Study Space - Blog Posts
18/05/2021
The day is done.I am happy with what I could do today.Tomorrow is a new beginning I'm excited for it and want to see what I can do.As I was reflecting on the day I think I have few distractions during the morning and afternoon to battle with.So maybe if I can push myself a little more during the afternoons I can relax in the evening 🌙 .I will tell you guys how the experiment of me pushing myself in the afternoon goes tomorrow.Till then a very good night 🌟
Quote:Man cannot remake himself without suffering for he is both the marble and the sculptor .-Alexis Carrel
18/05/2021
Hello 👋
It is currently 6.40 in the morning and I just finished doing my duolingo lessons.(I am learning French and about to complete check point one.If you know any good movies in French do let me know,I'm struggling to find some good stuff lol).
Today I want to complete the following stuff
Revise yesterday's work and do Group Theory(Important actions and applications)
Solve 10 Problems on Group Theory
Complete revising last week's maths and start revising last week's stats.
I wish a very wonderful day to you ❣ Happy, restful and productive! Don't overdo anything, health always comes first!!
Image credits: Pinterest
17/05/2021
Today I have classes till 4.30.I am not feeling great but I am determined not to be controlled by my negative thoughts.I will rest for some time after the classes then maybe have a cup of tea(I know drinking tea is not recommended after 2 lol but maybe an exception today), and start my work.Today I want to get done the following stuff
Complete revising my last week's maths content.(Hardly 15 minutes)
20 Problems from Group theory( at least 1 hour)
Group theory (Important actions and applications)(Maybe 90 minutes hopefully less lol)
Around 3 hours of work.Hehe not much but I'll be dead tired by the end of it.Okie see ya!
Hope you are having a wonderful day!!
16/05/2015
I just finished revising for group theory. It's about 5.30 in the evening and I thought I'd have it completed by 9 in the morning lol. So anyways now I plan on covering the following topics
Group acting on sets
Orbits and stabilizers
Revise maths and catch up with this week's work
Solve 10 problems on Group Theory
Wish me luck and I hope you are having a better day than me!❣
5.24- Saturday
Took a small break from school for the past three days and jumped back in this morning with some readings on argument credibility and fallacies. I’m really enjoying this critical thinking class. It’s a very nice break from discrete math.
Listening to: krisgaldr by heilung
Reading: financial feminist by Tori Dunlap
Organizational behaviour test been a crazy obstacle and I could only say this to myself, "you can endure this". It is tough but it is definitely worth it.
Life's been quite tiring, lately.
Oppenheimer.
Iced coffee latte and current read. I kinda misplaced my retro coloured midliner highlighter somewhere at home.
Finals had ended! I've visited an art exhibition in the uni, love the vibes. Also, being random I applied for International workshop and got shortlisted for online video interview (hopefully it went well but I didn't have any high hopes for it).
Taken few hours before afternoon exam on 5th May. This meant I've endured 3 papers and left with 1 more paper then semester break.
Thinking of doing part-time while waiting for new semester starts.
16.03.23 Well done, self. You are nearly there in finishing one massive assignment. (And you, too. You did good,reader) 🍀💞
late night pyq solving sessions 🎰
27 april 2025
okay so i cleaned my desk cuz it’s been an absolute mess since a few weeks and putting things back genuinely makes me feel less anxious 🙏🏾 so yay
woke up to construction noises again and terrible cramps :( so yeah but anyways
i made last week revision plan where i’ll be doing pyq’s along with revising the syllabus- obviously not covering the entire syllabus for revision now but just the super super important parts of it so yay
i’ll be revising the entirety of physics today - 11+12- mainly formulas and the well known problems so yay, i’ll do the pyq’s once i finish revising
6 days for neet is surreal. goodluck to all of you <3
have a nice day my loves 🌸
💌
cafe studying day out
19 april 2025
about time to get back on track and holding myself accountable (pls i can’t do this anymore but do we have a choice ? no we do not)
okay so i’m revising my entire 12th physics syllabus today cuz 🧚♂️🧚♂️ yeah i need to revise this shi. also been so bored of making my own coffee everyday so i went out for a walk and got myself coffee from my fav cafe ehehehhe (the only good cafe close to my home tbh but its yum so idm)- as you can see, ive replaced that dying paper straw with my straw cuz i refuse to have my coffee taste more like paper than coffee.
