5 Productivity Hacks for Busy Students

Between classes, assignments, extracurriculars, and a social life, it can feel impossible to get everything done. Here are 5 science-backed productivity hacks to help you reclaim your time.

1. The Pomodoro Technique 2.0

You've probably heard of the 25/5 rule. But for deep study sessions, try the 50/10 split. 50 minutes of intense, distraction-free work followed by a 10-minute break. This aligns better with your brain's natural "ultradian rhythms."

2. Eat the Frog

Mark Twain famously said, "If it's your job to eat a frog, it's best to do it first thing in the morning." Tackle your hardest, most dreaded task (the frog) before checking your phone or email. Once it's done, the rest of the day feels like a breeze.

3. Digital Minimalism

Your phone is your biggest enemy when studying. Use apps like "Forest" or "Opal" to block social media during study blocks. A single notification can break your concentration for up to 20 minutes.

4. Active Recall Passive Reading

Stop re-reading your notes. It's the least effective way to learn. Instead, close your book and try to write down everything you remember. This forces your brain to retrieve information, strengthening neural pathways.

5. The Two-Minute Rule

If a task takes less than two minutes (like replying to an email, filing a paper, or washing a plate), do it immediately. This prevents small tasks from piling up and cluttering your mental space.