How to study with a low attention span

Many students struggle with a short attention span and focus on various tasks at hand. Especially with the popularity of social media sites like TikTok and Instagram, people's attention span has become shorter than ever. However, if you're a college student, you most definitely need to focus for long periods of time. So in this blog, you'll find tips on how to study with a low attention span.

Study in a quiet place

The first step to studying is to make sure you have a quiet place. A good place for this is any room in your home or office, but if it's not possible for you to use that space, consider turning on some music or playing games on your computer. If this isn't working out for you, try finding another way of distracting yourself from what needs doing: maybe it's time for a walk around the block? Or maybe there's an app that will help distract from studying (like Prolonged Study).

Limit your studying time

Studying for extended periods of time can lead to burnout and fatigue, making it difficult to retain information. To maximize productivity and efficiency when studying, it is important to limit study sessions to a maximum of two to three hours at a time. This will allow for adequate breaks to rest and replenish energy, allowing for greater focus during the next session. It is also essential to make use of the breaks to engage in activities that help relax and de-stress. Proper nutrition and hydration are also important to consider when studying in order to maintain alertness and concentration. By limiting study sessions to two to three hours, students will be able to retain more information while avoiding burnout and fatigue.

Complete assigned tasks first

You will be more motivated to complete tasks you know you have to do. You will also be more likely to finish tasks that are due sooner, so it's important that your professor gives you assignments with a due date set in advance. For example, if there's an exam coming up soon and it's just 100 words long (a simple task), then I would suggest writing those words before class each day until the exam date arrives--even if that means writing only 50 words per day!

Create short-term and long-term goals

Creating long and short-term studying goals is a key factor for success in educational pursuits. Developing a plan of action with achievable goals and milestones can help to keep students on track and motivated. Long-term goals should be ambitious and help to set the overall direction for a student’s studies. Short-term goals should be tailored to fit into the overall plan and support progress towards the long term goals. It is important to have realistic expectations that are achievable and to adjust the plan accordingly as needed. Writing down and regularly reviewing goals helps to keep them on top of mind and ensure that they remain a priority. With this approach, students can maximize their potential and enjoy successful studies.

Your attention span is an important part of studying.

Your attention span is an important part of studying. When you're able to focus on something for a long period of time, it's possible to learn more than if your mind wanders during the process. The ability to concentrate on one thing at a time is known as "attention" and it can be affected by many factors in our lives: age, environment (like noise levels or lighting), health problems such as ADHD or anxiety disorders, stress levels (including financial issues), sleep patterns...the list goes on forever!


Studying is an important part of school and college. It's just as important to take into account your attention span when studying as it is when you are actually doing the work. If you're able to keep your attention focused on what you need to do, then you'll be well on your way towards success!