How to Study Smarter, Not Harder: The Cambridge System

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❤️ Work harder. Study more. You've heard these words before, but sometimes it can feel like you’re getting nowhere despite all the hard work and effort you’re putting in. I want to offer an alternative — these are 7 simple key habits I’ve built in my 7 years at Cambridge University which are all about finding smarter ways to study, achieving more while working less.

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» References 🤓
Books:
The Pomodoro Technique by Francesco Cirillo
Eat That Frog! by Brian Tracy
Rest: Why You Get More Done When You Work Less by Alex Soojung-Kim Pang

Articles:
Understanding the Pareto principle (The 80/20 rule)
The 80-20 Rule (aka Pareto Principle): What It Is, How It Works
How Resting More Can Boost Your Productivity
The Pomodoro Technique
The Rule of 52 and 17: It's Random, But it Ups Your Productivity

Studies:

[Sayalienglishlearning]

🎯 Key Takeaways for quick navigation:

00:00 📚 Studying smarter, not harder, is crucial for academic success.
01:08 💼 Co-working with friends enhances camaraderie, accountability, and effectiveness.
02:36 🧠 Apply the 80/20 rule: Focus on core topics for 80% of results in studying.
04:17 🤔 Curiosity boosts learning efficiency; being genuinely curious aids memory.
06:23 💤 Rest and breaks improve productivity and creative thinking.
08:53 ⏱️ Pomodoro Technique (25-min focused intervals) enhances motivation and learning.
10:31 📅 Scheduling three study blocks daily diversifies learning while maintaining focus.
11:25 🐸 Tackle difficult tasks early in the day for better productivity.

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[originalvisual]

I‘m finally starting university after working for three years after high school. I used to watch these types of videos and get really overwhelmed but now I finally feel like I‘m ready and get excited thinking of what I‘m about to learn. Thank you for sharing your tips, i will definitely use them💓

[isalutfi]

I love your accent. I wish I would study at Cambridge one day.

[DOC]

Make learning as fun as possible. As a former medical student, I used totally other techniques for learning. Taking multiple breaks when brain gives signal to do so ( not a clock), breaks for music listening, breaks walking out in nature etc.. Reward your brain with these breaks. Follow what works for you.

[VOLUTION]

The way you explained the pareto principle was great - I hope you return with new videos soon. You're one of my favourite youtubers and you inspired me to approach my own content through a whole new paradigm!

[ansonchang]

Thanks for your great sharing.
1. the co-working habit - 與好朋友一起讀書
2. the core content habit - 應用80/20法則, 讀懂20%核心知道可以得到 80% 結果
3. the curiosity habit - 要保持好奇心去學習
4. the less-is-more habit - 適當休息 讓學習更有效率
5. the sprint habit - 採用番茄工作法 (每25分鐘 focus 一個章節, 然後休息5分鐘)
6. the triplet habit - 每天安排三個學習時間, 每次不同topic
7. the frog habit - 先完成最困難的部分, 比較有學習效率

[luqmanali]

Love watching your videos. This video brings back memories of my time at Cambridge studying Computer Science.

[fr]

I have long been a fan of the idea that learning is boosted by genuine interest for a subject, and that having fun is a far more effective way of obtaining and absorbing information, compared to when you're bored. Personally, although perhaps slightly controversial, I've never found long, plain text particularly intriguing, and traditional textbook education is therefore not necessarily optimal. For that same reason, I am happy to see how new technological developments are introducing more and more interactive means of learning. Soon, in this new era of digital platforms and AI, I have a feeling education overall is going to be more interactive than ever before. Now, I am not saying it's going to make everyone want to learn everything, but I do believe it has the potential to take away the general perception that "school is boring" which I think is one of the biggest demotivating factors of learning in general.

Also, I find the idea of stopping a task when you see the next move rather fascinating, and a practice I haven't quite considered before. It might be something worth testing.

[dhananjaymishra]

I know you are good in studies, you are morally good too. You are living your cool and disciplined life that is most good .🌷✨✨✨✨

[cheesejkliop]

Habit #1 is the idea behind study with me videos. Those can be a useful and effective alternative as well. Or indirect coworking such as going somewhere other people (you don't personally know) are prone to working, such as a library or cafe.

[wonyoungsairplane]

You don't know how thankful I am that you put a period (.) after Dr. 😭 Thank you for another great video, Dr. Izzy! The constant uploads make me happy 🎉

[firasfiras]

I'm impressed by your dedication. This video is a game-changer for anyone looking to enhance their study skills. 🤩❤

[josephchong]

It's very difficult to get a place at Cambridge, especially medicine. You must have done brilliantly for your A levels or IB. CONGRATS.

[BelieveInTheTruth.]

Wow my favorite person on the earth coming back again.
Thanks for bringing this lesson for us.

[concretemathematics]

I once knew a girl whose smile was just like you. She kinda lighten up the mood every time she was by my side. And she was smart just like you.

[lavishresale]

As a future doctor myself I understand how challenging it can be to effectively manage our time. I can across your videos through Ali Abdaal (the productivity expert 😂) and honestly I’m really impressed I think this is great advice. Thank you !

[kennysiu-HK]

There is a saying" sophisticated summary (which is less) > complicated un-organised details(which is more)", well that is 2 words more than "less is more", the point is readers could understand "sophisticated summary" better than less, less may be the result.

[lyventhean]

I’m also the medical student in China right now, I think I really excited to watch your video, and more method to manage time, nice ❤

[normmansor]

You'll be crossing the 500k subscriber mark soon. Keep going Izzy.

[pinkshadows]

You heard it hear from a Cambridge university graduate and doctor that working less is beneficial. Thx Dr. Izzy. I will use this in my argumentative essay