How do you stay consistent with study routines during exam season?
Hi everyone,
I’m trying to improve my study routine this term but I’m finding it hard to stay consistent. Some days I’m super motivated, and other days I don’t feel like studying at all.
I’ve tried the usual advice like:
Pomodoro
To-do lists
Dedicated study space
Blocking distractions
…but I still struggle with keeping a proper schedule, especially when multiple deadlines overlap.
I recently came across a study-planning resource ⭐ that breaks down your tasks into smaller time blocks, and it actually helped me understand how to structure my day better. But I still want to hear personal experiences from actual students here.
My question is:
👉 How do you manage your time effectively and avoid burnout while keeping your study routine consistent?
Any tips from A-level or uni students would be really helpful!
Thanks in advance — and good luck to everyone preparing for exams!
I’m trying to improve my study routine this term but I’m finding it hard to stay consistent. Some days I’m super motivated, and other days I don’t feel like studying at all.
I’ve tried the usual advice like:
Pomodoro
To-do lists
Dedicated study space
Blocking distractions
…but I still struggle with keeping a proper schedule, especially when multiple deadlines overlap.
I recently came across a study-planning resource ⭐ that breaks down your tasks into smaller time blocks, and it actually helped me understand how to structure my day better. But I still want to hear personal experiences from actual students here.
My question is:
👉 How do you manage your time effectively and avoid burnout while keeping your study routine consistent?
Any tips from A-level or uni students would be really helpful!
Thanks in advance — and good luck to everyone preparing for exams!
Reply 1
hii! i'm jay, in year 12, great to meet you!
i have a similar struggle both at gcse and the beginning of a-levels, and burnout was extremely common for me. something i do is give myself a max. time to study to, for example, at the moment, at 9:30, whatever i'm doing, i stop it and get ready to go to bed. that's helped me get better sleep for the morning since i used to study till around 2am during exam season, and also just makes sure i don't spend too long on revision and burnout.
something else i would recommend that i've started doing recently is a 55 minute study and 5 minute break per hour, which gives me enough relaxation time to wind down and check messages, which is extremely similar to the pomodoro, but i just recommend changing it to meet your needs. i've heard this doesn't help everyone but it has helped me a lot personally!
but the best thing really is trial and error with different methods. i still struggle to actually focus and find something that works every time i want to study, so it completely depends on the person, keep trying to find what works!
hope this helps!! have a great day <3
jay
i have a similar struggle both at gcse and the beginning of a-levels, and burnout was extremely common for me. something i do is give myself a max. time to study to, for example, at the moment, at 9:30, whatever i'm doing, i stop it and get ready to go to bed. that's helped me get better sleep for the morning since i used to study till around 2am during exam season, and also just makes sure i don't spend too long on revision and burnout.
something else i would recommend that i've started doing recently is a 55 minute study and 5 minute break per hour, which gives me enough relaxation time to wind down and check messages, which is extremely similar to the pomodoro, but i just recommend changing it to meet your needs. i've heard this doesn't help everyone but it has helped me a lot personally!
but the best thing really is trial and error with different methods. i still struggle to actually focus and find something that works every time i want to study, so it completely depends on the person, keep trying to find what works!
hope this helps!! have a great day <3
jay
(edited 1 month ago)
Reply 2
Original post
by Munawar243Hi everyone,
I’m trying to improve my study routine this term but I’m finding it hard to stay consistent. Some days I’m super motivated, and other days I don’t feel like studying at all.
I’ve tried the usual advice like:
Pomodoro
To-do lists
Dedicated study space
Blocking distractions
…but I still struggle with keeping a proper schedule, especially when multiple deadlines overlap.
I recently came across a study-planning resource ⭐ that breaks down your tasks into smaller time blocks, and it actually helped me understand how to structure my day better. But I still want to hear personal experiences from actual students here.
My question is:
👉 How do you manage your time effectively and avoid burnout while keeping your study routine consistent?
