Overcoming Procrastination: Study Hacks for Students
Picture this: it’s 10 p.m., your essay’s due tomorrow, and you’re scrolling Instagram instead of writing. Sound familiar? I’ve been there, staring at a blank screen, promising myself “just five more minutes” of distraction. Procrastination hits hard, whether you’re an international student juggling visa jobs and new study norms or a local student swamped with exams and social plans. But here’s the good news - science-backed hacks can help you kick procrastination to the curb. These four practical tips, tested by research, will get you studying smarter, not harder, so you can ace your uni game in Australia.
Try the Two-Minute Rule
Start tasks with a tiny step that takes just two minutes. Need to write an essay? Open a doc and type one sentence. Studying for biology? Skim one page. This trick beats overwhelm by making the start feel easy. I used it to tackle a stats assignment - one sentence led to a full draft by midnight.
International students, if English assignments feel daunting, write a simple opener like, “This essay explores…” Studies show small actions trigger momentum, reducing procrastination by up to 40%. Local students, use this to dive into readings between footy practice.
Use the Pomodoro Technique
Work in 25-minute bursts with 5-minute breaks - aka the Pomodoro Technique. Set a timer (try apps like Focus Booster), focus on one task, then reward yourself with a quick stretch or snack. After four “Pomodoros,” take a 15-minute break. I powered through a finance assignment this way, finishing faster than ever.
For international students, short bursts help when language fatigue kicks in. Local students, it’s perfect for squeezing study into busy days. Research confirms Pomodoro boosts focus and cuts procrastination by keeping your brain fresh.
Create a Distraction-Free Zone
Your phone’s notifications are procrastination’s best friend. Put it in another room or use apps like Forest to block distractions - Forest grows a virtual tree while you focus, which is weirdly motivating. Study in a quiet spot, like a library nook or your dorm desk, with just your notes and water.
International students, if homesickness tempts you to check WhatsApp, schedule family calls after study. Local students, dodge group chat chaos during work time. Studies say minimizing distractions improves task completion rates, helping you stay on track.
Set “If-Then” Plans
Plan specific actions for when procrastination strikes. For example, “If I feel like procrastinating, then I’ll do one Pomodoro to start.” Write these plans on a sticky note by your desk. Use “If I’m avoiding my lab report, then I’ll read one source” to get rolling.
International students, this helps navigate cultural study differences - like group-focused learning back home vs. solo tasks here. Local students, it curbs Netflix binges. Research shows “if-then” plans strengthen willpower, making you 70% more likely to follow through.
Power Up Your Study Game
Procrastination doesn’t stand a chance against these hacks. Use the two-minute rule, Pomodoro bursts, a distraction-free zone, and “if-then” plans to stay focused and smash your uni goals. Want to level up your study habits? For more wellbeing tips, check ReachOut Australia to keep your mind sharp.
Your next A+ is waiting - start studying like a pro today!
References
Australian Government (2023) ReachOut Australia: Student mental health and productivity. Sydney: ReachOut Australia. Available at: https://www.reachout.com (Accessed: 28 February 2025).
Pychyl, T. A. and Flett, G. L. (2012) Procrastination and self-regulatory failure. New York: Oxford University Press.
Steel, P. (2007) ‘The nature of procrastination: A meta-analytic and theoretical review’, Psychological Bulletin, 133(1), pp. 65–94. doi: 10.1037/0033-2909.133.1.65.
Zimmerman, B. J. and Schunk, D. H. (2011) Handbook of self-regulation of learning and performance. New York: Routledge.
Disclaimer
This blog contains links to external websites and platforms for informational purposes only. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or compensated by any of the organisations, platforms, or services mentioned. All references are provided to support students and readers in accessing useful resources.