourself with work can lead to exhaustion and reduced cognitive function. To perform at your best, ensure you’re getting enough rest, eating nutritious meals, staying hydrated, and taking breaks when needed. A healthy mind and body will help you stay focused and absorb information more effectively.
Avoiding Asking for Help
Many students hesitate to ask for help, either because they feel embarrassed or believe they should be able to figure things out on their own. However, struggling in silence can make studying far more difficult than it needs to be. If you're stuck on a concept, reach out to your tutors, classmates, or online study groups. Asking questions and discussing ideas with others can provide fresh perspectives and make learning much easier.
Not Connecting Learning to Real-Life Applications
When studying, it’s easy to see information as abstract facts rather than something useful for the future. However, applying what you learn to real-life situations makes it more meaningful and memorable. If you’re studying a healthcare course, think about how the concepts relate to patient care. If you’re training for a business degree, consider how theories apply to real-world companies. Finding practical connections to your studies makes learning more engaging and helps you retain knowledge more effectively.
Start Your Learning Journey Today
Avoiding these common study mistakes can make a huge difference in your learning experience. By studying consistently, staying organised, engaging with the material, and taking care of your wellbeing, you’ll set yourself up for academic success. If you're ready to take the next step in your education, our Access to Higher Education Diplomas are designed to help you achieve your university and career goals. With flexible online study options and expert tutor support, you can study at your own pace and gain the qualifications you need.
Take the first step towards your future today by exploring our courses at Access Courses Online. Your dream career starts here.