Top 5 Study Habits That Don’t Work Well in University and College (and What to Do Instead)
By Erin House & Tracey Ropp
Starting Post-Secondary Strong
You’re about to head off to university or college—what an exciting time! You worked hard in high school, performed well, and now you're ready for this next big chapter. You probably plan to maintain the same level of performance. You’ve heard post-secondary can be harder, and maybe someone even told you to expect your grades to drop.
But what if they didn’t have to?
Many students head into university or college assuming that the same study habits that earned them top marks in high school will continue to serve them well. But in our work with students, we often see them feel caught off guard when their usual strategies no longer lead to the grades they’re used to.
If you’re hoping to start strong and stay steady throughout the term, a few simple adjustments to your approach can make all the difference.
Understanding the Shift
Post-secondary education is different from high school in ways that aren’t always obvious until you’re in it:
You're in charge now. No one reminds you to attend class, turn in assignments, or keep track of deadlines. That’s all on you.
The pace is faster. Each course moves quickly and covers much more content than you’re used to.
Your schedule can be misleading. With only 3–5 hours of class per course per week, it may feel like you have tons of free time—until the homework piles up.
You’re expected to apply knowledge. Exams won’t just test memorization. You’ll be asked to analyze, apply, and evaluate what you’ve learned.
Grades often rest on fewer assessments. It’s not uncommon for one or two assignments or exams to make up most of your mark.
Getting help can feel harder. While support exists, it may be intimidating to seek it out. You might not know where to start or feel unsure about approaching your professors.
There’s more to do. Readings, labs, problem sets, discussion posts—it’s a lot to manage. Knowing how to keep up is part of the learning curve.
Building on What You Know
Here’s the good news: you’re not starting from scratch. You already have skills that can help you succeed—but they may need to be adjusted to meet post-secondary expectations.
When we work with clients, we emphasize that developing thoughtful learning habits early on helps students build a strong foundation. If you make changes at the beginning of the year, you’ll be ready to learn more effectively—and that effort will pay off when it counts.
It might take some practice, but you can absolutely build the skills you need to feel confident in your learning.
What to Stop (and Start) Doing
Here are five common study habits that tend to fall short in university and college—and what you can do instead.
Cramming the Night Before a Test
Why it doesn’t work: There’s simply too much content to master in one night. Cramming doesn’t allow for deep understanding or time to clarify confusion with your prof.
What to do instead: Start early. Use a study plan to break the content into manageable chunks over days or weeks. Spaced learning—reviewing material over time—is far more effective for long-term memory and understanding.
Re-reading or Re-writing Notes
Why it doesn’t work: These are passive strategies. They might feel productive but don’t promote the depth of understanding needed in post-secondary.
What to do instead: Learn actively. Answer practice questions, teach the material to a friend, make concept maps, or connect ideas to real-world examples. The more you engage with the content, the better you’ll understand and retain it.
Studying for Hours Without a Break
Why it doesn’t work: Your brain gets tired, focus fades, and motivation dips. Long stretches lead to diminishing returns.
What to do instead: Try working in short, focused intervals (like the Pomodoro technique: 25 minutes of work, 5-minute break). Use breaks to recharge—get outside, move around, have a snack. It boosts the quality of your study time.
Relying Only on Class Time to Learn
Why it doesn’t work: In university and college, lectures are just the tip of the iceberg. Required readings, assignments, and additional resources all contribute to your understanding.
What to do instead: Be proactive. Know what’s expected outside of class time and build it into your weekly routine. This helps you stay on top of things and avoid last-minute scrambles.
Studying Alone Without Seeking Support
Why it doesn’t work: It’s harder to stay motivated, and there’s no one to turn to when you hit a roadblock.
What to do instead: Build your support system. Talk to your instructors, go to office hours, study with classmates, or find a tutor. Connection helps fill in gaps and keeps you accountable.
Encouragement for the Road Ahead
Adjusting to post-secondary-level learning takes time—and that’s okay. The skills that helped you succeed in high school are still valuable, but they need to grow with you.
We support students in making these kinds of changes every day. Whether you're navigating your first year or trying to bounce back from a rough start, know that with the right tools and support, you can learn more effectively and feel more in control. If you're ready to build the study habits that work for you, we’re here to help. Reach out to learn more about how we support students in our individual psychotherapy practices.
The ideas shared in this post are for general reflection and informational purposes. Everyone’s needs are different, and this content isn’t meant to replace personalized or professional support. If you’d benefit from one-on-one guidance, consider reaching out to us, or another qualified professional. In our independent private practices we offer counselling and psychotherapy virtually to individuals living in Ontario, Canada.