Any tips from A-level or uni students would be really helpful!
Thanks in advance — and good luck to everyone preparing for exams!
I’m trying to improve my study routine this term but I’m finding it hard to stay consistent. Some days I’m super motivated, and other days I don’t feel like studying at all.
I’ve tried the usual advice like:
Pomodoro
To-do lists
Dedicated study space
Blocking distractions
…but I still struggle with keeping a proper schedule, especially when multiple deadlines overlap.
I recently came across a study-planning resource ⭐ that breaks down your tasks into smaller time blocks, and it actually helped me understand how to structure my day better. But I still want to hear personal experiences from actual students here.
My question is:
👉 How do you manage your time effectively and avoid burnout while keeping your study routine consistent?
Any tips from A-level or uni students would be really helpful!
Thanks in advance — and good luck to everyone preparing for exams!
Hello,
I don’t really know how your schedule is or how packed it is but what I‘ve realised was that I mostly neglect my own needs when it comes to having to study a lot, which drains my energy. Maybe you have it too or not ,but try to use some time for yourself so that you get the „crazy lazy“ energy out so that you can concentrate more and feel more concentrated after. Also get enough sleep and just force yourself if you’re really really lazy😋
Reply 3
Original post
by Munawar243Hi everyone,
I’m trying to improve my study routine this term but I’m finding it hard to stay consistent. Some days I’m super motivated, and other days I don’t feel like studying at all.
I’ve tried the usual advice like:
Pomodoro
To-do lists
Dedicated study space
Blocking distractions
…but I still struggle with keeping a proper schedule, especially when multiple deadlines overlap.
I recently came across a study-planning resource ⭐ that breaks down your tasks into smaller time blocks, and it actually helped me understand how to structure my day better. But I still want to hear personal experiences from actual students here.
My question is:
👉 How do you manage your time effectively and avoid burnout while keeping your study routine consistent?
Any tips from A-level or uni students would be really helpful!
Thanks in advance — and good luck to everyone preparing for exams!
I’m trying to improve my study routine this term but I’m finding it hard to stay consistent. Some days I’m super motivated, and other days I don’t feel like studying at all.
I’ve tried the usual advice like:
Pomodoro
To-do lists
Dedicated study space
Blocking distractions
…but I still struggle with keeping a proper schedule, especially when multiple deadlines overlap.
I recently came across a study-planning resource ⭐ that breaks down your tasks into smaller time blocks, and it actually helped me understand how to structure my day better. But I still want to hear personal experiences from actual students here.
My question is:
👉 How do you manage your time effectively and avoid burnout while keeping your study routine consistent?
Any tips from A-level or uni students would be really helpful!
Thanks in advance — and good luck to everyone preparing for exams!
Hi @Munawar243 ,
I know it can be so hard to find motivation to study and be consistent with it! I would reiterate what others have said and also, I have to emphasise the importance of staying healthy in order to keep your brain working optimally. Particularly, getting enough sleep, eating well, exercising and being social. I don't mean, however, restricting yourself to a regimen or anything like that. This could be studying with friends, going on short walks, ensuring you have time to leave the house and doing things you genuinely enjoy.
I know these aren't exactly study tips, but I feel like it can be so easy to forget to take care of yourself and that this is an essential foundation to have energy and motivation to do anything, especially studying and memorising content. I thought this might be more useful because I know you said you have already heard all of the known study tips.
I genuinely hope this is all helpful for you!
Rehman, 2nd Year Accounting and Finance
Student Ambassador
Reply 4
Hi there,
I totally get the struggle! It took me so long to figure out a routine that worked for me, and I'm still figuring it out now as I've started a Master's which has changed the way I usually work.
The issue I had was that if I had a big list of things to do in my planner, I'd get slightly overwhelmed just by looking at it. They way I got around this was by planning my day by the hour (sounds a bit psychotic I know🤣).
