Engineering has been one of the most challenging academic paths I have ever pursued. Between the demanding coursework, complex problem-solving, and fast-paced semesters, it’s no wonder so many engineering students (myself included) struggle to keep up. The good news? Using the right study techniques can make a huge difference in your performance and confidence. As a senior mechanical engineering student, I feel uniquely qualified to break down some proven study methods that actually work for us. Whatever discipline you are studying, these tips will help you boost your learning efficiency, information retention, and staying motivated.
Understanding Engineering Study Challenges
Before we dive into solutions, I think it’s important to recognize the unique academic pressures that we face as engineering students.
- Heavy Coursework and Technical Subjects: From differential equations to thermodynamics, engineering programs are loaded with content that requires deep understanding and application
- Complex Problem-Solving: Engineering isn’t just about memorizing formulas-it’s about using your analytical thinking to solve real-world problems
- Time Management Struggles: I’m intimately familiar with this one (talk about it a bit here). Juggling labs, projects, lectures, and exams can be WAY overwhelming without proper planning
Proven Study Techniques for Engineering Students
A. Active Learning Strategies
Passively reading through a textbook won’t get you through an engineering degree. You have to be actively working through and learning the entire time. Some different ways to do that include:
- Feynman Technique: Teach what you’re learning in your own words. “See one, do one, teach one” from Grey’s Anatomy, if you will. If you can explain it, you truly understand it
- Mind Mapping: Visualizing connections between concepts, systems, and formulas can help you better understand how everything fits together
- Hands-On Practice: Working practice problems is always a great way to learn, get stuck, get help and gather more knowledge
B. Effective Note-Taking Methods
Smart notes = smarter studying
- Cornell Note-Taking System: This is a great method for breaking your notes into key ideas, summaries, and cues for easy revision
- Digital Tools: Use apps like Notion, Evernote, OneNote or GoodNotes to organize notes, sync across devices and search quickly. You can see my thoughts on apps like GoodNotes for taking notes here!
- Summarization & Self-Quizzing: Turn your notes into short summaries (or ask tools like ChatGPT to) and quiz yourself often which will help reinforce your memory
C. Mastering Time Management
Every successful engineering student has one thing in common: solid time management. Here are some awesome techniques to help you with your time management skills:
- Pomodoro Technique: Study in 25-minute focused blocks with 5-minute breaks to stay fresh and avoid burnout
- Eisenhower Matrix: Prioritize tasks by importance and urgency-great for managing labs, projects, and deadlines
- Structured Study Schedule: (CRUCIAL for me) Block out specific times for classes, review, and rest to build routine and discipline
D. Leveraging Technology for Learning
Using the right tools always makes life easier.
- Top Apps: Wolfram Alpha for solving equations, MATLAB or Python for simulations, and whatever CAD software your school uses for design tasks
- Online Resources: Platforms like Khan Academy, Coursera (one of my new favs), and YouTube offer excellent free tutorials on nearly every topic known to man
E. Collaborative Learning and Group Study
Studying in a group can be incredibly beneficial IF you stay on task. The key to solid group work is managing your topic discussion and staying on task as much as possible.
- Study Groups: Collaborate with classmates to tackle tough problems and share different problem-solving approaches
- Teach What You Learn: Explaining topics to others strengthens your own understanding
- Effective Group Sessions: Set goals, assign topics, and keep sessions focused to make the most of your time together
Practical Tips for Retaining Information
Information retention is everything in engineering, where concepts build on one another.
- Review Regularly: Don’t cram, whenever possible. Schedule time weekly to review and reinforce older material
- Spaced Repetition: Use apps or your own system to revisit information in increasing intervals
- Real-World Applications: Link what you are learning to real-life engineering problems to make abstract ideas more tangible and memorable
Managing Stress and Staying Motivated
Staying motivated is one of the hardest things when going (suffering) through an engineering degree. It’s intellectually demanding, emotionally and physically taxing. It’s important that you understand the impact of stress on your body. It reduces your memory and focus. Recognizing it early is key. To stay motivated, set small and achievable goals. Celebrate your wins and remember why you chose this degree in the first place. Lastly, practice self-care. Sleep, nutrition and exercise really aren’t optional. You have to make time to take care of yourself or you will be less successful (I’ve lived this myself).
Engineering isn’t always about working harder, but working smarter. Using active learning study techniques, leveraging study tools, managing your time wisely, and taking care of yourself, you can put yourself in the best position to thrive. Every student learns differently, so don’t be afraid to switch it up and try new things! What works for you probably won’t work for your neighbor. Most importantly: it’s a marathon, not a sprint. Slow down and breathe. You got this!
