Maizie Simpson

What is The Best Time of Day to Study?

Ah, the timeless debate. Is it best to study during the morning, the afternoon, at night, somewhere in between? Scientifically speaking, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. That’s because it depends — on your habits, your energy levels, your day-to-day schedule … all kinds of factors.

So, we did some research on a few of the most common studying times during the day and matched each one with certain studying personalities and habits. Find the studying style that sounds most like yours to discover your best personal time to study.

 

Best Time of Day to Study

 

You like to study when you feel energized, but need quiet.

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You should study in the morning.

The early morning is a tranquil and quiet time — ideal for peaceful studiers who prefer to study alone. It’s a time to take a deep breath, sip some coffee or tea, and dig in with minimal distractions.

 

You like to study with a little background noise.

You should study in the afternoon.

If background noise helps you focus, the afternoon is your ideal time to study. Find a bustling cafe and camp out there for a few hours with your laptop and notes. The steady flow of traffic in and out of the shop will provide a perfect background rumble to help you get in your zone. (Plus, you can take breaks to people watch.)

 

You like to study with others and take breaks to chat.

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You should study in the late afternoon or night.

Your friends are probably done with their daily responsibilities and tasks later in the day. It’s more likely that they’ll be available to join you for a study group or for a quick brain-break phone call.

 

You like to study on your own, but usually have a lot of questions.

You should study in the late morning or early afternoon.

It’s possible to be an independent studier who asks a lot of questions. If that’s you, then you’re better off studying towards the middle of the day. This is when all the professors, tutors, and experts in your life are awake and available to respond to your questions via email or phone call.

 

You like to study as a way to unwind and relax.

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You should study at night.

For some, studying is a calming and almost meditative activity. If you see it that way, then your ideal time to study is at night. Find somewhere quiet and cozy to study with a light snack, and it could become your favorite way to unwind after a long day of hard work.

 

If studying really stresses you out.

You should study in the morning.

If studying makes you break out into a cold sweat, then it’s best for you to study before you get bombarded with more tasks and stress throughout the day. Your mind is fresh and clear in the morning — take advantage of it and it might help make studying a bit more manageable (maybe even a little relaxing!).

 

If more than one of these describes your study style, try out a few different times and see what works best for you!

 

Author

  • Maizie Simpson

    Maizie writes about Magoosh and gets others to talk about Magoosh. A graduate of the University of Arizona (Bear Down!) with a BA in Journalism, she loves nuanced grammar rules, learning strange languages, and traveling to new places. She has an unnatural obsession with Middle Eastern politics and Mexican food.