I printed out a daily 'timetable', with the hours written from around 7am to 9pm and then I wrote in all my classes/shifts at work and other things in to each hour slot - this allowed me to visualise what times in the day I had free. From there, I realised that I actually had more spare time than I thought when looking at all the things scribbled in my planner. I could then add study blocks or social events into the times where the hour slots were free, so I could plan 'mandatory' breaks into my day as well as plan specific times to do uni work or revision.
I hope that makes sense??
Another thing I found really helpful is an app called Flora. I had huge issues with distractions and checking my phone every 5 minutes, and Flora helps me stay focused and off my phone. It's basically an app where you get points per minute you are 'focused' and you can use those points to buy digital plants from around the world. You then grow your own little garden full of these plants on the app - by growing a plant every time you have a focus session. You can also go into the app settings and it can block you from using other apps when you're in a focus session. I love it!
I'm intrigued as to what magical resource you found! If you see this, then let the group know 🤩
Good luck! I hope this was helpful ☺️
Jorja (LJMU Student Rep)
I totally get the struggle! It took me so long to figure out a routine that worked for me, and I'm still figuring it out now as I've started a Master's which has changed the way I usually work.
The issue I had was that if I had a big list of things to do in my planner, I'd get slightly overwhelmed just by looking at it. They way I got around this was by planning my day by the hour (sounds a bit psychotic I know🤣).
I printed out a daily 'timetable', with the hours written from around 7am to 9pm and then I wrote in all my classes/shifts at work and other things in to each hour slot - this allowed me to visualise what times in the day I had free. From there, I realised that I actually had more spare time than I thought when looking at all the things scribbled in my planner. I could then add study blocks or social events into the times where the hour slots were free, so I could plan 'mandatory' breaks into my day as well as plan specific times to do uni work or revision.
I hope that makes sense??
Another thing I found really helpful is an app called Flora. I had huge issues with distractions and checking my phone every 5 minutes, and Flora helps me stay focused and off my phone. It's basically an app where you get points per minute you are 'focused' and you can use those points to buy digital plants from around the world. You then grow your own little garden full of these plants on the app - by growing a plant every time you have a focus session. You can also go into the app settings and it can block you from using other apps when you're in a focus session. I love it!
I'm intrigued as to what magical resource you found! If you see this, then let the group know 🤩
Good luck! I hope this was helpful ☺️
Jorja (LJMU Student Rep)
Reply 5
Original post
by Munawar243Hi everyone,
I’m trying to improve my study routine this term but I’m finding it hard to stay consistent. Some days I’m super motivated, and other days I don’t feel like studying at all.
I’ve tried the usual advice like:
Pomodoro
To-do lists
Dedicated study space
Blocking distractions
…but I still struggle with keeping a proper schedule, especially when multiple deadlines overlap.
I recently came across a study-planning resource ⭐ that breaks down your tasks into smaller time blocks, and it actually helped me understand how to structure my day better. But I still want to hear personal experiences from actual students here.
My question is:
👉 How do you manage your time effectively and avoid burnout while keeping your study routine consistent?
Any tips from A-level or uni students would be really helpful!
Thanks in advance — and good luck to everyone preparing for exams!
I’m trying to improve my study routine this term but I’m finding it hard to stay consistent. Some days I’m super motivated, and other days I don’t feel like studying at all.
I’ve tried the usual advice like:
Pomodoro
To-do lists
Dedicated study space
Blocking distractions
…but I still struggle with keeping a proper schedule, especially when multiple deadlines overlap.
I recently came across a study-planning resource ⭐ that breaks down your tasks into smaller time blocks, and it actually helped me understand how to structure my day better. But I still want to hear personal experiences from actual students here.
My question is:
👉 How do you manage your time effectively and avoid burnout while keeping your study routine consistent?
Any tips from A-level or uni students would be really helpful!
Thanks in advance — and good luck to everyone preparing for exams!
I know that a lot of people have already answered your question and I definitely think everything said is very relevant. I’ll just share my personal experience as I have in the past have suffered from burn out due to multiple deadlines.
