The 5 Best Study Habits for High School Freshmen to Develop Early

The 5 Best Study Habits for High School Freshmen to Develop Early

As a freshman, it is crucial to develop high quality study skills to do well throughout your highschool career and the rest of your educational journey. Many highschoolers learn this late, and if you learn the skills that can make you successful now, you’ll most likely be ahead of your fellow classmates (16). Building these routines early can truly enhance your grades and set you up for future success (1). They help stay organized, focused, motivated, and prepared. Five of the best study habits that high school freshmen can develop are creating their ideal study environment, time management skills, understanding how to use active learning strategies, maximizing your learning style, and building a routine or schedule to help enhance your learning. 

Key Takeaways

- Developing good study habits is crucial for freshmen to excel in high school and beyond that, such as in the workplace or while pursuing higher education.

- Creating your ideal, personalized study environment can make studying more efficient and organized.

- Learning time management helps with getting everything done on time and efficiently.

- Understanding how to use active learning techniques can help retain information and improve long-term retention of material (1).

Identifying your learning style and incorporating it into your study routines and habits helps to reduce stress and improve time management skills.

- Building a study routine or schedule that works for you early on can make a significant difference in academic performance.

Why Developing Strong Study Habits in Your First Year Matters

Getting good at studying in your first year of highschool is the key to doing well in later years. To build strong study habits, plan ahead, work smart, and don't put things off (2). It's also important to work with others and take care of yourself to reduce stress (3). By doing these things, you'll get the study skills needed to do well.

Research shows that students who study well in their first year do better later on and feel less stressed (4). Also, effective study habits help you remember things better and understand hard subjects (3). Personally, I feel that if I had focused more on developing new and improved study habits during my first semester of highschool, I wouldn’t be spending as much time wondering if there’s a better way to study for my classes that will get me a higher grade. So, focusing on high quality study habits can greatly help you succeed in the long run.

Creating Your Ideal Study Environment

To start forming strong study habits, it's important to first create a well-built and organized study space. Ideally, this space should be quiet, comfy, organized, and contain few distractions (5). This environment will help lower your lower stress levels and boost your learning, leading to better grades (5).

Something I didn’t look into when I created my study space was the lighting and noise. A naturally lit room, such as my own room, has been proven to improve mood and focus (5). However, if that isn’t an option for you, it is best to opt for LED lights instead of harsher lights, because they can cause anxiety and restlessness (17). If your household or study environment is noisy like mine, it could influence the quality of the work you produce, so in some cases it may be necessary to invest in good quality noise cancelling headphones. Another cheaper option that I personally use is to get some earbuds and play some focus enhancing sounds or music in the background while studying so that it can block any other distracting sounds.

Here are some playlists on Spotify that I recommend for people that are trying to find out which type of study music is the best fit for them:

- soothing 🍵 by ashleigh🌱(@mysweetchubs): this is a collection of nature, calming instrumental, and vibration ambience sounds

- LOFI COVERS of popular songs🌛2025 by BeatTape: the title says it all but it’s basically the lofi versions of popular songs in any genre of music

- Motivating study music that actually works by O L I V E: this is a playlist of classical instrumental music that be calming and energetic 

- melancholy classical masterpieces by trinity: almost 10 hours of beautiful, classical piano music that’s just perfect for studying at night

- Study music with lyrics by Amalia Mihalec: a collection of pop songs that are great for studying and features artists such as Harry Styles, Daniel Caesar, and Clairo.

Remember, good study habits take time and effort to build, and starting out with simple steps, such as creating your ideal study environment, are the first steps to improving your chances of success in school (6). Soon, you'll use even stronger study habits!

Time Management Techniques That Actually Work

Effective time management is a skill that I wish I would’ve practiced more in middle school to prepare myself for highschool. It is crucial in balancing your schoolwork, social life, and extracurriculars. I felt that learning time management was overwhelming because there are just so many resources on the internet and deciding which works best for you takes commitment, time, and a strong willingness to learn. When trying to determine which tools and techniques you prefer, it is crucial to remember that while developing well-built study habits early assists you in managing time better, using them regularly will ultimately decide which is the best for you.

