Study tools to slay this year
August 29, 2024
Updated By: Laeba Haider, August 2024
Technological advancements have been a blessing. There is an application for almost everything and there is an abundance of information at our fingertips. These advancements have been especially helpful for education. I use a ton of different apps and resources to make studying more efficient and a little less painful. Here is a list of a few of them I use:
Tomato Timers
I use the Tomato Timers website to utilize a time management technique called the Pomodoro Technique. A time is set out to have an uninterrupted study session. Once the timer goes off, a short break is allotted. The cycle is repeated about four times before getting a longer break. Then the entire cycle is repeated. You can customize how long you want each session to be. I usually set out 45 minutes for my study session, five minutes for my short break, and 15 minutes for my longer break. Tomato Timers is very easy to use and the tomato character on the site is so cute.
TL;DR: Tomato Timers is great for the Pomodoro Technique.
Google Calendar
I really like agendas, but I LOVE using Google Calendar. I colour code my different commitments and I am able to visualize my schedule. I have all my classes, labs, extracurriculars, assignments, and work all in the same place. It helps me stay on top of my work and plan my week. Google Calendar can also be used as a checklist.
TL;DR: Google calendars = An amazing agenda
Studyfetch
This website allows you to upload your files and the AI system will be able to generate notes in seconds! They also released a new feature: "Tutor me", it literally acts like a professor where you can ask questions and circle information you do not understand and it will be able to answer everything! It's like having your very own prof in your pocket!
Source: Studyfetch
TL;DR: Upload files, get instant notes, and use "Tutor me" for explanations—your own pocket professor!
Microsoft Sticky Notes
Although Google Calendar can be used as a checklist, I prefer having a list separate from everything else, and for that, I use Microsoft Sticky Notes. Checklists are a very useful way to stay on top of your work and to be organized. There is nothing more satisfying than crossing things off a checklist!
TL;DR: I use Microsoft Sticky Notes to make my checklist.
Anki
Cue cards are a great way to learn different concepts and terms. However, I did not like how much paper goes into making a stack of cue cards. That is why I like to use Anki. You can download Anki on your computer for free. Anki focuses on spaced repetition, and you can even add voice notes and graphics to the cue cards.
TL;DR: Anki = Modern cue cards
Source: Anki
YouTube
YouTube is a perfect balance of work and play. Not only do I spend most of my study breaks on YouTube, but a good portion of my study time is also spent on this glorious website. In terms of studying, I use YouTube when I do not fully grasp a concept, when I want to reinforce a concept, or when I am getting tired of reading PowerPoint slides. My favourite YouTubers when it comes to working are Crash Course, Khan Academy, and Professor Dave Explains.
TL;DR: I use YouTube videos to help me study different concepts.
Nool
Nool is a great academic resource by our very own Student Learning Centre specifically for math, writing, and study skills. You can find useful videos and articles on Nool.
TL;DR: This was not too long…
Student Life Portal
Do you need to make an appointment with a tutor? Or perhaps you would like to register for a course-specific workshop? What about an equity workshop? If you said yes to any of these questions then the Student Life Portal is right for you! All of these resources are free and very useful. Personally, I usually attend midterm review workshops. A lot of the times the workshops help me figure out what I do not know so that I can spend less time studying concepts that I understand.
TL;DR: The Student Life Portal can be used to book tutoring appointments and to sign up for workshops.
Quizlet
Quizlet is my go-to for digital flashcards and quizzes. It’s super handy for memorizing terms, and you can find pre-made sets on almost any topic. The best part? It helps you focus on the stuff you need to work on most.
TL;DR: Quizlet = Digital flashcards for easy memorization.
Notion
Notion is my all-in-one for notes, tasks, and projects. It’s super customizable, letting me keep everything organized in one place. It also makes your notes look so pretty
TL;DR: Notion = Ultimate tool for staying organized.
Source: Notion
Wolfram Alpha
Wolfram Alpha is my secret weapon for hard problems. Whether it’s math equations, data analysis, or finding quick facts, it works wonders. I use it when I need detailed answers fast.
TL;DR: Wolfram Alpha = Instant answers for complex problems.
Source: Wolfarm Alpha
Spotify
Last but definitely not least, we have Spotify! Spotify is great for students who like to listen to jams as they study. I prepare several different playlists. I think it is important to create a good playlist in advance so that you spend less time searching for what song to listen to next and put more time into studying.
TL;DR: I use Spotify to prepare various study playlists.
