By Jimmy Zwane
Every student knows the pressure: multiple deadlines, exam stress, and the overwhelming feeling that there’s never enough time. But what if studying didn’t have to feel like a battle? Across South Africa, students are finding smarter, more efficient ways to study — and they’re sharing their secrets.
From mastering time management to using tech tools creatively, here are study hacks that real students swear by.
1. The Pomodoro Technique (with a twist)
Sipho, a final-year law student in Pretoria, swears by short study bursts using the Pomodoro technique. “I study for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break. But instead of scrolling on my phone, I do 10 push-ups or go outside for a quick walk. It clears my head.” This method improves focus and prevents burnout — a perfect combo during exam season.
2. Turn Your Phone into a Study Ally
Instead of seeing smartphones as distractions, many students are using them to their advantage. Apps like Forest help limit screen time, while Quizlet and Anki are popular for creating flashcards. Noxolo, a psychology student at UCT, says, “I record my voice reading notes and listen to them while commuting. It’s like a podcast, but it’s my lecture.”
3. Teach It to Remember It
The best way to learn something? Teach it. Mpumelelo, an engineering student, explains: “I form a study group and take turns explaining concepts to each other. If I can’t explain it clearly, I don’t understand it well enough.” This technique not only builds confidence but also helps reinforce learning by simplifying complex ideas.
4. Mind Maps Over Linear Notes
Visual learners are ditching traditional note-taking for mind maps — colourful, interconnected diagrams that show how concepts relate. Zinhle, a marketing major, says, “Mind maps help me remember things better than reading paragraph after paragraph. I can recall an entire lecture just by looking at my diagrams.”
5. Don’t Just Read — Practice
Memorising theory without applying it is one of the biggest mistakes students make. Lebohang, studying accounting in Bloemfontein, advises: “Do past papers and practice problems. Don’t wait until you ‘feel ready.’ Struggle through the hard parts — that’s how you learn.”
6. Create a ‘Fake Deadline’
Procrastination is real. One clever hack students use is setting a personal deadline a few days before the real one. “I tell myself the assignment is due on Thursday, even if it’s only due on Monday,” says Ayanda, a sociology student. “It gives me room to breathe and edit.”
7. Study in Multiple Locations
Changing your study location can boost memory retention. Tebogo explains: “I switch between my room, the library, and a quiet park. It sounds weird, but I remember things based on where I studied them.”
8. Use the ‘Two-Minute Rule’ to Beat Procrastination
Sometimes the hardest part is just starting. Buhle, a medical student, uses the Two-Minute Rule: “If a task takes less than two minutes, do it now. And if it’s a big task, I commit to just two minutes. Most times, I end up continuing for much longer.”
9. Stay Hydrated and Snack Smart
Brain fog can often be linked to poor hydration and bad snacks. “I keep water and nuts on my desk,” says Kamo. “No energy drinks or heavy meals while studying. It makes a huge difference.”
10. Study Before You Sleep
There’s research to back it up: studying right before sleeping can improve memory consolidation. Musa, a biology major, shares, “I revise key points before bed. When I wake up, I remember them better than if I studied them earlier in the day.”
Final Thought: Find What Works for You
No two students study the same way. The key is to experiment until you find your own rhythm. Whether it’s creating your own flashcards, teaching your dog the periodic table, or using TikTok breaks as a reward, the goal is progress — not perfection.
As South African students continue to face rising academic pressures and limited resources, these home-grown study hacks prove that success doesn’t always come from studying harder, but studying smarter.
And remember — studying is a skill. Like any skill, the more intentional you are about improving it, the more effective you’ll become.
So go ahead: steal a hack or two, tweak it, and make it your own. You’ve got this.
