5 Study Myths Every University Student Should Stop Believing

When it comes to studying, everyone has advice—some good, some...not so much. As a university student, you’re likely juggling different study techniques and tips, but are they actually effective? Here, we debunk five popular study myths that might be holding you back and share real strategies that will actually help, including how Scholarpal can save you time and stress when tackling homework.

1. Myth: “I’ll Remember More if I Cram the Night Before”

Reality: Cramming can lead to short-term memorization, but it doesn’t lead to true understanding or long-term retention. Instead, try spaced repetition—studying material at intervals over time. Reviewing notes consistently for just 10–15 minutes each day can boost memory far more than a late-night cram session.

Pro Tip: Schedule short, focused review sessions after each lecture to solidify your understanding and reduce the need for last-minute studying.

2. Myth: “Rereading My Notes Over and Over Will Help Me Master the Material”

Reality: Passive reading isn’t very effective on its own. Active recall—testing yourself on what you remember without looking at your notes—is a much more powerful technique. Use flashcards, or quiz yourself on key topics from each chapter.

Pro Tip: Turn your notes into questions, and try answering them at the end of each study session. This helps your brain actively engage with the material.

3. Myth: “I Have to Study for Hours at a Time to Be Productive”

Reality: Long study sessions can lead to burnout and reduced focus. The Pomodoro Technique (25 minutes of focused work followed by a 5-minute break) keeps your mind fresh and your motivation high. Studies show that frequent, short breaks can actually improve concentration and retention.

Pro Tip: Break your study sessions into manageable chunks and take brief breaks in between. This way, you stay productive without exhausting yourself.

4. Myth: “The Best Study Spaces Are Silent”

Reality: While some students do well in complete silence, others find light background noise helps them focus. Experiment with different settings—some students focus better in coffee shops or with background music. Figure out what works best for you!

Pro Tip: Try using apps like Coffitivity for background sounds or even study playlists on Spotify to create an environment that enhances your focus.

5. Myth: “If I Don’t Understand It Immediately, I’ll Never Get It”

Reality: Complex concepts often take time and repetition to fully understand. And when you get stuck on a problem, it doesn’t mean you’re not capable—it just means you need a different approach or some help. This is where Scholarpal comes in: it’s a Chrome extension that allows you to highlight any question or difficult concept and get instant, step-by-step help.

Why Scholarpal Helps: Scholarpal breaks down tough problems so you can actually understand each step, which helps you build confidence in challenging topics. Instead of giving up, you can learn at your own pace with the support you need.

Studying effectively isn’t about following every piece of advice you hear—it’s about using techniques that work for you. Don’t let these common myths hold you back. Try out these real, research-backed strategies and use tools like Scholarpal to get through tricky homework questions with ease. Say goodbye to study stress and hello to smarter learning!