Quick Tips

It has been proven that planning ahead, either by using a calendar or any other tool, for studying purposes boosts time management (7). Additionally, trying to study at the same time daily can influence the brain to create an automatic habit of studying during this specific time (7). 

Using Digital Planning Tools

Using digital planning tools is one of the best ways for students wanting to improve time management to develop this skill efficiently. Depending on what apps and/or websites you use, they can help create schedules, set reminders, list your activities, and track your progress. 

My top 3 apps/websites that help me with time management:

1. Finch- this app uses various methods, such as habit trackers, mood trackers, and to-do lists, to help you get tasks done, take care of yourself, and help you (and your birb) grow.

2. Habitica- this is an app that also has a website, and it serves as to-do list as well as a habit tracker 

3. Flocus- this website enables you to set full screen timers and plays background music to help you study

Breaking Down Study Sessions

Another useful method that can help you develop time management skills is dividing study sessions into smaller parts. This helps stay focused and avoid burnout. I usually set aside a list of tasks to do for each of my sessions and take around 15 minute breaks in between my hour-long sessions. 

My top tips when using this technique

- It is helpful to use a digital calendar, such as Google Calendar, to schedule sessions and break times in order to keep track of them (18)

- I recommend writing a list of what you need to get done that day and then ordering them from highest to lowest priority. After you’ve done that, dedicate specific tasks to specific study sessions (18)

- Learn which combination of session and break timings work the best for you. For example, there’s the Pomodoro Method, 52-17 method, the 112/26 method, etc. 

The Power of Active Learning Methods

Study habits such as active recall and spaced repetition keep information in your mind longer and may even land it in long-term memory. Studies show that actively learning improves retention by 25% and can boost in remembering what you’ve learned (8). 

Some active learning methods include summarizing, making flashcards, and teaching others. They are effective in the way that they help you connect with the material to remember and understand it better. By using these, you can improve study habits and get better grades. For example, active recall and spaced repetition can make you remember up to 80% more than usual study methods (8).

By sticking to a study plan and reviewing notes often, you can use active study methods 50% more9. Remember, good study habits are crucial for success. By adding active learning to your study routine, you can improve study habits and reach your goals.

Maximizing Your Learning Style

As a freshman, this is a key to start good study habits early. Understanding and incorporating study routines that fit your learning style can significantly boost your grades and lower stress levels. Studies show that knowing your learning style can make studying 30% more effective (10).

There are many ways to enhance your learning, such as visual, auditory, and kinesthetic methods. Visual learners do well with diagrams and charts, auditory learners benefit from listening to audio recordings, and kinesthetic learners prefer hands-on activities. Using these different methods efficiently in your study routine can help you find the best option for you.

Remember to give everything a chance because these skills can raise your grades by 35% (11)!

By mixing and matching multiple time management skills, active learning techniques, and different learning-style strategies, you can craft a study plan that best suits your needs. Be open to changing your routine as you learn more. Consistent study habits can also lower stress before exams, especially with good time management (12).

Building a Sustainable Study Routine

To develop effective study habits, you need a study routine that fits you. Planning ahead and using a calendar to book study times is a great way to do this (13). This way, you can make the most of your time.

Try to start small when building a lasting study routine. It’s also important to set goals, like studying a certain amount of time each day (13). If you have trouble with this, you can try the Pomodoro technique: study for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break (13) or any other similar technique.

Focus on building good study habits too, like making a schedule and sticking to it (14). Use active learning methods like self-testing and teaching others (14). These techniques can help you understand and remember what you study better.

Conclusion

Starting your freshman year is exciting, but remember, building good study habits takes time (15). It requires dedication and a willingness to try new things. But it will be worth it and the benefits are huge – you'll focus better, get higher grades, and set yourself up for success later on.

