A Student’s Guide to Building Healthy Study Habits

Let me start by saying this: I’ve worked with dozens of students struggling with English, from those who can barely string a sentence together to those who write essays that could make Orwell nod approvingly. And one thing is clear: it’s rarely about natural talent. It’s about the habits you build.

When I was a student, my own study habits in English were… well, let's say they involved a fair bit of last-minute scrambling and hoping for the best. Now, having helped countless students navigate essays, grammar nightmares, and Shakespeare’s trickiest lines, I know what makes a difference. Although this blog is filled with GCSE English examples, the lessons on building study habits will apply to all of your subjects. 

So, here’s the honest truth: developing healthy study habits isn’t some magical overnight fix. But if you’re willing to put in a bit of steady, organised effort, your confidence — and your grades — will thank you.

1. Routine: The Unsung Hero of Success

English can feel like a giant, messy mountain: essays to write, vocabulary to learn, poems to understand. Without a routine, it’s easy to procrastinate or feel overwhelmed.

From my tutoring sessions, the most successful students set up small, manageable study slots. Instead of “study English” plastered on a to-do list, it’s “write one paragraph of essay practice”, or “learn five new words”, or “read and annotate one stanza of poetry.”

Make it part of your daily rhythm and be specific and realistic about your goal setting. It might feel boring, but routine helps your brain know what to expect and, crucially, reduces the “where do I start?” confusion that so often leads to procrastination.

2. Organise Your Notes Like You’re Preparing for a Trial

English is all about language and ideas, so your notes should be your best friend, not a chaotic pile of half-read handouts.

I always tell my students to keep notes organised by theme, text, or skill—for example:

• Vocabulary and idioms you come across in reading
• Key quotations for each text (Shakespeare, Dickens, or whatever’s on your syllabus)
• Grammar rules that trip you up (like when to use “who” versus “whom”)

If you’re digital-savvy, apps like Notion or OneNote make it easy to keep track of ideas, examples, and essay plans all in one place and on any device. 

If you prefer paper, a well-labelled folder with dividers works wonders—just make sure you date your notes so you can track your progress.

Remember, the goal is to build a resource you can dip into during revision, so you’re not trying to reinvent the wheel every time you write an essay.

3. Spaced Repetition Isn’t Just for Vocabulary Lists

I’ve seen many students cram vocab lists the night before a test, only to forget half of them by exam day. Instead, spaced repetition works wonders.

When you come across a new word or phrase in a novel or poem, add it to a flashcard system or vocabulary journal. Review those words after a day, then a few days later, then weekly. This simple habit turns passive recognition into active knowledge ready to be applied..

The same goes for grammar points or literary techniques. Rather than trying to learn everything in one frantic session, revisit and revise bit by bit. It’s the difference between remembering “juxtaposition” as a fancy word and being able to spot it and explain its effect in an exam.

4. Self-Assessment: The Secret Weapon of Top Students

One of the biggest mistakes I see is students avoiding self-assessment because they’re scared of getting it wrong. But regular self-testing is key to improvement.

After writing practice essays or answering comprehension questions, take time to review your work critically:

• Did you answer the question directly?
• Are your paragraphs clear and focused?
• Did you use evidence from the text effectively?

Keep a “Log”—a notebook or document where you jot down recurring errors, confusing grammar points, or ideas you struggle to express. Maybe you often confuse “affect” and “effect,” or you struggle with integrating quotes smoothly.

Each week, set a goal to work on one or two of these weak spots. When exams come, instead of facing a blank page, you’ll have a tailored revision plan waiting for you.

5. Ask for Help Before It’s an Emergency

GCSE English online tutors, teachers, and even classmates are there to help, not to judge. Yet many students suffer in silence because they’re embarrassed or think they should just “figure it out.”

The truth is, asking questions early can save hours of frustration later. Whether you’re confused about Shakespeare’s archaic language, need help structuring your essay, or want feedback on your use of persuasive language, don’t wait. You risk going too far down the wrong path so that it’s harder to unlearn your mistakes.

In my sessions, I encourage students to bring their toughest questions—sometimes it’s just a tiny grammatical doubt, other times it’s a whole theme that’s baffling them. But once you get clarity from constructive feedback, everything feels a little less daunting.

6. Procrastination Is the Enemy. Break Tasks Down Like a Pro

English assignments can feel endless—reading chapters, analysing themes, drafting essays, and memorising quotations. It’s no wonder students freeze up.

What works? Breaking the mountain into molehills. Instead of “write an essay,” try:

• Choose your essay statement
• Write an introduction paragraph
• Find three quotes for your argument

If you’ve been keeping that “Log” or note bank, you’ll have a ready-made checklist of areas to practice. So, when revision hits, you’re not overwhelmed by “everything,” but focused on “this one tricky bit.”

7. Habits Over Motivation

You won’t always feel inspired to read “Great Expectations” or revise punctuation rules. And that’s OK.

From my experience tutoring, the students who improve the most don’t wait for motivation—they build habits. They study at the same time daily, even if it’s just 20 minutes. They review notes routinely. They practice essay writing regularly.

Try linking study to something you already do—like reviewing vocabulary after breakfast or annotating a poem before brushing your teeth and going to bed.

This is called habit-stacking, and it’s really effective at introducing new habits very quickly. Track your progress and celebrate small wins. Habit-building beats motivation every time.

8. Make Your Future Self a Lifesaver

Imagine opening your exam revision folder and finding:

• Clear, dated notes on every GCSE English text
• A glossary of vocabulary that actually sticks
• A “Log” full of challenges you’ve already tackled
• A personalised revision checklist ready to go

That’s what healthy study habits give you: peace of mind, confidence, and time.

Your future self will thank you for every note you took, every question you asked, and every habit you built.

In Summary:

• Build a study routine that fits your life and brain
• Keep your notes tidy, themed, and easy to revisit
• Use spaced repetition to lock in vocabulary and skills
• Test yourself regularly and track your weak spots
• Don’t hesitate to ask for help early
• Break down big English tasks into manageable chunks
• Build consistent habits over relying on last-minute motivation
• And above all, be kind to yourself—you’re learning a language, not just facts

I’ve helped dozens of students find their footing in English, and I’m here to help you too. Book a session with me on Sherpa using my profile link here, and let’s tackle those essays, vocab lists, and tricky grammar together.

Otherwise, feel free to contact another experienced and qualified online tutor on Sherpa.