10 Study Tips To Make It More Enjoyable

Studying is a skill, but enjoying it is a choice. Often, it’s the small changes that make the biggest difference.

A good study session doesn’t need to feel intense or overwhelming. With the right approach, it can become something you look forward to. These study tips are here to help you feel more in control, more confident, and perhaps even a little bit proud of the routine you’re building.

Whether you’re preparing for a big exam or simply trying to stay on top of your learning, these ideas are designed to support good study habits in a way that feels achievable, and also enjoyable.

 

An Overview of Study Tips that Make it Enjoyable

A study routine doesn’t need to be perfect; it needs to work for you. Below is a quick look at the tips we’ll be covering. Each one is simple to try, easy to personalise, and designed to make your study time feel more rewarding.

Tip #Study TipWhy It Helps
1Create a study space you enjoyA calm, inviting space sets the right tone
2Try the Pomodoro techniqueShort bursts help with focus and stamina
3Use colour, sketches, or mind mapsVisual learning makes things easier to recall
4Turn topics into games or challengesMakes learning active and engaging
5Set small, daily study goalsKeeps progress steady and manageable
6Add music, snacks, or soft lightingComfort makes focus feel more natural
7Mix up your methodsKeeps your brain alert and interested
8Study with a partner (or plush toy!)Builds accountability—even if it’s playful
9Celebrate what you completeReinforces motivation and good habits
10Reflect once a weekHelps you see what’s working and what’s not

Each of these tips can stand alone, but together, they form the kind of routine that grows with you—one that feels less like a task, and more like something you’ve made your own.

 

Study Tip 1: Create a study space you enjoy

A space that feels calm, comfortable, and yours can make all the difference. It doesn’t need to be a perfect desk setup or a Pinterest-worthy corner, just somewhere that feels good to be in.

Why it helps:

When your environment is inviting, your brain is more likely to settle. It becomes easier to start, and even easier to stay.

How to make it work:

  • Choose one spot and stick to it when you can
  • Add something small that makes you smile—a plant, a candle, a favourite photo
  • Keep it clear enough that you’re not fighting distractions
  • Study Tip 2: Try the pomodoro technique

This one’s a classic for a reason. The Pomodoro Technique breaks your study time into short bursts: usually 25 minutes of focused work, followed by a 5-minute break. It’s simple, but it works.

Why it helps:

Concentration has limits. Working in short sessions keeps your focus sharp and your energy steady. It also helps avoid that feeling of burnout.

How to make it work:

  • Set a timer for 25 minutes and work without interruptions
  • When the timer goes off, take a 5-minute break—move, stretch, breathe
  • After four rounds, take a longer break (15–30 minutes)

Study Tip 3: Use colour, sketches, or mind maps

Not everything has to be written in straight lines. Bringing colour and creativity into your notes can help you understand ideas more clearly—and remember them for longer.

Why it helps:

Our brains respond well to visuals. Colour-coding, doodling, and mapping out ideas all help with memory, especially when revising larger topics.

How to make it work:

  • Use highlighters or coloured pens to group ideas
  • Draw simple icons or diagrams to show how things connect
  • Try mind maps to lay out a topic in one visual spread

Study Tip 4: Turn topics into games or challenges

A little playfulness can go a long way. Turning your study material into a quiz, a game, or even a mini challenge makes learning more active – and a lot more fun!

Why it helps:

When you’re engaged and interacting with the material, you’re far more likely to remember it. Games create a sense of momentum and curiosity, which can help topics stick without feeling forced.

How to make it work:

  • Create flashcards and test yourself (or a friend)
  • Use apps that turn revision into games (like Quizlet or Anki)
  • Set a timer and race to recall key facts or vocabulary
  • Invent a point system and reward yourself for hitting targets

Study Tip 5: Set small, daily study goals

Big goals can feel overwhelming. Small ones feel achievable—and ticking them off can bring a sense of progress.