also got off instagram to lock in for the next two weeks :) and i got my viteee admit card and centre which is like 17 kms from my home and reporting time is 8 in the morning (kill me, i sleep at 5 am) and the traffic in my city is terrible at all times of the day sooooo let’s hope we make it on time 🤞🏼 also very scared for the aptitude test part of viteee
and as you can see, my desk is an appropriate reflection of the chaos in my brain. the sticky notes everywhere is very anxiety inducing but i’ve gotten used to it to a good extent so it’s okay.
14 days left for neet. i might acc cry- not cuz im scared but i’ll genuinely miss this phase of life sm:( spending most of my nights at this desk, trying to memorise the exceptions for inorganic chem or studying biology ncert for hours and hours on end without realising it’s been five hours , it’s really been a journey :( i wish id worked harder honestly but what’s done is done and i did do my best everyday and don’t have many regrets.
i yap a lot for someone who has neet in 14 days, bye bye
have a nice day my loves 💐
💌
also i finished a 400 page book in 15 days 💀 this gives me so much validation omg
6 april 2025
doing some more physics questions today from a lecture to solidify my 11th concepts - almost done with the lecture
i also plan to do 12th biology with questions today, since i’ve done questions for most chapters already i might be able to finish it.
nothing too interesting other than this. just a slow sunday with my bottle of coffee and the never ending todo list 🌸
anyways have a nice day my loves
💌
also lately been feeling a lot of fomo cuz all my friends get to go out and have fun while i’m gonna be cooped up at my desk, with the same old lectures :( but yeah well- hopefully all this pays off.
rainy days, hot coffee and a shit load of academic stress ☕️🍒
+ never ending to do lists 💌
How To Study Anything At 10x Speed
This is not a bs guide, these are some tips that have actually worked for me and they can work for you too. The thing is, it's fairly really easy. I have sometimes managed to prepare for a test before 15 mins by just reading through it. It's fascinating if you break it down.
Mindset Change
A mind set change is everything. If you think it is easy. The topic will be more bearable. If you think it's tough, it's going to be more tough. So, first thing is first. Be open. You are not dumb, you can easily understand everything if you just remove the concept of "It is too hard or boring"
I once heard that the subject isn't boring, you are bored. So, change your thought process. Start with, "I can handle this"
Break It Down
Not your chapter. I mean the topic itself. Line by line if you have to. I did this exact thing for accounts whenever i had to do ratios. It was a pain. An unwanted pain. I couldn't understand anything. But i sat down one day and read every single line of the textbook for that topic. I made what i call "Line Visuals". This is simple.
You read a paragraph => You don't understand anything.
Read every line => Draw it
Understand the key terms used there
And then draw a single visual representation for that entire topic.
I'll guarantee you, you will understand it. Review it once a day for a week and then once a week.
Story Method
People remember stories more than normal facts or random pieces of data. Stories allow you to link different facts together and make it easier for you to process.
The easiest way to do this is using "FTF" (First, Then, Finally).
First, the main character (you or anyone else you imagine) will start on a journey. That's scene one. You will need to associate some points to this scene. This will mostly include the overall concept. Basic understanding.
Then, the main character will face a problem. This will include all the major questions revolving around the topic.
Finally, the main character will find the answers. Let's break it down more.
What i love about this is that it can be used for sudden test/ pop quizzes because all you need to do is just remember the story.
If you want to read more about it, check out: How To Study Using The "Story Method"
Use Mnemonics
Learn with this. It helps you to remember easily. Make catchy phrases to remember points/facts. These are like the building blocks of studying anything. Stick small notes to your books writing the phrases beside the topic so the next time you want to revise it, it's easy.
