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Greetings, everyone, and welcome back. I hope that you’re all having a fantastic week and staying bundled up because, oh my god, it got really cold out. I normally start my mornings at 5:30 a.m. to hit the gym at 6 a.m., and let me tell you:

This morning was a mental battle.

While I’ve established new routines that I’d love to tell you about, I actually got a question asking how I study as a pre-medical student here at the University of New Haven, and it got me thinking. There are many methods and tactics I use, in addition to the external ways I supplement my learning.

Learning is a diverse thing. Not everyone studies the same way, nor in the same style. We all have our own methods and adjustments to fit our preference. Some people study better by writing notes, while others need to be doing the action physically (i.e. speaking) in order to understand it. That being said, these are studying habits that I’ve picked up over the years that work with my personal needs. Do what works for you, and the rest will fall into place.

Tip #1: The Pomodoro Method

This is one of my favorite ways to go about studying (so much so that I’ll never stop recommending it to people), as it allows me to get into the zone and really delve into the given material while giving my brain breaks.

The Pomodoro Method involves setting a timer to a ratio. Whether it be studying for 25 minutes with 5 minute breaks, or 60 minutes with a 30 minute break, these timers are meant to tell your brain that a break is on the way so full focus can be enabled. This method is great for classes that test your memory, precise definitions, or other particular items that you must know like the back of your hand. Classes that I’ve used this method for include:

• General Chemistry I & II
• Organic Chemistry I & II
• Anatomy & Physiology I
• Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) I & II
• Probably other courses that I don’t remember, but pertain to the biological sciences

I will normally use the Pomodoro Method while utilizing Quizlet: the best studying website known to man. Do I pay the $35/year subscription? Yes. Do I use this website for almost everything I need to study? Also yes. It offers a digital format that allows for repetitive learning through active recall in multiple formats — flashcards, “write” mode, tests, etc. I’d highly recommend using it!

Tip #2: Silence

I know a lot of people enjoy listening to music, podcasts, or having just general background noise while they study, and that’s totally chill! However, as I’ve gotten a bit better at this whole college thing, I’ve realized that a little bit of silence goes a long way. Not only does it help me focus on the material at hand, but I can hear myself reading the material in my head.

Maybe I’m just weird, but that’s just how I work, lol.

For those trying to find a nook to nestle into, the Marvin K. Peterson Library has an amazing quiet floor for you to use! I love the plants up there, and sitting next to the windows gives me all the Vitamin D I need.

Tip #3: Studying One Hour Every Day & Scheduling Studying

Okay, okay — let me debunk this. Studying one hour every day is if you really want to be an overachiever superstar. For the normal folks (Author points at herself) I will normally enact this method when I know there is an exam requiring memorization, in alignment with a Pomodoro timer. When it comes to scheduling studying, let’s use a three-chapter test as an example:

• Day 1: Collect and organize materials
• Day 2: Study the least recent material (CH.1)
• I always start with this because you will have memories of doing it, but they need to be refreshed. Also, prior units support future ones, so starting at the beginning will help you understand the following material.
• Day 3: Study what you studied the day before once over, and make sure it’s solid. Start CH.2
• Day 4: Study CH.2 until it’s solid, touch CH.3, which should be the most recent and fresh chapter.
• Day 5: CH.3 finalization
• Day 6: Full Review!
• I usually do my full reviews with my professors, friends, classmates, or even regurgitate all the material to my mom.
• Teaching is the best way to review, in my opinion.
• Day 7: Test Day!
• How to ace a test:
• Eat a lot of carbs (i.e. two waffles)
• Study until the last moment
• Believe in yourself

Pretty simple, no? While these are only a few of the methods I use, I hope that they’re able to help you with your studies and allow for some new habits to form.

Author, reading this article for review: “I actually sound like a responsible adult. That’s kinda cool.”

Also author: [blows up her oatmeal in the microwave at 3 a.m., cue consequent crying] “My OATS!”

Yeah, maturity. Wahoo.

Anyways, I hope everyone is doing well and staying warm. Make sure to spend time with your friends (and tell them you love them), eat some good food or make your favorite dish at home, and make time to take care of yourself. As much as studying is important, it’s not a determinant of your value as an individual.

Sending hugs and love.
With peace, love, and peanut butter,

Beatrice Glaviano ❤️

Beatrice Glaviano ’26 is a nutrition sciences major at the University of New Haven.