To start off I had to find out at what time of the day I was working most effectively - personally it’s in the morning for myself. So I ended up waking up way earlier than the usual person does, go to the library straight away, and then give myself the evening to relax followed by an early bedtime. I would suggest finding what time you work best cause I know a lot of people are night owls when it comes to studying.
If you’re struggling for being most productive I would suggest reading a book on productivity. It sounds a bit cheesy but if you spend time reading a book on this then it’ll save you a lot of time for your future studies. I would recommend reading Graham Allcott ‘How to be a Knowledge Ninja’. This book has chapters on things like study tips, tackling procrastination and way to help you focus better. It’s an easy read and if your school/uni has this book then go have a look!
It was really key for me to find a good balance between socialising, entertainment, and studying. If you can get active and join a gym that would be really healthy for your body and mind! Having an hour break exercising your stress away really helped me personally. Joining any club too is great for social aspects!
Make sure you give yourself breaks, rewards and that you eat healthy - food is fuel for the mind! And if you’re lacking motivation on some days I would suggest reaching out to a friend and do a group study session.
One more thing sorry, but if you’re struggling with multiple deadlines overlapping then I would suggest using a prioritisation mapping tool like the example below:
Also someone’s already mentioned Flora and definitely get this it’s actually amazing!
Hope this helps!
Lucy
3rd Year Geography BA student
Reply 6
Original post
by Munawar243Hi everyone,
I’m trying to improve my study routine this term but I’m finding it hard to stay consistent. Some days I’m super motivated, and other days I don’t feel like studying at all.
I’ve tried the usual advice like:
Pomodoro
To-do lists
Dedicated study space
Blocking distractions
…but I still struggle with keeping a proper schedule, especially when multiple deadlines overlap.
I recently came across a study-planning resource ⭐ that breaks down your tasks into smaller time blocks, and it actually helped me understand how to structure my day better. But I still want to hear personal experiences from actual students here.
My question is:
👉 How do you manage your time effectively and avoid burnout while keeping your study routine consistent?
Any tips from A-level or uni students would be really helpful!
Thanks in advance — and good luck to everyone preparing for exams!
I’m trying to improve my study routine this term but I’m finding it hard to stay consistent. Some days I’m super motivated, and other days I don’t feel like studying at all.
I’ve tried the usual advice like:
Pomodoro
To-do lists
Dedicated study space
Blocking distractions
…but I still struggle with keeping a proper schedule, especially when multiple deadlines overlap.
I recently came across a study-planning resource ⭐ that breaks down your tasks into smaller time blocks, and it actually helped me understand how to structure my day better. But I still want to hear personal experiences from actual students here.
My question is:
👉 How do you manage your time effectively and avoid burnout while keeping your study routine consistent?
Any tips from A-level or uni students would be really helpful!
Thanks in advance — and good luck to everyone preparing for exams!
Hi @Munawar243
Great question and lots of good advice already!
So I thought I would just add a couple posts I have done if you are looking for any extra advice.
Tips on deadlines, motivation and time management - The Student Room
How to Prepare for Exam/Deadline Season - The Student Room
Hope this helps and good luck
-Grace (Kingston Rep)
Reply 7
hey! I’m in gcses too and I’ve found what works best for me is doing a rough study plan for a week but planning what I’ll do thta day the morning of. Like saying I’ll do physics on Tuesday then that morning I’ll be like I need to do notes for waves, electricity ppqs and watch videos abt motion. Then break it up loke this will take me an hour then I’ll take a break. For me, I found restraints restrictive so I’d just be like im doing this until 1130 and if it goes on a bit that’s ok but I’m going to work hard to finish for that time. As well, it’s important to make it tolerable like I know it’s not recommended to listen to music but if it’s the difference between you doing notes or not then it’s better. When I write essays I listen to coconut mall from Mario kart because it makes me write quicker. I also think that you shouldn’t force urself to do anything like if ur home from school and had an awful day then take an evening off and watch a movie. That being said, it does get to a point when you must do something and I think then you just give urself one thing to do and see how you feel after. Good luck!!!
