Key takeaways
- Studying for a subject you strongly dislike can feel intimidating and leave you with very little motivation.
- With a changed perspective, a game plan in place, identifying what is easy and hard, rewarding your progress, and keeping the end in mind, you can find that studying is a lot more manageable—and a lot less dreadful.
- To study a subject you dislike, try experimenting with your learning styles, ask for help, get creative with the material, study earlier rather than later, study with friends, use helpful methods like the Pomodoro Method, and relate the material to your real life.
You really need to study for one of your classes, but the dread is already setting in. You are not alone. Many students often prefer the courses that align with their major, but the additional classes can sometimes feel like a chore. Maybe the topic feels unnecessary, or the subject content is difficult, but the truth is: these classes are still important to your education. With an open mind and these 13 helpful studying tips, you can turn your least favorite subject into something you can manage—and dare we say, something you may even enjoy.
1. Change your perspective
While you might believe the worst about the subject you are studying, it can make all the difference to shift your mindset. You don’t need to suddenly fall in love with the class or switch your major, but constant negative thoughts can impact how well you actually do in the course. Try searching for parts of the topic you do like and focus on that. And if the class does pertain to your major, remind yourself why you need to study the topic. If it contributes to your long-term student, career, or financial goals, it’s worth the time and effort.
2. Make a study schedule
If you absolutely dread the idea of studying for a specific subject, put it on your calendar and create a study schedule. For example, if you decide to study every Tuesday and Thursday night, you can mentally (and emotionally!) prepare for it. Maybe you grab your favorite dinner or drink beforehand to make it feel more manageable. When you know exactly when you plan to study, you are more likely to follow through with it.
3. Experiment with your learning style(s)
You may not like the way the subject is taught in class because it doesn’t match your learning style. Maybe the class format doesn’t click with you, or the lectures feel endless. If that’s the case, try learning the material in a way that does fit your style. Maybe you’re a visual learner who learns best with diagrams and videos. Find a tutorial video online. If you learn better with other people, form a study group and make it interactive. There’s no one right way to learn. Find what works best for you and make it easier on yourself.
4. Ask for help
Sometimes, students say they hate a subject just because they don’t quite understand it yet. If this is you, don’t be afraid to ask for help from a teacher, classmate, or even a tutor. When you find someone else who has a great interest in that subject, it will be easier for them to teach it to you in a relatable manner. Even online resources, such as YouTube, can be a great option.
5. Turn the material into something creative
Not all studying has to be staring at a notebook or typing on a blank document. Make the material work for you by turning it into something more creative—and enjoyable—to help you learn better. Try options like:
- Drawing charts, mind maps, or pictures
- Making videos of yourself explaining the subject
- Using voice memos to listen back to
- Writing short summaries of the chapters you read with colorful pens
- Creating a catchy song and repeating it often
- Using online study tools to make it more fun
6. Relate the subject to your real life
Subjects become much easier to understand when you can make connections to your everyday life. For example, if you are studying biology, think about the nutritional properties of foods (fats, proteins, and carbohydrates) and how they react with your body. You can then mentally assign everyday foods to each group: rice for carbs, coconut oil for fats, eggs for protein. Now, the chapter you’re reading feels a lot more familiar. When you link concepts to everyday situations, they make more sense and feel a lot less abstract.
7. Label what is easy and what needs more attention
Annotate, annotate, annotate! When you read through your textbook or notes, start to underline keywords and highlight key concepts. As you review, begin marking concepts you understand well as “easy” and the ones that still feel confusing as “needs more attention.” This helps you see exactly where to focus your energy. Over time, the “needs more attention” sections will start to shrink, and the material will feel more manageable.
8. Study with your classmates
If you have difficulty studying independently, try forming a study group with friends. It may help to find classmates who are also struggling with the material so that you can work together towards solutions. Study groups can also keep you more focused and make the process feel less isolating. Plus, the camaraderie from working together will help make studying significantly more lively and enjoyable.
9. Keep the end in mind
Sometimes a class just feels extra tough. But the good news is that it won’t last forever. Most of the time, you can leave that subject behind and move on. Remember that this is just a small part of your education; it is not something you have to endure for the rest of your life. Keep reminding yourself that this is all temporary.
10. Start studying as early as you can
When your final exam rolls around, it is going to be much more difficult to cram the night before—especially if you hate the subject. Give yourself a head start by studying early so you’re not trying to learn everything under last-minute pressure. The sooner you start—even if it’s just 15 minutes at a time—the less overwhelming it will all feel.
11. Reward your progress
It’s more than okay to give yourself small incentives for showing up—you don’t have to wait for exams to be over to celebrate! If you finally understand that calculus formula or your literature notes suddenly clicked, that’s a win. Reward yourself with takeout from your favorite restaurant or unwind with a favorite movie. Studying a subject you don’t enjoy takes discipline, and rewarding your progress can help you stay motivated until the final exam.
12. Use online study tools
Long study sessions can already feel like a marathon, especially when the subject isn’t your favorite. To help boost your focus and prevent burnout, try using online study tools designed to make studying easier. Apps like Hemingway can help strengthen your writing for English classes, while Evernote keeps all of your notes, information, and research in one spot. Finding the right tools for you can make the toughest subjects feel more manageable.
13. Choose a study environment that feels good to you
If you already dislike the subject you are studying for, don’t make it harder on yourself by working in a space that drains you. Instead, find a place that brings you joy. Maybe that’s a coffee shop, an outdoor space, or in the comfort of your dorm room. When your environment supports your mood, your motivation also gets a boost.
Turn challenges into opportunities
Studying for subjects you hate may seem unappealing and daunting. Although these subjects are unfavorable, there are some ways to make studying the material more enjoyable. Always remember that the subject is not permanent; it’s great to add creative flair to your study methods, and a new perspective can work wonders. Follow these 13 steps, and watch your grade soar in no time.
Even if you take a course you don’t like, the right college can help you focus more on what you do love. College Raptor’s College Match tool makes it easy to explore schools that fit your strengths, interests, and goals.
