Study Hacks That Actually Work

Alright Gamecocks—finals are here. And yeah, we know the stress is real. It’s that time of year when your Blackboard is a never-ending list of assignments, your group chats are full of deadline panic, and you’re running on iced coffee. But here’s your reminder: studying hard doesn’t mean you have to burn out.

Whether you’re deep in your notes at TCoop or studying with friends at DMSB, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed this time of year. Creating a study environment that works for you is the key to success. At VERVE Columbia, we’ve got private study rooms, cozy booths, and 24/7 access to spaces that help you stay locked in. 

Here are a few game-changing tips, tools, and resources to help you crush finals—without losing your mind.

1. Pomodoro Technique – Study for 25 minutes, break for 5. After four rounds, take a longer break. It’s simple, but it works.
   Try: Focus Keeper or Flora
2. Spaced Repetition + Active Recall – Instead of rereading, quiz yourself and review material over increasing intervals. Use Anki to make it easy.
3. Group Study (but make it productive) – Reserve a conference room at VERVE or hop on a quick Zoom call with classmates. Talking through tough concepts makes a huge difference.
4. Two-Minute Rule – If something takes under two minutes (emailing a TA, reviewing vocab), knock it out. Keep your to-do list under control.

Study Hack Pages to Follow (When You’re Scrolling Instead of Studying)

Upgrade your scroll time with these helpful accounts:

• @studyquill – Aesthetic notes and practical study tips
• @theorganizedstudent – Planner strategies and motivational content
• @motivation2study – Perfect for late-night library energy
• @vervecolumbia – Yep, that’s us. Tips, giveaways, and more to help you survive finals.

Spotify Playlists to Get in the Zone

Your playlist is just as important as your study routine. Here some student favorites:

• “Lofi Beats” – Mellow and perfect for background focus.
• “Deep Focus” – Ambient sound, no lyrics, no distractions.
• “Brain Food” – Ideal for those long paper-writing sessions.

Grab your headphones, find a cozy VERVE study booth, and get to work.

Don’t Forget: Your Brain Needs a Break

We’ll say it louder for the people in the back—drink water, eat real food, and get some sleep. You can’t perform at your best if you’re running on empty. Get outside. Take a walk around The Horseshoe or stop by the Russell House Starbucks. Take advantage of your beautiful campus and give yourself a mental break. 

Study Spaces Made For You

The library is crowded, your roommates are blasting music, and your couch is way too comfy to get anything done. We get it. VERVE Columbia has your back. As a premium option for student housing near the University of South Carolina, we have everything you need to stay focused and feel good, including:

• Private study pods
• Conference spaces
• Cozy booths
• 24/7 coffee bar

All just minutes from campus—so you can stay on track without the hassle.

You’ve made it this far, and you’ve got what it takes to finish strong. Be kind to yourself, take breaks when you need them, and remember: no final is more important than your health.

Want more tips, study inspo, and giveaways? Follow us on Instagram @vervecolumbia

You’ve got this, Gamecocks!