5 Homework Hacks for Busy Students

Whether you’re prepping for a class test, revising for the SATs or completing a college course, you’ll want to reduce the amount of time it takes to get through your work. Whatever you’re studying, you can get your homework done in a fraction of the time it usually takes when you employ these homework hacks for busy students:

1. Eliminate Distractions

Distractions are one of the main reasons why students end up spending way too long on their homework. When you’ve got younger siblings playing nearby or your cell phone beeping with notifications, it’s going to be difficult (or impossible) to give your work your full attention. Not only will this increase the amount of time it takes to get it done, but it can also affect the quality of your work.

To eliminate distractions, find a quiet place to work, so you won’t be disturbed by other people. If this isn’t viable at home, take a trip to your nearest library instead. In addition to this, set your phone to silent or leave it in your bag, so you won’t be tempted to pick it up.

2. Use Online Tools

If you’re midway through your homework and realize you don’t have all the equipment you need, it’s going to delay the process. Rather than having to take a break to search for a calculator, protractor or thesaurus, use online tools to get the answers you need more quickly. If you’re taking an algebra class and need to find the value of X on the outline of a rectangle, for example, you can easily calculate the perimeter online. Similarly, if you’re prepping for an English Literature test and want to decode an author’s work, an online dictionary and thesaurus will provide all the help you need.

3. Get into a Routine

Homework is going to be part of your life for as long as you’re a student, so resistance is futile! By setting up a workable routine, however, you can minimize the amount of time it takes to complete your work and enjoy the extra free time you have. Some students prefer to get their homework out of the way as soon as possible, which may mean getting straight down to work as soon as you return from school. If you prefer to take a break first, set yourself a dedicated time in the evening to complete your routine. By doing some homework every day, rather than leaving it all until the last minute, you’ll find it much easier to stay on top of your work and hit deadlines with ease.

4. Use Time Management Techniques

Trying to do hours of work in one sitting is rarely successful. The human mind works best when you operate in short bursts, which is why time management strategies can be so effective. As well as ensuring that you get the maximum benefits out of the time you spend working, sticking to a defined schedule helps to develop discipline.

The Pomodoro Technique is one of the most popular time management strategies out there and millions of students and professionals use it to streamline their workflows. All you need to do is work in 25-minute bursts, before taking a five minute a break. Every time you complete four ‘pomodoros’, take a break of between 15-30 minutes.

5. Stay Hydrated and Eat Regularly

When you’re sitting at a desk working, you may not be burning many calories, but this doesn’t mean your body doesn’t need fuel. By eating snacks regularly and consuming a healthy amount of water, you can ensure that you’re able to concentrate effectively and perform at your best. If you go too long without eating, your blood sugar level can drop which may lead to headaches or difficulty concentrating. Similarly, even relatively mild dehydration can cause a range of symptoms, including fatigue and confusion. By making sure that you have a healthy snack on hand and working with a bottle of water alongside you, you can give your body the energy it needs to work optimally.

Streamline Your Homework Routine

Completing your homework is rarely going to be the most exciting part of your day but it’s something that has to be done. By using these hacks to help you streamline your routine, you can increase the quality of your work and minimize the amount of time you spend on it. What’s more – you’ll find that you’re able to retain and recall information more easily when you have a reliable homework routine.