Connect Similar Topic
Connect all your related subjects. Everything in school is somehow connected. I usually used to connect economics and business studies concepts. Sometimes even computers so... Connect them.
Active Recall
Active recall is like the number one tip i'd recommend. It's easy and most of you probably do it already. You just have to keep revising and testing yourself at the materials periodically. It's easy and effective.
Teach What You Learn
You learn the most when you teach. I had taken my friends for this. Study and teach it to them. This helps because you have to have a clear understanding of the material first rather to teach them and you may end up with some important feedback. Your friends might ask a specific question you didn't know the answer to and now all of you are trying to perfect yourself with the material.
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Additional Tips:
Tips for understanding complex topics
How To Self Study
Tips To Study Concept-Oriented Subjects
How To Study For Longer Hours
How To Study Multiple Subjects
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I hope it helps! :)
By the way, all of these tips are from my previous posts. But honestly this is what i do to actually study faster. It actually works for me and i hope it works for you too :)
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Mistakes I made in my senior year that I don't want anyone else to repeat
I made a similar post last year for junior year so if anyone wants to check that out, click here!
I missed out on a lot of fun because of studying
I was too serious, I just realised that now
Studied the whole year and did well, only to burn out during finals so take a break. The world does not burn because you left one question
Most of my conversations revolved around college which by the way will irritate people. Talk about actual things, be light hearted.
Spent a lot of time on the phone in the morning
Slept late. Do not follow this. Seriously.
Didn't take time out for myself
Got too addicted to the concept of learning from AI (I mean during learning and not assignments)
Loved the concept of productivity, ended up back firing.
My anxiety sky rocketed because of pressure
People will say sh*t, you don't have to listen to them
And sometimes when people say sh*t. Listen to them
I thought the same study methods I used for my junior year could be applied to senior year but no, I took too much time, trying to force myself to follow those methods and that heightened my frustration because they didn't work (so if something doesn't work even after a month? Your sign to revaluate)
Just because a method of studying worked for you in the past, doesn't mean it will work all the time so don't continue it.
Thought my whole happiness would come with that one freaking grade on my progress grade but newsflash? it didn't
Was forced into things I didn't like, competitions and extra curriculars mainly. Worst part? I won all the ones I participated in but it just felt worthless.
I empathized with others but I couldn't empathize with myself
Stopped giving a shit about certain things that actually mattered
I spent my whole senior year comforting others who had problems but never shared mine. And the result? Burnout plus loneliness.
Panicked during exams and ended up questioning myself too much.
My mental health deteriorated but I managed.
(Again, it is for your referencing obviously. I will look at this when I'm going to college.)
How To Self Study
This is coming from a girl who spent her fresher and sophomore year studying at home and yes, I got good grades. So, here are some tips that I followed for studying by myself without depending on any teachers.
So, let's get into it!
Gather and organise material
This is important, why? What are you going to study if you have absolutely no idea what your syllabus and study material is? By materials I mean:
Textbooks (If you have any)
Practice papers
Previous year papers
Extra reading materials/ Reference books
If you don't have any textbooks. Go through the topics that you have and gather resources from different sources.
Tip: Have at least 1 extra reading material for every subject/paper. It helps you understand some topics that are explained in a complex manner in textbooks which is almost all the time.
Don't depend on your teacher
Teachers are good. Seriously. But their attention will always be shifty. They have a lot of students to teach, from many other classes so if you depend only on your teachers for clarifying your doubts or being at the back of you to study then newsflash, its going to be hard. Rather, be your own teacher. Don't go "I'll ask this to her/him tomorrow after class" because that will be your answer every time you have even a small question which can easily be solved by a simple search. You're saving your time and theirs.
Tip: If you're someone like me who gets distracted when you take up your phone even for a second then write down all your questions in a paper and search them later after your study session.
Make notes
I usually say this because notes help you understand topics. There are many methods of taking notes. I usually don't follow any structure for note taking, I just read and write keywords under the topic name, linking a few things here and there.
