10 Tips For Surviving School

Written by Dan

School can be tough for many students. It brings challenges like tough classes, lots of homework, and social pressures. Many kids feel stressed and unsure about how to handle it all.

Students studying, writing, and reading at desks. Backpacks and school supplies scattered. Teacher at front of class. Bulletin boards with educational posters. Clock on the wall. Windows letting in natural light

With some good tips and strategies, students can do well in school and even enjoy their time there. This article will cover ten helpful ways for students to survive and thrive in school. These tips can make school life easier and more fun for students of all ages.

1) Stay organized with a planner

A planner is a key tool for students to keep track of assignments and deadlines. It helps prevent forgetting important tasks and reduces stress.

Students can use either a paper planner or a digital app. The choice depends on personal preference and learning style.

When using a planner, write down all assignments, tests, and project due dates. Add extracurricular activities and personal commitments too.

Color-coding different subjects or types of tasks can make the planner easier to read at a glance. This visual organization helps prioritize work.

Regular check-ins with the planner are important. Students should review it daily to stay on top of upcoming deadlines.

Some planners have space for goal-setting and reflection. These features can help students track progress and improve study habits over time.

Using a planner consistently takes practice. It may feel awkward at first, but it becomes a helpful habit with regular use.

A well-maintained planner reduces mental clutter. It frees up brain space for learning and creative thinking instead of trying to remember every task.

2) Break tasks into smaller steps

Big school projects can feel scary. The key is to split them into small, doable parts. This makes the work less stressful and easier to finish.

Start by listing all the steps needed to complete the task. Put them in order from first to last. This gives a clear plan to follow.

Tackle one small step at a time. Focus on just that piece until it’s done. Then move to the next one. This method helps students stay on track and avoid feeling overwhelmed.

Breaking tasks into smaller parts can boost confidence. Finishing each step gives a sense of progress. It keeps students motivated to keep going.

Use a checklist to mark off completed steps. This shows how much has been done and what’s left to do. It’s a great way to track progress.

For homework, students can use the Pomodoro Technique. This means working for 25 minutes, then taking a 5-minute break. It helps maintain focus and prevents burnout.

3) Attend all your classes

Students sitting in a classroom, listening to a teacher, taking notes, and participating in discussions. Books, notebooks, and pens on desks

Going to every class is key for doing well in school. It helps students stay on top of their work and learn new things. When students skip class, they miss important info and fall behind.

Teachers often share details about tests and assignments in class. Being there means students won’t miss these important updates. It also shows teachers that students care about learning.

Showing up to every class helps build good habits. This includes online classes too. Students should log in to virtual lessons just like they’d go to a regular classroom.

Class time is when students can ask questions and join discussions. This helps them understand the material better. It’s harder to catch up later if students miss these chances to learn.

Taking part in all classes helps students make friends too. They can meet classmates and work together on projects. This makes school more fun and less stressful.

4) Join a study group

A group of diverse students gather around a table, books and notebooks scattered, discussing and sharing tips for surviving school

Study groups can be a valuable tool for academic success. They offer a chance to learn from peers and gain new perspectives on course material.

Joining a study group helps students stay motivated and accountable. Regular meetings create a structured environment for reviewing topics and preparing for exams.

Group discussions can clarify complex concepts. Explaining ideas to others reinforces understanding and highlights areas that need more attention.

Study groups allow students to share notes and resources. This collaborative approach can fill gaps in individual knowledge and provide a more comprehensive view of the subject.

Working with others develops important teamwork and communication skills. These abilities are valuable both in school and future careers.

Students should choose study groups carefully. Effective groups have members with similar goals and work ethics. It’s important to find a balance between socializing and focused study time.

Some students may prefer to study alone or in smaller groups. It’s essential to find a study method that works best for individual learning styles and needs.

5) Take regular breaks

Students need to pause their studies regularly. Short breaks help refresh the mind and boost focus. It’s important to step away from books and screens every so often.

A good rule is to take a 5-10 minute break every hour. During this time, students can stretch, walk around, or get some fresh air. These activities help reduce eye strain and prevent mental fatigue.

Breaks also give the brain time to process information. This improves memory and learning. Students often find they understand concepts better after a short rest.

It’s best to plan breaks in advance. This helps students stay on track with their study schedule. They can set timers or use apps to remind them when it’s time for a break.

During longer study sessions, longer breaks are needed. A 15-30 minute break every few hours allows for a proper mental reset. Students can use this time to eat a snack or do a fun activity.

Taking breaks isn’t lazy. It’s a smart way to make the most of study time. Regular pauses help students stay motivated and productive throughout the school year.

6) Ask questions in class

A group of students sitting in a classroom, raising their hands to ask questions while a teacher stands at the front, giving a presentation on a board

Asking questions in class is a key part of learning. It helps students grasp new ideas and clear up any confusion. When students speak up, they get the info they need right away.

Teachers like it when kids ask questions. It shows they’re paying attention and want to learn more. Asking questions can also help other students who might have the same doubts.

Some students feel shy about raising their hand. But it’s worth trying to overcome this fear. Asking questions helps build better relationships with teachers. It shows them you care about the subject.

If speaking up in class feels hard, try talking to the teacher after the lesson. This can be a good way to start feeling more at ease. As time goes on, it may get easier to ask questions during class.

Remember, there’s no such thing as a dumb question. If something isn’t clear, it’s always better to ask. This habit can lead to better grades and a deeper understanding of the subject.

7) Keep a healthy work-life balance

A desk with a laptop, textbooks, and a plant. A clock on the wall shows the time. A yoga mat and water bottle sit nearby

Students often struggle to balance school, work, and personal life. It’s important to set boundaries and make time for self-care.

