Just Begin Again - Methods for Unstucking Your Studies
Yes, unstucking is a word and I don’t apologise for it at all. I’ve been meditating fairly consistently for the last few months (send your congratulatory […]
Performance
3 Wellbeing Traps (and how to upgrade your study workflows instead)
My job as a mental health professional includes telling people how to look after their mental health. But what if you just don’t feel like you […]
Why Your Study Playlist Matters: What the Research Actually Shows 🎵
Public health student Fiyo, on placement with BetterU, explores whether your study playlist helps or hinders learning and why silence might be your secret weapon. Also […]
Do Less, Get More Done: A Subtractive Mindset for Uni Life
Laura, a public health student on placement who’s previously shared smart ways to tame workload and stress, now explores the power of a subtractive mindset, namely […]
End-of-Semester Overwhelm? What I Do When I’m Drowning
Written by Laura, a Public Health student on placement with BetterU, this piece shares her practical system to tackle study overwhelm and stay on track. Also […]
Before You Hit the Books: A 5-Minute Mindful Study Routine
Inspired by my colleagues, me and chatGPT designed a simple five-step study ritual that helps you start with focus, stay mindful as you work, and finish […]
How music shapes our mood: the science behind the sound
Listening to tunes right now? Public Health student Fiyo explores the role that music can play in our wellbeing, with tips on how students can use […]
Kickstart Your Writing: Try a Prompt-Powered Study Group
Writing is a momentum activity and group-based writing sprints can help you build that momentum. On the 18th August and 15th September, I joined an online […]
I've been paying attention to paying attention 🔎
In the mentally hazy email catchup that is my typical Saturday morning, I found two articles on attention that deserve your…. well…..attention. My Saturday mornings usually […]
Crafting a 'good enough' study day
A “good enough” study routine is more sustainable than a perfect one, so focus on key principles, not flawless execution, to build days that help you […]
Let's give this a go - a procrastination mailing list - join up
To be clear, it isn’t a mailing list for learning how to procrastinate (most people I meet are already experts at this). It is about […]
A tip sheet on improving your attention
A fresh BetterU tip sheet offers 8 science-backed strategies to help you reclaim your focus and spend your attention more wisely in a world full of […]
Some more musings on time management
An honest look at time management through three practical lenses – systems, skills, and story – with examples, reflections, and permission to keep evolving your approach. […]
You Got This! (exam pep talk)
I’ll be honest, I’m not particularly good at pep talks. But I do genuinely want you to have a good exam experience. With that in mind, […]
Like Lo-fi & Late Nights: The Perfect Study Combo
Want to actually remember what you study? Combine retrieval practice with spaced repetition for a powerful, brain-friendly learning boost. Not to get overly religious but let […]
Brain Boosters Revisited: What’s Changed (and What Hasn’t)
A reflection on recent research into brain-boosting supplements, revisiting past scepticism and highlighting why I think lifestyle foundations still matter most. Back in 2019, I wrote […]
Evidence-based study, exam preparation and writing tips
Upgrade your study practices with tips from cognitive psychology, neuroscience, and education, empowering you to balance your academic workload, personal life, and well-being. Updated 7/9/26 […]
Procrastinating? There’s an App for That (Actually, Five Kinds)
Explore five types of procrastination apps, each offering a different psychological approach to help you get started, stay focused, and feel better about study. You might […]
Feeling the Pressure of Assignments? SLSS Has Your Back
Struggling with study stress? Discover how SLSS can boost your academic skills and your confidence, right when you need it most. As we approach the end […]
Can the Right Kind of Noise Help You Focus?
Could the right background noise be a useful tool for better focus? A new study suggests it might help—especially for students with ADHD. I recently […]
Losing Focus? You're Not Alone—And Here's How to Get It Back
Tired of digital distractions hijacking your focus? This post explores the reasons behind our shrinking attention spans and offers practical strategies to reclaim your concentration and […]
Launch of the Learning Lounge Online
It is strange how life works. I had just finished authoring an email about the importance of learning how to study and why Student Learning Support […]
5 tips for getting a bit more nature in your day
Can’t get outside? Science says even brief glimpses of nature imagery can lift your mood, soothe stress, and boost your brainpower! Many years back in the […]
Why hello there Innovation and Future Skills workshops!
Interested in developing the skills needed in the future workforce? New Venture Institute’s Innovation and Future Skills workshop program might be right up your alley. When […]