FAQ

A good study area should be quiet, well-lit, and free from distractions. Ideally, use a comfortable chair and a desk at the right height to avoid physical discomfort. Make sure all your study materials are within reach, so you don't have to keep getting up. A tidy environment helps keep your mind “tidy” too. Avoid places where you usually relax, such as your bed or sofa, so your brain can clearly distinguish between studying and resting.

The library is usually quiet, which helps you concentrate. Being surrounded by other students who are also working can be motivating. It’s a clear, structured environment that often supports better focus. In the library, you place yourself in a work setting rather than a home setting. However, a disadvantage is that you're limited by opening hours and have less freedom to think out loud or move around.

At home, distractions are more likely: your bed is nearby, your phone is within reach, and it’s easy to get sidetracked by “just doing something else.” Your home environment is often associated with relaxation, which can make it harder to get into a focused mindset. That said, studying at home offers more flexibility but also demands more self-discipline.

The effect of music while studying is highly personal, what helps one student concentrate might distract another.

For some, music can be stimulating and enhance focus. It can also help mask background noise, reducing the chance of external distractions. However, it’s important to choose instrumental music. Songs with lyrics can be more distracting, especially when reading or writing.

As a general rule, you’ll need about 25 to 30 hours of study effort per credit over the course of the semester. For a full-time programme of 60 credits per year, that translates to an average of around 40 hours per week, including lectures, assignments, and self-study. It’s important to study consistently, spread out your workload, and keep your schedule realistic.

During the exam period, you might find it helpful to follow the 8-8-8 rule: 8 hours of sleep, 8 hours of studying, and 8 hours for other activities and relaxation.

Not necessarily every single detail, but you do need a solid understanding of the full subject matter. That means grasping the big picture, seeing connections between concepts, and knowing the core ideas of each chapter or theme.

Try to identify what’s truly important, check the learning objectives, focus on what was emphasised during lectures, and review past exam questions. Also keep in mind: aiming to know everything often leads to stress and procrastination. Instead, aim to study with focus and purpose.

Start with an overview of all materials. Gather everything you need: PowerPoints, textbooks, notes, recordings, etc. Then ask yourself:

• What is the core material? (e.g. slides or textbook)

• What is supplementary or in-depth? (e.g. your notes, in-class examples)

Choose to integrate all this information in one place. For example, use the lecture slides as your base and add your own notes, or create a summary or diagram that combines content from all sources. This helps you engage actively with the material and prevents you from studying the same content twice.

Digital tools like OneNote or Notion, or simply a well-organised paper bundle, can support this process effectively.

Whether it is better to study one subject a day or alternate depends on your learning style, the stage of your preparation and the type of learning. Research shows that alternating between subjects (interleaving) enhances long-term learning. It helps make connections, keeps you mentally sharp and strengthens memory.

Nevertheless, it can make sense to concentrate on one subject for a longer period of time, especially in the early stages or with new and complex subject matter. It often takes some time to get into the “flow” of a subject, and in the days just before an exam, focused study on one subject is usually most efficient.

The best approach is often a combination: start with a longer block for one subject, and gradually build up with variety and repetition. In this way, you benefit from the advantages of both strategies.

Concentration starts with limiting distractions. Put your mobile phone away, if you use your laptop, close unnecessary programmes and tabs, and make sure the room is quiet. Work with fixed blocks (e.g. 30 minutes, 1 hour, 2 hours) always followed by a break. Set clear goals for each block, so you know where to focus your attention. A healthy lifestyle with sufficient sleep, exercise and nutrition supports your ability to concentrate. If you notice your thoughts wandering, try to stay gentle with yourself and just start again.

Concentration works better when you are sufficiently stimulated. Studying subjects you find less interesting can make you more easily distracted. Try to give yourself extra stimulation in these subjects, for example by playing soft music in the background or walking around while studying.

Motivation is rarely constant, so don't expect to feel motivated all the time. Try setting small, achievable goals so you can experience a sense of success regularly. Remind yourself of your long-term goal or why you chose this study. Variety in tasks and study places can also help to keep things interesting. Besides, it helps to work on habits more often than just on motivation; setting fixed study times helps to stay on track.

Try breaking large tasks into smaller, manageable steps. Just start with the first small action, even if it's simply gathering your materials. Motivation often comes after you begin, not before. Set personal deadlines and consider using timers or apps to create structure. And don’t be too hard on yourself: procrastinating doesn’t mean you’re lazy, it may just mean you’re feeling overwhelmed.

It’s completely normal to have less productive days now and then. Start by making a realistic assessment of what still needs to be done and how much time you have left. Set clear priorities: what’s essential, and what can be shortened or skipped? Avoid trying to catch up all at once. Spread the work out over the days ahead.

Tip: Build buffer moments into your schedule. That way, if something takes longer than expected, your entire plan won’t be disrupted and you can simply shift unfinished tasks to those buffer slots.

Take breaks at the end of each study block. If you're working in shorter blocks of 25 to 50 minutes, take a 5 to 10-minute break. After a few blocks, take a longer break. Prefer studying in larger blocks of about 2 hours? Then a 30-minute break is perfectly reasonable. Stand up, move around, get some fresh air, or do something completely unrelated to studying.

Breaks aren’t wasted time, they help you stay focused in the long run. If you’ve been staring at a screen while studying, try to avoid screens during your break. A real break gives your mind a chance to rest, not more stimulation.

A certain level of stress is normal, it helps you stay focused. But too much stress can become overwhelming.

Start by creating structure in your day: set fixed times for studying, breaks, meals, and sleep. Then, make space for relaxation, even in small ways. A short walk, listening to music, or a quick chat with someone can make a big difference.

Be kind to yourself, and try not to constantly compare yourself to others. Everyone studies and copes in their own way.

Turn studying into a habit rather than a last-minute sprint. Start early with small tasks, even if there’s no immediate pressure. Set clear agreements with yourself, or with others, and use a planning tool to stay on track.

Reward yourself after each study block, no matter how small. Remember, procrastination is normal. What matters is that you gently guide yourself back on track each time.

Feeling overwhelmed is completely normal, especially during busy periods. Studying happens step by step, so just start with step one. What’s the very first thing you can do right now? Regaining some overview often brings immediate relief.

You don’t have to be perfect to succeed. And you’re not in this alone. Don’t hesitate to ask for help. It’s not a sign of weakness, but of self-care.

Getting enough quality sleep is essential for performing well during exams. Sleep plays a key role in strengthening your memory and improving concentration. During REM sleep, your brain processes what you’ve learned during the day and recharges for the next.

You can improve your sleep in several ways:

• Struggling with racing thoughts? Address your thinking patterns. Visit moodspace.be for helpful resources.

• Relax before bedtime. Aim to unwind for at least 30 minutes before going to sleep. You can try relaxation techniques such as progressive muscle relaxation or breathing exercises.

• Build healthy sleep habits. Your bedtime routine has a major impact on your sleep quality.

You’ll find more practical tips here: Sleep and sleep problems | MoodSpace​