Create a dedicated study space to separate work from leisure. This helps students focus during study time and relax when it’s time to unwind.

Schedule regular breaks throughout the day. Short pauses can refresh the mind and boost productivity.

Exercise is crucial for maintaining physical and mental health. Even a quick walk or stretch can make a big difference.

Prioritize self-care activities like getting enough sleep, eating well, and spending time with friends and family. These activities help reduce stress and improve overall well-being.

Learn to say no to extra commitments that might overwhelm the schedule. It’s okay to decline invitations or requests that interfere with important tasks or relaxation time.

Use time management tools to stay organized. Digital calendars or planners can help students keep track of deadlines and appointments.

Remember that balance looks different for everyone. Students should find what works best for their unique situation and adjust as needed.

8) Develop good study habits

Good study habits are key to academic success. Students who practice effective study techniques often get better grades.

One important habit is finding a quiet place to study. This could be a library, empty classroom, or quiet corner at home. A distraction-free zone helps with focus and concentration.

Setting a regular study schedule is also helpful. Consistent daily study times train the brain to be ready to learn at those times.

Taking breaks is crucial too. Short breaks every 30-45 minutes help prevent mental fatigue. A quick walk or stretch can refresh the mind.

Making study groups can be very effective. Discussing topics with peers reinforces learning and fills knowledge gaps.

Using active recall techniques improves retention. This means testing yourself on the material rather than just re-reading notes.

Staying organized is another good habit. Keeping notes and assignments tidy makes review easier later on.

Lastly, getting enough sleep is vital. A well-rested brain learns and remembers better than a tired one.

9) Use online resources

The internet offers many helpful tools for students. Online resources can make studying easier and more efficient.

School resources often include digital libraries and databases. These give students access to books, articles, and research papers.

Online classes use message boards and email for communication. Students can ask questions and get help from teachers quickly.

Educational websites provide practice exercises and quizzes. These help students review material and test their knowledge.

Video tutorials explain complex topics in simple ways. They can be watched multiple times to improve understanding.

Study apps help with organization and time management. They can set reminders for assignments and track study progress.

Online study groups allow students to work together remotely. They can share notes and discuss course material with classmates.

Using these digital tools can enhance learning and academic performance. Students should explore different options to find what works best for them.

10) Set realistic goals

Setting realistic goals is key to success in school. Students should aim for targets that challenge them but are achievable. This helps build confidence and motivation.

Breaking big goals into smaller steps makes them more manageable. For example, instead of “get all A’s,” a student might focus on improving one subject at a time.

It’s important to write goals down and track progress. This helps students stay accountable and see how far they’ve come. Celebrating small achievements along the way keeps motivation high.

Goals should be specific and time-bound. “Study more” is too vague. “Study math for 30 minutes each day” is clearer and easier to follow through on.

Students should review and adjust their goals regularly. As circumstances change, so might their objectives. Flexibility is important for long-term success.

Seeking support from teachers, parents, or peers can help with goal-setting. They can offer guidance and encouragement throughout the process.

Effective Study Techniques

Good study habits are key to academic success. These techniques can help students learn more efficiently and retain information better.

Time Management Strategies

Set clear goals for each study session. Break big tasks into smaller, manageable chunks. Use a timer to stay focused for set periods, like 25 minutes of work followed by a 5-minute break.

Try the Pomodoro technique to boost productivity. This method involves 25-minute work sessions with short breaks in between.

Prioritize tasks based on importance and deadlines. Tackle the hardest work when energy levels are highest. Limit distractions by turning off phone notifications and finding a quiet study space.

Creating a Study Schedule

Make a weekly plan that includes all classes, assignments, and study time. Be realistic about how long tasks will take. Leave some flexibility for unexpected events.

Schedule regular study sessions for each subject. Aim for shorter, more frequent sessions rather than long cram sessions. This spaced repetition approach helps with long-term retention.

Include breaks and time for self-care in the schedule. Getting enough sleep and exercise is crucial for effective studying.

Note-Taking Methods

Try different note-taking styles to find what works best. The Cornell method involves dividing the page into sections for notes, questions, and summaries. Mind mapping can help visualize connections between ideas.

Use abbreviations and symbols to write faster. Highlight or underline key points. Review and organize notes soon after class while the information is fresh.

Consider using digital tools for note-taking. Many apps allow for easy organization and searching of notes. Some students find that handwriting notes leads to better retention than typing.

Balancing School and Personal Life

Juggling academics and personal life is key to student success. A thoughtful approach can help reduce stress and improve overall well-being.

Setting Priorities

Create a schedule to manage time effectively. List tasks by importance and urgency. Tackle high-priority items first.

Use a planner or digital app to track deadlines and commitments. This helps avoid last-minute cramming.

Set aside time for self-care and hobbies. Regular breaks improve focus and productivity.

Learn to say no to non-essential activities. This frees up time for important tasks and relationships.

Communicate with family and friends about academic demands. Their support and understanding can ease pressure.

Stress Management Tips

Practice deep breathing or meditation daily. Even 5-10 minutes can reduce anxiety and improve concentration.

Exercise regularly to boost mood and energy levels. A quick walk or yoga session can work wonders.

Get enough sleep. Aim for 7-9 hours nightly to enhance memory and cognitive function.

Break large projects into smaller, manageable tasks. This prevents feeling overwhelmed.

Seek help when needed. Talk to teachers, counselors, or trusted friends about challenges.

About The Author

I'm Dan Higgins, one of the faces behind The Teaching Couple. With 15 years in the education sector and a decade as a teacher, I've witnessed the highs and lows of school life. Over the years, my passion for supporting fellow teachers and making school more bearable has grown. The Teaching Couple is my platform to share strategies, tips, and insights from my journey. Together, we can shape a better school experience for all.

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