How To Memorize When Studying

Ever spent hours reading your notes, only to forget it all the next day? If so, you’re not alone. Memorization is one of the biggest hurdles for students. The good news? It’s not about “photographic memory”—it’s about techniques.

Memorizing when studying with the right methods can make information stick in your brain longer. You’ll be able to recall it easily at the crucial time: during exams and presentations.

Today, I will be sharing with you, exactly how to memorize when studying to power up your learning potential and study smarter, not harder.

How To Memorize When Studying

1. Understand First, Memorize Second

Memorization works far better when you actually understand the material first. If you’re trying to memorize random words without context, your brain doesn’t know where to “file” the information.

Read the concept carefully. Break it down into smaller ideas.
Ask “why” questions. Look for causes and reasons to build connections.
Put it in your own words. If you can easily explain it, you’re on the right track.

Memorization is much easier once you understand the material because your brain has something to link the new knowledge to.

2. Practice Active Recall

Passively rereading your notes over and over is the least effective way to memorize. You’ll remember far more information if you practice active recall—forcing yourself to recall the information without looking.

Here’s how:

Close your book. Explain the material out loud in your own words.
Write down everything you can remember. Look for gaps.
Quiz yourself regularly, not just on the day of the exam.

The effort of pulling the information out of your brain is what actually locks it in.

3. Chunk Information

Your brain struggles to memorize long, unorganized lists of words. Chunking breaks information into smaller, meaningful sections, which works far better.

Examples:

Group a 10-digit phone number into 3-3-4 instead of 1-0 digits (123-456-7890).
When memorizing history dates, group by century or theme.
With vocabulary, group words by category (food, emotions, technology).

Chunking makes information less overwhelming and more manageable.

4. Spaced Repetition Technique

One of the most powerful memory methods is called spaced repetition. Rather than cramming the night before an exam, you review the material multiple times over days or weeks.

Example:

Review the new material after 1 day.
Review again after 3 days.
Review after 1 week.
Review after 2 weeks.

Apps like Anki and Quizlet automate spaced repetition.

Each time you review the material, your brain strengthens the memory connection.

5. Use Mnemonics and Acronyms

Mnemonics are memory tricks to help you remember complex information by linking it to something simpler. Mnemonics turn dry information into something playful and easy to recall.

Examples:

Acronyms: Use the first letter of each word to form a new word that’s easy to remember (PEMDAS for the math order of operations).
Rhymes: Use a rhyming phrase like “i before e, except after c.”
Stories: Link the facts you need to memorize by creating a short story.

6. Visualize

The brain loves pictures. Turning words into images can make memorization far faster and more effective.

Examples:

Mind maps: Draw diagrams linking ideas.
Flashcards with pictures.
Mental images: Visualize an exaggerated or funny picture in your head linked to the word or fact.

For example, if you need to remember that “hippocampus” is related to memory in the brain, picture a hippo camping in your head. The sillier, the better!

7. Teach Someone Else

Explaining what you’ve learned to someone else is one of the most effective ways to memorize. By teaching, your brain organizes the information more clearly.

Pretend you’re the teacher.
Use simple words to explain the concept.
Answer any questions they ask (even if you ask yourself).

This is called the Feynman Technique—breaking down complex ideas into simple, everyday language.

8. Read Out Loud

Silent reading is good, but reading your notes or textbook out loud will help you memorize. Why? Because it engages more senses—your eyes, your voice, and your ears.

Recite definitions, formulas, or key points out loud.
Record yourself and listen later like a podcast.
Read while walking around to add physical movement.

Hearing the material reinforces memory more strongly than silent reading alone.

9. Connect to Existing Knowledge

Your brain builds memory through connections. The more links you create between new knowledge and existing knowledge, the easier it is to remember.

Examples:

If you’re learning a new language, link new words to similar-sounding words in your own language.
In science, connect new theories to those from previous lessons.
Use real-life examples—relate abstract concepts to things you experience every day.

Think of your memory like a spiderweb. The more connections you make, the stronger it is.

10. Memory Palace Method (Loci Method)

The Method of Loci is an ancient memorization technique first used by Greek scholars.

How it works:

Pick a place you know well, like your home.
Place the items you want to remember in different rooms.
When you need to recall them, “walk” through the palace in your mind.

Example:
Need to remember a grocery list (milk, bread, apples)?

Picture milk spilling on your front porch.
Bread sitting on your couch.
Apples rolling around in your kitchen.

This works great for memorizing long lists or sequences.

11. Take Breaks While Studying

Your brain isn’t a computer—it gets tired. Nonstop memorization for hours is often counterproductive. Instead, use the Pomodoro Technique—study for 25–50 minutes, then take a 5–10 minute break.

Do something physical on breaks:

Stretch, walk around, or get some fresh air.
Drink water.
Avoid endlessly scrolling your phone (it actually tires out your brain more).

Breaks give your brain time to process and absorb information.

12. Get Enough Sleep

One of the most overlooked parts of memorization is sleep. That’s because when you sleep, your brain processes and stores information from the day.

Aim for 7–9 hours of sleep per night.
Don’t pull all-nighters—these lower memory and focus.
If possible, review study material before bed. Your brain will “replay” it while you sleep.

Good rest makes all memorization methods far more effective.

13. Write Things Down

Writing information by hand is proven to boost memory retention because it engages more parts of your brain than typing.

Rewrite definitions or key facts several times.
Create your own study guide by summarizing and condensing notes.
Write formulas or quotes on sticky notes and place them around your room.

Physical repetition through writing reinforces long-term memory.

14. Mix Up Study Methods

Your brain gets bored if you study the same way every day. Keep it fresh by using a variety of methods:

Flashcards one day.
Mind maps the next.
Teaching or quizzing yourself later.

Randomly switching study methods keeps your brain engaged, and overall recall improves.

15. Stay Positive, Reduce Stress

Stress makes it harder for your brain to retain information, which is why it’s so important to stay in a positive mindset while studying.

Take deep breaths before you study.
Stop negative self-talk like “I’ll never remember this.”
Reward yourself after you successfully memorize something.

A calm and confident brain soaks up information far better than a stressed one.

Final Thoughts

Memorization isn’t about cramming or having a “good memory.” It’s about using the right techniques that work with how your brain actually learns.

By understanding first, practicing active recall, using spaced repetition, visualization, mnemonics, and teaching others, you’ll be able to memorize much more easily when studying. Add in healthy habits like sleep and breaks, and you’ll be surprised how much more you can remember.

The next time you sit down with your notes, don’t just read—engage. Use these memorization techniques, and you’ll turn a struggle into a real skill.

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ONWE DAMIAN

Onwe Damian Chukwuemeka is a relationship and self-improvement coach, as well as a final-year law student at the University of Calabar, Nigeria. He has distinguished himself in leadership and service, and has held key positions such as Deputy Director of Public Prosecution in the Students’ Union Government and Justice of the Malabor High Court, University of Calabar, Nigeria. Learn more about him

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