For students, the first few weeks of resumption is more than just about picking seats or reuniting with classmates, it’s the perfect opportunity to lay a strong academic foundation. Establishing good study habits early in the term is like drawing a map for the journey ahead. It reduces stress, boosts confidence, and ultimately leads to better outcomes both inside and outside the classroom.
But for many students, especially those juggling multiple subjects, extracurricular activities, and personal responsibilities, it can be easy to fall into the trap of academic procrastination. One missed reading leads to another, until catching up feels overwhelming. That’s why developing strong, consistent study habits from the beginning of the term isn’t just helpful, it’s essential.
Education experts and psychologists agree that our habits, particularly when formed early, shape not just our academic performance but also our self-discipline, resilience, and time management skills. According to a study published in the Journal of Educational Psychology, students who establish effective study routines within the first few weeks of term are significantly more likely to retain information, engage actively in lessons, and perform better on assessments. More importantly, good study habits reduce the mental burden of last-minute cramming. They create a rhythm, a sense of balance between study and leisure, allowing students to approach their work with clarity rather than chaos. In Nigerian schools, where class sizes are often large and curriculum-packed, independent study becomes even more important. Students who take ownership of their learning and organise themselves early tend to stand out. Not because they are necessarily more intelligent, but because they are better prepared.
One of the key elements of effective study habits is routine. It’s not enough to simply say “I’ll study more this term.” That intention must be backed by a structured plan. A routine isn’t about studying all the time; it’s about allocating consistent, focused periods for learning. For instance, setting aside 90 minutes after school each day, with breaks in between, can make a huge difference. And routines aren’t one-size-fits-all. Some students are most alert in the morning, while others retain information better at night. The goal is to build a habit that aligns with one’s natural rhythm. Students can use planners or mobile apps to block out their time and track progress. Simple tools like Google Calendar, physical notebooks, or study timers can go a long way in helping students stay accountable to their goals.
It’s difficult to focus when you’re surrounded by distractions. That’s why creating a conducive study environment is another critical aspect of building good habits. Whether it’s a quiet corner of the home, a library, or even a classroom after school hours, having a designated spot signals the brain that it’s time to focus. Good lighting, comfortable seating, and minimal distractions can enhance concentration and prevent fatigue. If home environments are too noisy or unstable, a reality for some students, schools and community centres can provide quiet study hours or after-school programmes to bridge the gap. Parents also play an important role. Encouraging designated “study hours” at home, limiting screen time during these periods, and showing interest in what the child is learning can reinforce the importance of academic responsibility.
Another key habit students should adopt early in the term is setting clear, realistic academic goals. These could be subject-specific. For example, improving in Mathematics or writing better essays in English or more general, like participating more in class discussions or submitting homework on time. Goals give purpose to a study routine. They help students stay motivated and offer a way to measure improvement. Importantly, they should be SMART — Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Let’s say a student wants to “do better in Biology.” That goal is vague. But a SMART version would be: “Review Biology notes every Monday and Wednesday for 45 minutes and aim to score at least 70% in the next class test.” That’s something a student can track and be held accountable to.
Even with the best of intentions, students can fall into common traps, chief among them being procrastination. Often, students delay studying because tasks feel too big or because they are unsure where to start. One way to tackle this is through the “chunking” method,. breaking big tasks into smaller, manageable parts. Rather than “study for the exam,” a student can focus on “summarise chapter 1” or “review key definitions.”
On the other hand, some students swing too far in the opposite direction, burning themselves out with excessive study hours. Balance is key. Leisure, exercise, sleep, and social interaction are not luxuries, they are vital components of a healthy learning lifestyle. Students should learn early that productivity isn’t about studying the longest, but studying the smartest.
Study habits are often stronger when students aren’t trying to go it alone. Study groups when done right can provide encouragement, clarification, and accountability. They allow students to test their knowledge by teaching others, ask questions without fear, and feel less isolated in their academic journey. However, students should choose their study partners wisely. A good group consists of peers who are serious about learning, punctual, and willing to contribute. When peer influence is positive, it can reinforce consistency and even make learning enjoyable.
While much responsibility lies with students, teachers and school administrators have a powerful role to play. Educators can support good study habits by sharing learning strategies, breaking down large assignments into smaller deadlines, and offering feedback early and often. Schools that introduce students to concepts like time management, note-taking techniques, and goal setting, especially in lower secondary years often see better academic performance across the board. Some forward-thinking schools even run workshops at the start of term to prepare students mentally for the months ahead.
In conclusion, the start of a school term offers more than just a chance to buy new books or catch up with friends. It offers a clean slate, a moment to choose discipline over delay, action over avoidance. For students who want to perform better, feel more confident, and reduce stress, building good study habits from day one is one of the smartest decisions they can make.
