7 quick fixes for common study problems

Not feeling very motivated is a major problem faced by students in their studies. When you don't have enough inner push to succeed, handling all the work required to pass exams or earn your qualifications can seem difficult.

There can be a number of reasons for lacking motivation, but it’s important to understand why you might be feeling this way. The reasons can be different for each person. Sometimes, you might lack motivation for specific subjects, while other times it can be a struggle for everything you have to learn. Some common reasons for low motivation include:

• You feel tired and worried because you have a lot of things to do
• Other fun activities catch your interest more
• The topic you're studying is dull, or you just don't like it for some reason
• You don't like the teacher for a particular subject
• Other important things are going on in your life right now, so studying doesn't feel necessary
• You don't feel well or aren't getting enough sleep
• You're anxious about not doing well

Can you see any of these problems in yourself? We will talk about each of these study problems in more detail. To improve students’ motivation, it's important to not only deal with these problems faced by students in studies, step by step but also to understand what motivates them. For instance:

Once you understand why your motivation is low and what will encourage you to succeed, you'll be better able to deal with the issue. The above study tip can also be helpful because many of the problems faced by students in studies here are linked to a lack of motivation or are what causes it.

Keeping motivational quotes near where you work can also give you a boost when you're feeling unmotivated. Eating the right foods is important too. For instance, having very sugary foods for breakfast might give you a quick burst of energy at first, but it won't last long and you'll end up feeling tired and finding it hard to motivate yourself.

Study problem no. 2: You are facing too many distractions

Nowadays, many things around us can make it challenging to focus. Things like social media, friends, phones, TV, video games and going out can distract us from studying. If you notice that these distractions are affecting how much you get done, it might be time to use the next study tip –change where you study.

Making a good learning space can be an effective solution for beating these distractions. Remove things from your study area that you know make it hard for you to concentrate. This could be your phone, the internet, or the TV. Save socialising for the weekends and try using a tool that stops you from going on sites like Facebook during study time. If you need a computer for your work, use an app that takes up the whole screen with what you're working on, so you won't be distracted by the internet.

If you find it too tough to study at home because of your study problems, try going somewhere else, like the library. It's a good place because you can put your phone away and it's quiet, so you can focus.

Study problem no. 3: It is difficult for you to concentrate

Even after removing the above problems faced by students in their studies, staying focused can be a big problem. It's quite common to lose concentration and struggle to get things done. We've all experienced that moment when we're staring at a blank page, not knowing how to start and our thoughts wander away. Procrastination is a sign of lack of concentration (among other things). If you often find yourself checking social media or texting instead of working, you need to work on improving your ability to concentrate. This study tip can really help you.

Just like low motivation, difficulty concentrating can have various causes. If something is bothering you and it's affecting your concentration, it's important to clear your mind before starting your work. Writing down the problem or talking to someone about it can help. Going for a walk or doing some exercise might also help you release any pent-up stress before you start working. If it's a bigger issue, speaking to the college counsellor could provide relief or offer a new perspective on dealing with the problem.

Feeling overwhelmed by a large task can also make it hard to focus. Another study tip is to break the task into smaller, more manageable parts. Instead of trying to tackle a whole essay at once, you could divide it into smaller goals like reading a chapter and taking notes, creating an essay plan, writing the introduction and so on. You could even break it down into a certain number of words at a time.

Discovering the best way you learn might make it easier to concentrate. Forcing yourself to work in a style that doesn't suit you can be counterproductive. We all have different learning preferences; some like to work alone, while others learn better in a group. Some find visual aids like diagrams helpful, while others prefer writing things out. Trying out various learning styles can help you find a better approach to studying: one that lets you enjoy your work, remember information better and concentrate more easily.

Lastly, it's important to remember that struggling to concentrate can also be a result of overworking yourself. If you've been pushing too hard without enough rest, it's a good idea to take a break. When you come back, you'll likely feel refreshed and much better at focusing. Follow all the above study tips to enhance your concentration slowly and effectively.

Study problem no. 4: Remembering facts and figures is tough for you

Many students often say that it's hard to remember all the things they need to know for exams. This becomes even tougher when you have to study multiple subjects for GCSE and A-level. Keeping all the facts and figures in your mind for each subject can feel like a huge job. Here comes our next study tip–it's important to learn and understand the information well from the start, as it will make it easier to recall during exams. But if you find it difficult to remember what you need to, using some memory tricks might be useful.

Study problem no. 5: You don’t like the subject you’re studying

At some point during your education, you'll probably come across a subject you don't like. It could be because you find it uninteresting, believe you're not good at it, think it's useless for your future, or simply have a strong dislike for it. This dislike can affect how well you do in that subject. Even not liking the teacher can make you dislike the subject more.

To overcome this, you need to know our next study tip – change the way you think about the subject. Try to see how it fits into the bigger picture of your education. Getting a bad grade in this subject can affect your chances of getting into a good higher education institution, so think about that long-term goal. Also, consider why this subject is part of the curriculum and what skills you can gain from it that might be useful in other areas, even if you don't see an immediate connection to your future career. Understanding the importance of the subject and the value of general knowledge can motivate you.

If you dislike the subject because you think you're not good at it–perhaps a previous bad grade has discouraged you–try building up your confidence. Spend a bit more time working on it and you might find that you start enjoying the subject more.

Study problem no. 6: You don’t have the resources

This is probably the easiest problem faced by students in studies on this list to solve. Doing well in higher education depends on having the right things to help you learn, like the right books, tools, a teacher to answer questions or anything else you need.

If you need books, you can ask your teacher to suggest some good ones, so you don't end up learning the wrong things. When it comes to tools ─ like a new laptop or school supplies ─ talk to your parents about it. If there's a good reason to get new tools that will help you learn better, explain why. If they agree, you might get what you need.

Furthermore, you can enrol in one of the industry-relevant courses at Global Banking School (GBS) to discover the essential resources that can help you succeed in your career. The course curriculum can provide you with the knowledge and skills to excel in the competitive world. You can grow with the help of the tools, guidance and networking opportunities provided by GBS.

Whether you are seeking the right connections or the latest insights about the industry, the institution will help you access the right resources you need to thrive in your career.

Study problem no. 7: You struggle with time management

Studying at any level means managing your time well. If you find it tough to finish your work on time, feel stressed with tasks, or often have to stay up late to complete coursework, it's a sign that you need to improve how you manage your time. This study tip involves being more organised, making a list of what you need to do and the deadlines and starting your coursework as soon as you get it, instead of delaying. It also means being disciplined with your daily routine: waking up early, planning your day and using your time effectively for each subject.

One important thing to remember is that changing your mindset can help overcome many of the problems faced by students in their studies. Having a positive mental attitude can make a difference in handling study problems. If you're feeling stuck, take a break, clear your mind and try to think about your studies in a more positive way. It can make a big difference.

It might sound a bit clichéd, but challenges are meant to be faced and they shouldn't stop you from going after the qualifications you desire. Keep in mind, that you can usually solve many common study problems by simply speaking up and seeking assistance.

GBS is a well-known higher education institution in the UK, recognised for its industry-specific courses in areas such as business, finance, accounts, tourism and more. GBS has a presence across major cities in the UK. The institution is committed to its mission of “transforming lives through education”.

GBS offers various types of support to help you do well in your classes and handle any study problems and personal issues you might face. Whether you need assistance with writing essays, giving presentations, or just some advice on personal matters, the institution extends its support throughout your journey.