If you’re asking how to be a better student, it’s likely you’ve already recognized the importance of developing your academic skills and improving your learning habits. Well, you’re not alone. Millions of students around the world are always looking for ways to improve their grades, study more effectively, and manage their time better. But what exactly does it mean to be a “better” student? It’s more than just acing exams and taking great notes—it’s about cultivating a range of skills that will serve you well not just in your academic journey, but also in life.
Having spent decades in education and research, I’ve come across hundreds of surveys, studies, and firsthand experiences that reveal key aspects of student success. I’ll break them down for you here, weaving in practical advice, insights, and a little humor, because who said learning can’t be enjoyable?
1. Time Management is Your Best Friend
Time management is often touted as one of the most important factors for academic success—and for good reason. Research shows that students who develop strong time management skills are more likely to perform better academically. A study published in Educational Psychology International found that students with better time management skills tend to have higher grades, reduced stress, and a greater sense of personal control.
How to improve it?
- Prioritize: Start with the most important tasks and deadlines.
- Use tools: A planner, digital apps, or even sticky notes can help keep your schedule organized.
- Avoid procrastination: You might think you’re more productive when you wait until the last minute, but studies show procrastination only leads to higher stress and poorer performance.
2. Active Learning Beats Passive Learning
You’ve probably heard that reading and taking notes in class is important. But did you know that active learning is far more effective than passive reading? Research published in the Journal of Educational Psychology found that students who engage actively with the material—through discussion, teaching others, or applying concepts—retain more information and perform better in exams.
How to make your learning active?
- Teach someone else: Explaining concepts to friends or family forces you to truly understand the material.
- Use practice questions: Engage with mock tests and quizzes. They help you to apply knowledge in realistic scenarios.
- Group discussions: Talking things through with classmates can reveal new insights and fill gaps in your understanding.
3. Sleep and Health: Don’t Skimp on These
As tempting as it is to pull all-nighters before exams, research overwhelmingly suggests that sleep is crucial for memory consolidation and cognitive performance. A study from the University of California, Berkeley found that students who get adequate sleep score better on exams and have better long-term retention of material.
Why sleep matters:
- Sleep helps with memory retention—when you sleep, your brain organizes and stores new information.
- Poor sleep leads to reduced focus, making it harder to study effectively.
4. Emotional and Social Well-being
Being a great student isn’t just about intellectual work—it’s also about emotional well-being. Students who manage stress and maintain a positive social environment tend to perform better in academics. A survey published by the American College Health Association showed that students with high levels of stress and poor mental health reported lower grades and overall life satisfaction.
How to manage stress?
- Exercise: Regular physical activity reduces stress hormones and boosts cognitive function.
- Social support: Talk to friends, family, or mentors. A good support network can help you cope with difficult situations.
- Mindfulness and meditation: These practices improve focus and reduce anxiety, helping you stay calm during exams.
5. The Importance of Consistency Over Perfection
Many students think they have to be perfect, but perfectionism can often be counterproductive. A study in Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin found that perfectionists experience higher levels of stress and burnout, which ultimately hampers performance.
What should you aim for?
- Consistency: Instead of cramming all at once, study a little each day.
- Progress over perfection: Set achievable goals and celebrate the small wins. No one becomes a top student overnight.
6. Use Technology to Your Advantage
In today’s digital age, there’s no shortage of tools to help you study better. However, many students fall into the trap of using technology for distractions. The trick is to find the right balance and leverage tech to enhance your learning experience.
Useful tech tools:
- Note-taking apps: Tools like Evernote or Notion help you organize notes and ideas efficiently.
- Online resources: Websites like Khan Academy or Coursera offer free courses that complement your learning.
- Pomodoro timer: The Pomodoro technique (25 minutes of focused work, 5 minutes of break) is a scientifically-backed method to boost productivity.
7. Be Open to Feedback
Students often shy away from feedback, especially when it’s critical. However, research consistently shows that constructive feedback is one of the most effective ways to improve performance. According to a study in Learning and Instruction, students who actively seek and act on feedback tend to perform better.
How to embrace feedback:
- View it as a tool for improvement: Feedback is not personal criticism, but a chance to grow.
- Act on it quickly: Implement feedback into your next assignment or exam to see real improvement.
8. Growth Mindset: Believe You Can Improve
The concept of a “growth mindset,” popularized by psychologist Carol Dweck, suggests that intelligence and abilities aren’t fixed—they can be developed. Studies consistently show that students with a growth mindset are more resilient and perform better because they view challenges as opportunities to grow.
How to develop a growth mindset?
- Embrace challenges: Don’t shy away from difficult tasks—tackle them head-on.
- Learn from mistakes: Instead of seeing failure as a setback, treat it as a valuable learning experience.
- Be patient with yourself: Success takes time, so be kind to yourself along the way.
What Others Say About Becoming a Better Student
Sarah, 28, USA
“Honestly, I used to think it was all about studying hard, but after incorporating regular exercise and focusing on my mental health, my grades improved without the constant stress. Time management also really made a difference—I started using apps to keep myself on track.”
David, 19, UK
“I’ve found that sleep is key. I used to stay up all night studying, thinking it would help me do better. But when I started prioritizing sleep, I actually remembered more and did better on exams. It’s tough, but definitely worth it.”
Lena, 35, Germany
“It’s about balance. I have a full-time job and school, so I’ve learned that I can’t just study all the time. I make time for my family and friends, and I don’t stress over perfection. Things have been much smoother since I stopped trying to be perfect.”
Cheng, 22, China
“For me, technology has been a game-changer. I use apps to take notes, track assignments, and even find online courses. But I make sure not to get distracted by social media—finding the right tools is key!”
Jamal, 44, South Africa
“I’ve realized that personal growth is as important as academic growth. I’ve learned to handle stress better, and I now see mistakes as part of the learning process, not something to fear. The pressure is always there, but how you handle it matters.”
Conclusion: Becoming a Better Student Is a Journey, Not a Sprint
In the end, becoming a better student doesn’t mean getting perfect grades every time. It’s about growing, learning, and becoming someone who knows how to approach challenges. Incorporate good time management, active learning, proper self-care, and a growth mindset, and you’ll see improvements across the board.
Remember, it’s a marathon, not a sprint—so take it one step at a time. Keep experimenting with different strategies, find what works best for you, and don’t be afraid to ask for help along the way. After all, learning isn’t just about acquiring knowledge—it’s about becoming the best version of yourself.