Reply 8
Original post
by Munawar243Hi everyone,
I’m trying to improve my study routine this term but I’m finding it hard to stay consistent. Some days I’m super motivated, and other days I don’t feel like studying at all.
I’ve tried the usual advice like:
Pomodoro
To-do lists
Dedicated study space
Blocking distractions
…but I still struggle with keeping a proper schedule, especially when multiple deadlines overlap.
I recently came across a study-planning resource ⭐ that breaks down your tasks into smaller time blocks, and it actually helped me understand how to structure my day better. But I still want to hear personal experiences from actual students here.
My question is:
👉 How do you manage your time effectively and avoid burnout while keeping your study routine consistent?
Any tips from A-level or uni students would be really helpful!
Thanks in advance — and good luck to everyone preparing for exams!
I’m trying to improve my study routine this term but I’m finding it hard to stay consistent. Some days I’m super motivated, and other days I don’t feel like studying at all.
I’ve tried the usual advice like:
Pomodoro
To-do lists
Dedicated study space
Blocking distractions
…but I still struggle with keeping a proper schedule, especially when multiple deadlines overlap.
I recently came across a study-planning resource ⭐ that breaks down your tasks into smaller time blocks, and it actually helped me understand how to structure my day better. But I still want to hear personal experiences from actual students here.
My question is:
👉 How do you manage your time effectively and avoid burnout while keeping your study routine consistent?
Any tips from A-level or uni students would be really helpful!
Thanks in advance — and good luck to everyone preparing for exams!
Hey there, I totally get how you’re feeling. Even when I was an undergrad, I found it really hard to stay consistent with studying, and now as a postgrad I still go through those ups and downs. Some days the motivation is there, and other days it feels like everything is piling up at once. So you’re definitely not alone in this.
What helped me back then, and still helps now, is setting small, realistic goals rather than trying to follow a rigid schedule. When deadlines overlap, I break everything into chunks that feel manageable, even if they’re tiny. It makes it much easier to start, and starting is usually the hardest part. I also try to check in with myself during the week. If I’m feeling overwhelmed, I take a proper break rather than pushing through, because that’s when burnout can sneak up.
Another thing that really kept me grounded was studying around others on campus.
When I was an undergrad, I used to sit in the quiet spaces just to feel a bit of collective focus. As a postgrad now, I still do the same. It gives you that little bit of accountability without any pressure. And making time for things you enjoy, like joining sports activities or just taking a walk, keeps your routine healthier and stops everything feeling too heavy.
I hope that helps!
LSBU Admissions Ambassador
Original post
by Munawar243Hi everyone,
I’m trying to improve my study routine this term but I’m finding it hard to stay consistent. Some days I’m super motivated, and other days I don’t feel like studying at all.
I’ve tried the usual advice like:
Pomodoro
To-do lists
Dedicated study space
Blocking distractions
…but I still struggle with keeping a proper schedule, especially when multiple deadlines overlap.
I recently came across a study-planning resource ⭐ that breaks down your tasks into smaller time blocks, and it actually helped me understand how to structure my day better. But I still want to hear personal experiences from actual students here.
My question is:
👉 How do you manage your time effectively and avoid burnout while keeping your study routine consistent?
Any tips from A-level or uni students would be really helpful!
Thanks in advance — and good luck to everyone preparing for exams!
I’m trying to improve my study routine this term but I’m finding it hard to stay consistent. Some days I’m super motivated, and other days I don’t feel like studying at all.
I’ve tried the usual advice like:
Pomodoro
To-do lists
Dedicated study space
Blocking distractions
…but I still struggle with keeping a proper schedule, especially when multiple deadlines overlap.
I recently came across a study-planning resource ⭐ that breaks down your tasks into smaller time blocks, and it actually helped me understand how to structure my day better. But I still want to hear personal experiences from actual students here.
