As the fall semester nears its end, finals season brings long study sessions, cramming for tests, checking your grades daily, and grasping onto the idea of a 4.0. Not studying effectively not only leads to declining grades, but also poor mental health and constant anxiety. (Trust me, I’ve been there).
All in all, this school year is about creating new studying habits that last, are effective and won’t send you into complete panic when your teacher announces that there’s a test. It’s time to revert from cram-studying and sleepless nights. Instead, let’s use our resources to help organize a study plan that’s best fit for you: aesthetic, easy to follow and motivational.
#1: The Pomodoro Glow-Up
Instead of a boring timer, glamorize your Pomodoro sessions with aesthetic countdown videos or TikTok “study timer” sounds. Beautify your study space: Set up candles, water, and snacks before a 25-minute study session, then reward yourself with a 5-minute scroll break.
It turns time-blocking into content-worthy motivation. The method is backed by cognitive science. The cycle of work and then a break triggers dopamine release, which reinforces consistency and makes studying feel more doable. Do this for an hour and you’re set.
2. Notion + Pinterest Boards
TikTok loves aesthetic digital planning. Create a Notion dashboard (or Canva mood board) that matches your vibe, beige minimalism, dark academia, or pastels. It makes organizing assignments feel like curating an aesthetic feed, not a chore. You can do it per class, or for the day.
Another software is Trello, an interactive to-do list. Split up your tasks however you want, and rearrange them based on your progress. (Trust me, it’s more fulfilling than checking off a box on your notebook planner).
3. Study-Desk Restocks
TikTok restock videos aren’t just for fridges or pantries. Restock your desk with highlighters, sticky notes, sparkling water, and your favorite snacks. If you get thirsty, hungry or forget a pencil, everything will be there within arms reach in an organized set up. Plus, having a non-cluttered space motivates you to actually sit down and work, and clears your head while doing so.
4. Voice Note Summaries
A TikTok hack that’s blowing up: record yourself explaining concepts in short voice memos, then play them back while getting ready, walking, or before bed. It’s like making mini-podcasts for yourself, both glam and productive. Remember, if you can explain the concept to someone else, then you’ve aced the material.
5. Aesthetic Study Vlogs
Set up your phone while studying, use a trending “day in the life” audio, and film yourself highlighting, typing and sipping coffee. If you’re someone who is addicted to doomscrolling, this is the method for you since you can’t access any external apps.
Once completed, editing the footage into a short montage not only glamorizes the grind but also holds you accountable. Looking back, you’ll feel accomplished and you’ll want to do it again. Bonus: it might even inspire others when you post.
At the end of the day, studying doesn’t have to feel like a grind, it can actually be something you look forward to. By taking inspiration from TikTok trends like the Pomodoro glow-up, aesthetic desk restocks, and cozy study vlogs, you turn the routine of learning into a fun ritual. These little hacks don’t just make your workspace prettier, they make the process more engaging and motivating. And when studying feels good, consistency follows, which leads to that 4.0.