Personally, I would’ve loved to know about the benefits of starting to learn these skills early on when I started high school so I hope this article was helpful, especially for upcoming ninth graders.

Remember to try everything at least once and know that you will definitely find what works for you eventually!

Make a study space free from distractions (15). Use active learning methods (15) and memory tools (15) to reach your best. Regular study sessions (15) and managing your time well (15) will keep you on track and avoid common freshman mistakes.

With the right habits, you're on the path to future success and fulfillment.

FAQ

Why is it important for freshmen to develop good study habits early on?

Starting with strong study habits in college is key to success. It boosts your GPA and sets a solid foundation for the future. It also helps reduce stress.

How can freshmen create an ideal study environment?

A good study spot is crucial for focus. Look for a quiet place, avoid distractions, and use tech to improve your study time.

What are some effective time management techniques for freshmen?

Managing time well is vital for balancing school and social life. Use digital tools, break study sessions into chunks, and find a balance.

How can active learning methods benefit freshmen?

Active learning keeps you engaged and remembers information better. This section will show how to use these methods in your studies.

What are some key study habits for freshmen to develop early?

This section will cover essential study habits. Learn about note-taking, reviewing, and improving memory.

How can freshmen maximize their learning style?

Knowing your learning style is crucial for success. We'll explore different learning methods and how to use them in your studies.

How can freshmen build a sustainable study routine?

A consistent study routine keeps you on track. We'll share tips on planning and using a calendar to stay organized.

What digital tools and apps can help freshmen with their studies?

Digital tools keep you organized and focused. We'll look at apps for focus and taking care of yourself even when you have many tasks.

Source Links

1) 11 Good Study Habits to Develop - https://www.coursera.org/articles/study-habits

2) How to build good study habits - https://www.solomonadmissions.com/post/how-to-build-good-study-habits/

3) Cowles Library: Research Support: Study Skills - https://library.drake.edu/research-support/study-skills

4) Developing Effective Study Skills Matters! - https://heritageacademyaz.com/developing-study-skills/

5) Top Tips for Creating an Ideal Study Space - https://mblexguide.com/top-tips-for-creating-an-ideal-study-space/

6) How to Build Good Study Habits: The Ultimate Guide - https://sayhellocollege.com/blog/how-to-build-good-study-habits/

7) 10 Time Management Skills and Techniques for Students - https://www.simplilearn.com/tutorials/time-management-tutorial/best-time-management-tips-for-students

8) Enhancing Study Skills through Peer Learning: A Pathway to Success - https://blog.joinknack.com/enhancing-study-skills-through-peer-learning-a-pathway-to-success

9) 10 Study Habits of Highly Effective Students - https://www.listening.com/blog/10-study-habits-of-highly-effective-students

10) How To Study: The Best Study Habits For Students - https://noveleducationgroup.com/how-to-study-the-best-study-habits-for-students/

11) Unlocking Academic Success: The Power of Study Skills - https://www.carfax-education.com/news/post/unlocking-academic-success-the-power-of-study-skills

12) Effective Study Strategies for Teenagers | ETC - https://etcfoundation34.org/effective-study-strategies-for-teenagers-maximizing-learning-potential/

13) How to Shift from Cramming to Consistency in Your Study Practice - https://debrasmouse.com/how-to-shift-from-cramming-to-consistency-in-your-study-practice/

14) Building Healthy Study Habits for Long-Term Well-Being - https://challengesuccess.org/resources/building-healthy-study-habits-for-long-term-well-being/

15) 12 Best Study Habits of Students to be Successful in School - https://www.splashlearn.com/blog/study-habits-of-students/

16) Why 9th Grade Is so Important- https://www.fayschool.org/k-9-learning/why-is-ninth-grade-so-important

17) Top Classroom Lighting Ideas For Enhanced Learning- https://vorlane.com/classroom-lighting-ideas/

18) The Scientific Argument for Mastering One Thing at a Time- https://medium.com/personal-growth/the-scientific-argument-for-mastering-one-thing-at-a-time-