My question is:
👉 How do you manage your time effectively and avoid burnout while keeping your study routine consistent?
Any tips from A-level or uni students would be really helpful!
Thanks in advance — and good luck to everyone preparing for exams!
Hello,
i hope you are well.
i understand you completely as i suffered from extreme burnout during A-Levels, what helped me the most was starting with the little things and setting a specific time for them, such as being out of bed by 7am and immediately making my bed, or making sure i'm in bed ready to sleep by 11PM, once these little routines start, you can sometimes find that your day flows alot better and you find it easier to manage your day and workload too. As well as this, focus on not only studying, but making time for yourself too, you are going through alot of pressure currently and you should prioritise your mental health, spending time with your loved ones or as simple as going on a walk can make a world of a difference.
You should also trial different study spaces and see where you can study alot better - personally i find i can study alot better at the library rather than at home as there are alot of distractions, but if i do have to study at home i try to ensure my study space is somewhere quiet.
If you are still finding it difficult to manage your workload, i would recommend speaking to someone from your school, such as one of your teachers or a tutor for example, they can help create study timetables for you which can greatly help with breaking everything down for you so you don't feel too overwhelmed and you still have time to have a social life outside of studying.
sanam - forensic investigations - coventry university
Reply 10
Original post
by Munawar243Hi everyone,
I’m trying to improve my study routine this term but I’m finding it hard to stay consistent. Some days I’m super motivated, and other days I don’t feel like studying at all.
I’ve tried the usual advice like:
Pomodoro
To-do lists
Dedicated study space
Blocking distractions
…but I still struggle with keeping a proper schedule, especially when multiple deadlines overlap.
I recently came across a study-planning resource ⭐ that breaks down your tasks into smaller time blocks, and it actually helped me understand how to structure my day better. But I still want to hear personal experiences from actual students here.
My question is:
👉 How do you manage your time effectively and avoid burnout while keeping your study routine consistent?
Any tips from A-level or uni students would be really helpful!
Thanks in advance — and good luck to everyone preparing for exams!
I’m trying to improve my study routine this term but I’m finding it hard to stay consistent. Some days I’m super motivated, and other days I don’t feel like studying at all.
I’ve tried the usual advice like:
Pomodoro
To-do lists
Dedicated study space
Blocking distractions
…but I still struggle with keeping a proper schedule, especially when multiple deadlines overlap.
I recently came across a study-planning resource ⭐ that breaks down your tasks into smaller time blocks, and it actually helped me understand how to structure my day better. But I still want to hear personal experiences from actual students here.
My question is:
👉 How do you manage your time effectively and avoid burnout while keeping your study routine consistent?
Any tips from A-level or uni students would be really helpful!
Thanks in advance — and good luck to everyone preparing for exams!
Here is my advice on staying consistent without burning out:
•
Be Realistic with Your Plan: Sometimes we struggle with schedules because we try to pack too much into one day. Instead of a massive to-do list, pick the three most important tasks for the day. If you finish those, anything else is a bonus!
•
Balance Study with Joy: I’ve found that I am much more consistent when I make time for my passions. Having something to look forward to makes the "study blocks" feel much more manageable.
•
Adapt to Your Energy: On days when you don't feel like studying at all, don't force a 4-hour session. Instead, tell yourself you’ll just do 15 minutes of light review or organising your files. Often, getting started is the hardest part, and you'll find your flow once you begin.
•
Forgive Yourself for "Off" Days: Consistency doesn't mean being perfect every single day. If you miss a day or a deadline feels overwhelming, just reset and start fresh the next morning.
•
Visual Planning: Since you liked the time-block resource, try using a physical wall planner or a digital calendar where you can see your deadlines and rest days clearly. Seeing the "finish line" for the week really helps keep you motivated.
Rachel
(Third Year)
Undergraduate Multimedia Journalism
Quick Reply
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