Let’s be real — studying isn’t always fun. From endless reading to never-ending to-do lists, schoolwork is overwhelming. But what if you could flip the script?
Ready to channel your inner Rory Gilmore or Hermione Granger? Here are all the ways we can romanticize studying to make it not only bearable, but even fun.
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1. Take Creative Notes
Time to bring those colorful pens and highlighters to good use! Creating aesthetically pleasing helps organize your information, and is just more fun.
Time to bring those colorful pens and highlighters to good use! Creating visually appealing notes is not only helpful in organizing information, but also just fun. If you prefer taking digital notes, you can use student templates for Notion, Goodnotes, or Notability to make your notes as creative as they can be! For more tips, check out our complete guide on how to make aesthetic notes on your iPad.
2. Use Aesthetic Tools & Backgrounds
You’d be surprised how much a beautiful background or tool can transform your study experience. When your environment is visually appealing, you’re naturally more motivated to focus and less inclined to procrastinate.
Whether it’s an aesthetic Pomodoro timer or virtual world background that takes you to a Parisian café or Mount Fuji, aesthetic tools make the grind not only bearable, but a delight.
For a free, all-in-one dashboard right in your browser, check out Flocus. With aesthetic backgrounds, personalized greetings, and a customizable Pomodoro timer, Flocus will make it easy to romanticize your study sessions.
If you’re looking for more options, don’t miss our round-ups of other aesthetic study websites, aesthetic study timers, and aesthetic screensavers.
3. Light Scented Candles
Got pre-exam jitters? Light up an aromatic candle to create a soothing and inviting atmosphere for your next study session. If you love studying in the dark, try multiple candles for a dark academia vibe — perfect for reenacting those Hogwarts late night study sessions. Check out our guide on the best lighting for studying for more lighting tricks.
4. Put on a Study Playlist
A great playlist can be the difference between a dreary study session and an inspiring one. Throw on some lofi beats, classical tunes, or even smooth jazz to help you focus. Think of it as the perfect soundtrack during a studying montage with you as the main character. If you’re not sure where to start, check out Flocus Radio on Spotify or Deep Focus playlist.
5. Make a Pre-Study Ritual
Sometimes all you need is a pre-study ritual to help set the mood before a long session. Start with making a cup of tea or coffee, do some light stretches, throw on your headphones, and start your Pomodoro timer. It doesn’t need to be long and complicated – just enough to signal your brain that it’s time to study! Here are some morning routine ideas to get you started.
6. Dress Up for Your Study Session
Your outfit can make a world of difference in how you approach your studies. Even if you’re studying from home, dressing in an outfit that makes you feel comfortable and confident can completely change the vibe for your study sessions. Pick your favorite comfy shirt, or even slip into an elaborate pre-planned outfit complete with hair and makeup. Feel good, perform well!
7. Plan Study Dates
Studying can be super lonely, but it doesn’t have to be. Make studying more social by inviting a classmate or even a new Discord friend to join you for a productive study date. Whether it’s going to a nearby café, local library, or hanging out on voice chat if you’re studying remotely — study dates add some fun and accountability to your study sessions. If you’re taking the same class, you can also ask each other questions and navigate confusing concepts together.
To meet your next study buddy, check out our full round-up of study Discord servers.
8. Create a Vision Board
Pinterest boards and romanticizing go hand in hand. Choose aesthetic photos and your favorite affirmations as you create your own study inspo vision board. By having a clear picture of what you want to achieve in both your academic and personal life, your study sessions will be fueled by purpose — and manifesting your goals will become so much easier. Set your vision board as your wallpaper, or even print them out for your study space!
9. Use Mindfulness Techniques
It’s hard to enjoy studying when your mind is always clouded. That’s why it’s important to organize your thoughts by using mindfulness techniques — like meditation or breathing exercises. Beyond minimizing your school-induced stress, it’ll make studying more manageable.
10. Find Joy in Simple Things
You might not notice it, but student life is filled with wholesome and satisfying moments that deserve to be acknowledged. From being in a class you actually enjoy, to finding a perfect spot in the park during a break, or being able to finally grasp a super convoluted concept — remember to celebrate these small wins!
11. Start a StudyGram or StudyTok
If you’ve been wanting to become a student influencer, here’s your sign. Start a StudyGram or StudyTok page to document your study routine, your aesthetic desk setup, and share your pretty notes with fellow students. Don’t even focus on your following — it’s just a great way hold yourself accountable and engage with the study community! Plus, creating content is a fun way to break up your study sessions.
StudyGram Examples:
StudyTok Examples:
12. Create a Study Journal
If starting a StudyGram or StudyTok seems a little bit daunting, track your study goals and progress in private with a study journal. Study journals are a great tool for recording your ideas, setting goals, and reflecting to keep improving your study habits. Also, writing is a great way to reduce stress!
Our favorite study journals & planners:
- GoodNotes Student Planner
- Student OS for Notion: All-in-One Dashboard
- Digital Student Notebook for GoodNotes
13. Choose a Theme
Are your study sessions becoming boring? Having a specific theme can be something to look forward to as you plan your study sessions. Whether you love a dark academia, anime, minimalist, K-pop, or Harry Potter theme, there are a ton of options to choose from. You can even go the extra mile and invite your study buddies over and make costumes and theme-related snacks!
14. Pretend to be Your Favorite Character
What better way to romanticize studying than by acting as your favorite academic role model?
Draw inspiration from iconic book, film, and TV show characters such as Elle Woods from Legally Blonde, Hermione Granger from Harry Potter, Rory Gilmore from Gilmore Girls, Sheldon Cooper from Big Bang Theory, and Rancho from 3 Idiots.
Check out our full round-up of study motivation movies for character more inspo!
School can be dismal and boring — but it doesn’t always have to be that way. Try these strategies for your next study session, and bit by bit, you’ll be able to romanticize studying and make it a whole lot more enjoyable and rewarding.
How do you plan on romanticize studying for your next session? Are we missing any tips? Let us know in the comments below!
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