Tip: Notes need not be aesthetic. Seriously. You can be as messy as you can.
Watch videos related to concepts
This helps and I know most already do this.
Tip: When you finish watching a topic, close the video and write down what you understood and then play the video again, fill in the gaps that you missed and watch it again.
Study in chunks
I always believe that whatever you do, you should do in chunks. Instead of doing one chapter, divide it. Into small bits. I'll tell you, you'll see the difference. I don't usually recommend Pomodoro since it doesn't work for me. I don't keep a time limit or a set number of breaks. I finish a chunk and if I am tired, I take a break otherwise i continue.
Tip: Self quiz yourself after each chunk and then take a break. Then after you finish the chunks for the whole chapter with the self quizzing then self quiz yourself randomly for every chunk. Here's an additional tip. Take 20 second breaks.
Period of deep work
This is not a new concept, i didn't realize i did this at first. Basically, when you start your work. You do nothing but work. Like nothing else. No phones. No snacking. No unwanted thoughts. Just nothing but what you have to do. That is to study.
Tip: It is difficult to implement this right away especially if you have a habit of it getting distracted easily so i just suggest => Start smaller. One topic with full concentration. It would usually take you 20 - 30 mins to get immersed in the work. 40 mins if it's something you don't like but once you get the momentum? An unbelievable achievement really. And then, change your environment.
Quality > Quantity && Consistency> Cramming
One hour of productive studying is better than nine hours of useless studying. I feel like it's better to study 20 mins everyday rather than the whole night before an exam. It just causes stress.
Tip: Start early. Your teacher is on chapter 5? And you still don't get chapter 1, it's fine. Start learning. Seriously, it's okay to be behind. You just have to stick. Do it everyday and you'll see results that is better than those who are just keeping up with the teacher.
Deadlines Are Mandatory
Have deadlines. There are a number of ways to do this. I'm a person who is really lazy and a weird soul who would never complete their to-do list for the day if they write it down. It would always be left unfinished. So i just keep a mental time limit and the thing i have to get done.
Tip: Overestimate your deadline. Like, let's say i have to complete around 15 lessons that week. I keep my deadline to around 25-30 and i eventually complete 15. It's about adapting to what works for you. Just change according to what works for you.
Practice questions / Previous Year Papers
I can never emphasize this enough. The best way to prepare for any exam is just do practice questions or previous year questions. You will learn a lot of things. The topics that are important or repeated. The topics that are never asked.
Tip: Grade yourself on each paper. Circle the questions in your textbook while you are studying and practicing. Then when you have to actually study then you can actually revise the topics a bit more thoroughly. If you want to know more, click here.
It's okay to be behind in class
During my first term in senior year, the whole class was around 5 chapters ahead for every test and exam while me? If they were on chapter 12, i was in chapter 4 or 5 but i understood the concepts and took my sweet time with each chapter. Because the more time you take for a chapter, the better it stays in your memory.
Tip: Here is where active recall comes handy. When you revise one chapter, take a 2 day break and study another subject and then go back to the chapter and answer the practice questions. If you're able to do them, great! If not, revise more and then look at it after 3-4 days. Repeat until you have no mistakes in your answers. This helps in long term retaining.
Make It Interesting
How do you study boring subjects? You adapt. Mind maps don't work for me. Neither does flash cards. So, i found something that did. Storytelling. Take your most boring subject, turn it into a story. Make it bearable.
Tip: Tie it somethings that you like. For example, business studies was the most boring one for me so obviously, every topic was a story for me. HR Theories and Processes? ==> An office romance story. Management Principles? ==> A fantasy story where a group goes on a quest. Make It interesting. Make it gripping. And let me tell you, this actually works because our minds grasp stories better than just normal theory jargon.
Difficult Topics Are Only Difficult Because You Think They Are
This was something that i learnt the harder way. Everything looked difficult at the beginning. Everything. But the most difficult paper was maths. Because i had no teacher. Literally. I was learning from YouTube, searching different sites for tips and tricks. I thought it was too difficult and then i was like "i have to do it anyway no matter how much i brood" so i started from scratch like 3 months before my exams.
