5 productivity hacks every student needs to know

Sophia Crothall·24 December 2024·4 min read

5 productivity hacks every student needs to know

Being a student can get overwhelming at times.

Balancing your coursework alongside other aspects of life is not always easy. To help you stay on top of everything, we’ve accumulated five tips to boost your productivity.

1. Use Aeroplane Mode

Make aeroplane mode your best friend. Phones are widely known to be one of the biggest distractions. One of the simplest ways to combat this is by putting your phone on aeroplane mode while you’re revising or working on important tasks.

When your phone isn’t buzzing with notifications, you’ll be far less tempted to pick it up.

2. Keep a Task List

Whether you prefer the classic pen and paper or a digital app, creating a task list can do wonders for your productivity.

At the start of your day, take 5–10 minutes to list everything you want to accomplish. Having a clear visual of your tasks allows you to prioritize them based on urgency and importance. Plus, checking off completed tasks can feel incredibly motivating.

3. Get Enough Sleep

Sleep often gets sacrificed when students try to balance everything in their busy lives. However, this could be holding you back.

Sleep is a basic need, and we function best when we’re well-rested. Make getting enough sleep a priority to maintain your productivity and overall well-being.

4. Find Your ‘Golden Hour’

Everyone has different energy levels and focus patterns throughout the day. Some people are most productive in the morning, while others thrive in the afternoon or evening.

Take time to analyze your energy levels and find your ‘Golden Hour’—the time of day when you work best. Once you’ve identified it, plan your most important tasks during that period.

5. Try 15 Minutes of Work

Everything becomes easier when it has purpose. If you can identify what motivates you, you’re more likely to be productive. However, there will be times when motivation feels out of reach—and that’s okay!

When you’re struggling to start, set a short timer. For example, set a timer for 15 minutes and tell yourself you only have to work for that amount of time. If you’re writing a paper, use those 15 minutes to dive in.

Once the timer goes off, you may find yourself wanting to keep going. If you don’t feel like continuing, take a break and try another 15-minute session later. This method works best when you only continue if you genuinely feel ready to.

By incorporating these tips into your routine, you can reduce stress and make the most of your time as a student. Give them a try and see what works best for you!