Why it helps:

Clear, manageable goals help turn vague intentions into concrete actions. They give each study session direction, and over time, they build strong momentum.

How to make it work:

  • Start your day by writing down 1–3 specific things you want to complete
  • Be realistic—“Review French vocab for 20 minutes” is better than “Revise everything”
  • Keep your goals visible while you work (a sticky note works wonders)

Study Tip 6: Add music, snacks, or soft lighting

It’s often the little things that make studying feel more enjoyable. Creating a comforting atmosphere—one that feels just right for you—can help you settle into your work more easily.

Why it helps:

When your surroundings feel good, your mind is more likely to relax and focus. A warm lamp, a favourite playlist, or a quiet snack can gently signal that it’s time to concentrate.

How to make it work:

  • Play instrumental or ambient music to reduce distractions
  • Keep a small, non-messy snack nearby (fruit, nuts, something simple)
  • Use soft lighting to create a calm and cosy setting

Study Tip 7: Mix up your study methods

Sticking to one way of learning can quickly lead to boredom. Switching things up keeps your brain engaged and helps you understand topics from different angles.

Why it helps:

We all absorb information in different ways. By varying your approach, you give your brain more opportunities to make connections—and studying feels less repetitive.

How to make it work:

  • Rotate between reading, writing, watching videos, and teaching the material to someone else
  • Try recording yourself explaining a concept, then play it back
  • Use different formats: bullet points one day, diagrams the next

Study Tip 8: Study with a partner (or even a soft toy)

Studying doesn’t always have to be a solo mission. Working alongside someone—even if they’re studying something completely different—can make sessions feel lighter and more focused.

Why it helps:

Having someone nearby brings a quiet sense of accountability. You’re more likely to stay on track, and it can make the experience feel less isolating. And if there’s no one around? Even setting up a little “study buddy” (a  soft toy or pet works!) can give your routine a sense of presence.

How to make it work:

  • Find a study partner to meet online or in person
  • Try timed work sessions with short breaks to chat or share progress
  • Use shared goals to encourage consistency (“Let’s both do 30 minutes and check in”)

Study Tip 9: Celebrate what you complete

It’s easy to rush from one task to the next without taking a moment to acknowledge what you’ve achieved. But giving yourself credit—however small the win—can make studying feel far more rewarding.

Why it helps:

Celebrating progress strengthens motivation. It shifts the focus from what you haven’t done to what you have, helping you feel more positive and in control.

How to make it work:

  • At the end of each session, write down one thing you’re proud of
  • Give yourself a simple reward: a break, a treat, or time to relax
  • Track your streaks or wins in a journal or on a calendar

Study Tip 10: Reflect once a week

A little reflection goes a long way. Taking time each week to pause and look back helps you notice what’s working—and what might need adjusting.

Why it helps:

When you check in with yourself regularly, you’re more likely to stay on track, spot patterns, and keep your routine feeling balanced and manageable.

How to make it work:

  • Set aside 10–15 minutes at the end of the week to review your study habits
  • Ask yourself: What felt good? What felt frustrating? What helped me focus?
  • Adjust your plan accordingly & remember there’s no need for perfection, just progress

Create a Study Routine that Works for You

Studying well isn’t about doing more, it’s about doing what works. The tips you’ve just read aren’t a checklist to race through; they’re an invitation to shape a routine that feels calm, purposeful, and genuinely enjoyable.

Start small. Choose one or two ideas from above that stood out, and try them in your next session. As you begin to build your own rhythm, you’ll find that good study habits grow naturally—almost without realising it.

And remember: studying isn’t just about the outcome. It’s also about the confidence, focus, and self-trust you develop along the way.

Need a little extra support?

At Dukes Plus, our expert tutors work closely with students to develop personalised study strategies, boost confidence, and make learning feel less stressful and more rewarding. Whether it’s exam preparation, weekly support, or help with a specific subject, we’re here to help.

Explore our one-to-one tutoring services and find the support that works for you.

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