Top tools and apps that helped me study smarter, not harder

Hi, I'm Mamtaz. As a LLB (Hons) Law student in my final year, I'm well-versed in the stress and struggle of juggling lectures, part-time work, and other personal commitments. Along the way, I discovered that staying on top of my obligations without burning out is by studying smarter, not harder.

In this blog, I will share some free and accessible tools, personal tips, and creative ways that have helped boost my creativity and productivity while making the most of my study time.

Forest: distance from your phone and remain focused

Apps such as Forest are revolutionary as they help you stay off your phone while studying.

The theory is simple: plant a virtual tree that grows while you focus. If you leave the app, the tree dies. Forest grasps productivity in a surprising, motivating manner. I often used it alongside the Pomodoro technique – 25 minutes of fully concentrated work, followed by a 5-minute break – to maintain focus.

Notion: all-in-one organisation

Notion became my digital brain.

I often used it to create a structure, whether planning an essay, tracking my revision, or tracking my weekly aims. Its flexibility meant I could tailor it to each module, whether preparing last-minute revision notes, planning group presentations, or tracking assignment deadlines. The best bit: it's free for students.

Quizlet: make revision less mundane

As a law student, having a strong memory and recollecting information is crucial. With dozens of case names to remember, legal principles and definitions, Quizlet was my go-to.

I created digital flashcards and tested my knowledge, whether I was on the bus or with friends. The ‘learn’ and ‘match’ games made revision more engaging rather than repetitive and tiring. It also helped me with active recall, which is a better method than re-reading notes that, after a while, the brain cannot pick up on.

Pen, paper and Post-it notes: still productive

Despite living in a time when we are all absorbed by digitalisation and technologies, there is still a high success rate and satisfaction that comes from ticking off tasks on paper. I used sticky notes on the wall to remember all the tasks that needed completion, case names, laws, and key exam dates. Writing things down helped me process and remember information more effectively.

When is the best time to start studying?

There is no set answer for when to start studying, but the best answer would be as soon as possible. I found that doing a quick revision every day and an in-depth revision once a week, even 30 minutes, meant I did not feel the exam stress or have to cram the information I needed to remember. Starting early gives time to ensure that all study material is fully understood.

Studying smart is not always about doing everything perfectly. It is more about building small but smart habits that lead to the bigger picture over time.

Focus mode: on.

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