Tip: A mind set change is everything. If you think it is easy. The topic will be more bearable. If you think it's tough, it's going to be more tough. If you want some more tips for complex topics, click here.
Hope this helps !!! :)
You know, being a senior is such a good vibe. Like, nobody messes with you and everyone comes to talk to you from sophomore and junior years to ask about class selection and finals. And you give the vibe of that wise old owl who in fact doesn't know anything.
Update
I honestly got really off track here, it's been a mess for the past few days and honestly i'm kinda in a processing mode, a lot is happening and i feel disassociated with reality alittle but i guess life goes on?
What was i doing the past few days? Trying to study with severe cramps and not overthink anything... its not really working. I have like ton of tests and assignments next week and mid terms start the week after next and i am not ready.
I don't find myself studying or doing anything and honestly, i need a break but i can't get one until December end and we'll only get like a week so it's gonna be hard but i think i'll manage
136 days left
Today wasn't bad but not too good either :")
Honestly I'm overthinking quite a lot because of the finals so much that i got a freaking headache.... Anxiety has been following me around all week, I don't even know how I'm gonna manage...
Today I:
Studied Accounts (2hr 15mins)
Studied Business studies (1hr)
Honestly nothing much but gosh, my major problem is studies plus teacher pressure and subtract your hobbies/interest multiply zero time and divide your health. Isn't the equation really good? T-T
I can do it... atleast i hope i can. Tomorrow i have school till 3, I'll be at home by 4: 30 and tomorrow is fully accounts in the evening so I'll be studying either economics or business studies in the morning... let's see.
137 days left + yesterday
Well hey there, it's been a productive despite me not going to school and honestly I'm really proud of myself for actually doing something useful for once xD
Completed (yesterday and today)
Economics assignment
English assignment (20%)
Accountancy (3-4hr)
Business studies (1hr 30mins)
Computer Ppt done
I havn't been touching Arabic so I kinda have to start. Plus i got like an English test tomorrow :")
That's it for today <3
Refresh (139 days left)
So, we're going back on the countdown... Since my final exam schedule just got released and honestly I'm feeling kinda excited. If this was last year, I was literally really nervous and was overwhelmed but this year? I just feel calm and excited.
I'm gonna start to study more consistently from now, especially in Arabic and business studies so let's see.
That's it for now <3
How have you guys been?
85 days left
Okay, today was interesting ...
I got my results and I'm only disappointed in accounts.... Even though i didn't score that bad ://
Anyway, I am starting to be a little more productive atleast from some days... I'm planning to make use of this term because honestly I don't know how we are gonna get our final papers...
Today I:
Did accounts + made notes
Revised economics
Revised Business studies
And I'm currently reading this self help book "Think straight" by Darious Foroux. It's kinda good actually, it's been a while since I've read anything so it's nice from my usual routine.
88 days left
Okay, time's flying really fast. My term exam results come on Monday or Tuesday and my accountancy teacher told me that I did really bad and that she was disappointed in me and that i should concentrate more on it.
So, I'm wondering how the heck did I do bad in a subject that I was studying almost everyday?! And then this other girl studied 3 days before the exam and got like 95+
Honestly, the paper was alright but i panicked and did some shitty things :// gonna avoid that in the future.
Today I:
Revised some Economics
Did accounts (1 and a half hours)
And yes, I'm gonna be putting extra effort from now on because it's really close to my next term exams and then it's gonna be followed by Revision exams and I have a school function on top of that.... i just wanna sit and cry honestly T-T
Projects to complete:
Economics (by Monday)
Computers (By Oct end)
You're not obliged to live your life fulfilling other people's dreams.
I just finished my term exams yesterday and honestly, school starts in like 4 more days so I'll make the most use of my time till then. I've got multiple projects to complete and right now, my main aim is to learn from the mistakes I did during the exams. Especially in accounts.
My projects:
Computer
Business studies
Economics
[I'll start my countdown once my school starts again]