University life throws a lot at you—new subjects, packed schedules, and the constant pressure to perform. With so much to learn, it’s normal for students to stress about studying. The good news? There's no single "right" way to study. The best approach is the one that actually works for you. Whether you learn best on your own, or you’re someone who needs a little extra structure to stay on track, here are some of the most effective study styles—along with UVU resources to help you make the most of each one.
What Type of Studier are You?
Every student learns differently, and what works for your roommate or classmate might end up being a waste of time for you. Knowing your personal learning style can end up saving a lot of time and frustration in the long run. Before you try any of the methods below, take a moment to think about which type of studier sounds most like you.
1. The Solo Deep-Diver
Your ideal study session has a snack, a perfect playlist, and zero interruptions. You’re not antisocial—you just know you get more done when it’s just you and the material. You read the textbook, take your own notes, make your own flashcards, and prefer to figure things out on your own terms before anyone else muddies the waters.
Solo Deep-Diver Study Method: Active Recall & Spaced Repetition
If you do your best work alone, lean into strategies that are proven to stick. Active recall means testing yourself on material rather than passively rereading notes—think flashcards, practice problems, or closing your book and writing down everything you remember. Spaced repetition takes this further by spacing out those review sessions over time, so information moves from short-term to long-term memory. It’s a good idea to plan your study schedule for the week in advance, to make sure you get enough review time for each subject.
UVU Resource for Solo Deep-Divers: Academic Coaching
If you want to sharpen your personal study strategies, the Academic Coaching and Education Standards (ACES) program offers one-on-one coaching to help you build study habits tailored to your learning style. Each UVU student can use up to four sessions per semester. It's free, and you'll walk away with practical, evidence-based tools that last beyond any single class.
2. The Structured Sprinter
You sit down to study, but your mind is everywhere else—your phone, the ceiling, the existential question of whether you made the right major choice. Once you’re working on an assignment you’re fine—it’s getting started that’s hard. You work best when the time is structured and the end is in sight.
Structured Sprinter Study Method: Pomodoro Technique
If your energy and focus comes in short bursts, you might find a lot of success using the Pomodoro Technique. Here's how it works:
- Choose one task to focus on.
- Set a timer for 25 minutes and work with full focus.
- Take a 5-minute break.
- After four rounds, take a longer break (15–30 minutes).
- Repeat.
The genius of this method is twofold: it makes large, intimidating tasks feel manageable, and it builds in guilt-free rest. Your brain gets a reward for focusing, which makes it easier to start the next sprint. It's especially effective for writing assignments, problem sets, or any task where procrastination is your biggest enemy.
UVU Resource for Structured Sprinters: The Writing Center
It’s easy to lose momentum on writing assignments, especially big research projects. Check out The Ultimate Guide to Academic Research for tips throughout the entire research process. For more direct support, the UVU Writing Center is a great complement to a Pomodoro session. Book a session to get unstuck at any stage—brainstorming, drafting, or editing—and then use your Pomodoro blocks to implement the feedback.
3. The Collaborative Learner
Explaining a concept to someone else helps it click for you. The course material makes a lot more sense to you after you hear a classmate’s interpretation of the principle. Some people genuinely absorb information better in conversation, when you can consider the topic from different angles and perspectives.
Collaborative Learner Study Method: Study Groups & Peer Teaching
Students that learn by talking about the material with friends usually benefit from group study sessions. Study groups work best when everyone comes prepared and there's a loose agenda, so you're not just socializing.
One of the most powerful versions of this style is peer teaching. Each person in the group takes a turn "teaching" one of the topics or concepts to the group. If you can explain it, you understand it.
UVU Resource for Collaborative Learners: Supplemental Instruction
Supplemental Instruction(SI)is built for students who prefer to study in groups. These are free, peer-led study sessions for select courses, led by students who have already succeeded in the class. SI Leaders are trained to run effective study sessions and to teach study skills that can help throughout your college career. Multiple sessions run each week and are tied directly to your course content. To find out if Supplemental Instruction is available for your course, browse: Course Lookup.
4. The Parallel Reader
You find yourself magically more productive in a coffee shop or library just because other people are around. There is something about being surrounded by other people that helps you focus on your work, even when they’re sitting three tables away and doing their own thing.
Parallel Reader Study Method: Body Doubling
Body doubling is the practice of studying or working in the presence of another person (or group), even if you're not interacting with them. Their physical presence creates a low-level sense of accountability that keeps your brain on task. This strategy is particularly well-documented for people with ADHD, for whom the external structure of another person's presence can significantly reduce distraction and task-avoidance. But honestly, it works for a wide range of students who simply struggle to self-motivate in isolation.
UVU Resources for Parallel Readers: Library Study Spaces and Study Zone
The Fulton Library offers a variety of study rooms and study pods where you’ll be surrounded by other focused students. Individual study pods are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Group study rooms can be reserved up to six days in advance for up to four hours, so you and a friend can hold each other accountable without any pressure to constantly interact.
UVU Accessibility Services supports body doubling in their weekly Study Zone. Each Thursday afternoon, students gather in a quiet, structured space where they can study alongside peers and receive other study skill support.
5. The Multimodal Scholar
You don’t have one go-to study method. What worked last Tuesday might feel completely wrong today, and you’ve learned to just roll with it. One day it’s color-coding your notes, the next it’s meeting up with friends to quiz each other on the material. Many students don't fit neatly into one learning style—and that's completely fine.
Multimodal Scholar Study Method: Be Intentional
Research increasingly supports multimodal studying: combining visual tools (diagrams, highlighted notes), auditory methods (listening to lectures), and kinesthetic approaches (writing by hand, walking while reviewing flashcards). Many students learn best when they interact with course material in a variety of formats. The key is intentionality. Don't just do what feels comfortable—challenge yourself to engage with material in more than one way.
UVU Resource for Multimodal Scholars: Academic Tutoring
With three different on-campus tutoring labs, students can choose between in-person and online tutoring sessions. UVU offers Academic Tutoring for 549 courses and offers both drop-in and scheduled sessions. A tutor can help you figure out which approaches work for a specific subject, whether that's working through equations step-by-step or talking through concepts out loud. They can also connect you with other resources across campus that will help you get closer to achieving your educational goals.
Study Smarter
Great studying isn't always about the amount of time you spend in the books. In many cases, it's more about working in a way that fits how your brain actually operates. Experiment with these styles, combine what works, and don't hesitate to use the free resources UVU puts in front of you. That's what they're there for.