Alright, let’s be real—studying isn’t exactly anyone’s idea of a good time. (Unless you’re some kind of superhuman who loves the smell of textbooks at 2 AM.) But if you have to study, you might as well do it the smart way, right? So, when is the best time to hit the books and actually retain information without feeling like your brain is melting? Let’s get into it.
Morning: The “I Got My Life Together” Study Time
If you’re one of those people who can wake up early without hitting snooze ten times, congrats—you might just have an advantage. Research suggests that our brains are fresh in the morning, making it a great time to tackle complex topics like math, science, or whatever subject makes you want to cry. Plus, you get the added bonus of feeling super productive while everyone else is still groggy.
Best for: Deep focus, critical thinking, and making yourself feel like a responsible adult.
Afternoon: The “I Should Probably Be Doing Something” Study Time
This is prime time for learning because your body and mind are fully awake, but you’re not yet in that post-lunch food coma. Studies show that the early afternoon is great for absorbing new information and solving problems. However, if you just devoured a giant meal, good luck staying awake—your brain might be too busy digesting.
Best for: Reviewing notes, practicing problems, and convincing yourself that you’re being productive before you inevitably scroll TikTok.
Evening: The “I Swear I’ll Sleep After This” Study Time
For night owls, the evening can be an ideal time to study—especially if you thrive in a quiet, distraction-free environment. However, pulling an all-nighter isn’t exactly the best strategy (unless your goal is to forget everything by the next morning and feel like a zombie). That said, nighttime studying can actually be effective for things like reviewing or memorization—just don’t sacrifice sleep for it.
Best for: Memorization, reviewing flashcards, and wondering why you waited until the last minute.
So, When’s the BEST Time?
The truth is, the best study time depends on you. If you’re a morning person, study then. If you’re more of a night owl, do your thing—just don’t pull a marathon study session fueled by energy drinks and regret. The key is consistency and figuring out when you personally absorb information best.
And hey, no matter what time you study, at least you’re doing it. That’s more than half the battle. Now go hit the books! (Or at least pretend to for a little while.)