Read and prep before class: the habit that makes everything easier

Ever sat in class thinking, "What is happening right now?"

The teacher is halfway through explaining something, everyone else seems to get it, and you’re still trying to figure out what the topic even is.

That lost feeling is awful. But it's totally avoidable.

Here’s one of the simplest, most underrated study tips: read the content before class, and write some notes ahead of time.

It might sound a bit nerdy, but it works. And once you try it, you’ll never want to return to winging it again.

🧠 The shift: From “what’s going on?” to “I’ve got this”

When you take 10–15 minutes to read or skim the topic before your next class, something changes. You walk in with background knowledge already forming. You’re able to listen more, spot what matters, and build on what you already know. That’s when learning becomes easier, and way less stressful.

You don’t need to understand everything in advance. You just need a starting point. A bit of context. Something for your brain to build on.

💡 Why it works

Here are a few reasons this one habit makes such a big difference:

1. You write less in class, and listen more

When you already know the general content, you don’t need to scribble every word. You’re free to actually listen, which means you absorb more of the discussion and teacher explanation.

2. You catch exam hints

Teachers give away more clues than they realise. When you’re looking up and paying attention, you notice repetition, voice changes, or emphasis, all signs of what might be on the test.

3. You build stronger memory

New information sticks better when you connect it to something you’ve already seen. That’s what happens when you prep ahead. It’s like giving your brain a head start.

4. Class actually makes sense

You know what’s going on. You don’t feel like you're constantly trying to catch up. That sense of calm understanding in class makes the whole experience less stressful.

5. You can ask better questions

You’re not lost, so you can engage. Teachers do appreciate it when students pay attention and ask questions in class. It shows them that you're listening. Plus it helps you learn more and improves understanding.  

6. You feel more confident

When you know what’s coming and what's being discussed, you feel prepared, calm, and legendary. That feeling is empowering, and it builds confidence that you have it covered.

7. You’re already starting your exam prep

You’re not waiting until two weeks before the test to start learning. By preparing before class and supplementing your notes afterwards, you’re building revision material in real time.

🤩 How to do it (without it taking forever)

This doesn’t need to be a big project. Keep it simple.

1. Skim the content the night before. Focus on headings, bold terms, diagrams or summaries.
2. Write down 3–5 key points you expect will come up in class.
3. Create short, question-based headings in your notebook, ready for the next day.
4. Leave space to add extra detail during class.

Then, when you're in class, you just top up your notes instead of trying to copy everything from scratch.

✨ Want tools to help build on this habit?

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