Why study groups could be your secret academic weapon, By Dr Isabella Vainieri

I was sitting at a café, and I noticed a group of students studying together over hot drinks and snacks. They looked focused, yet relaxed, with occasional laughs, sharing stories, and enjoying each other’s company. It instantly took me back to my university days. I remembered those precious moments during exam season: the stress, yes, but also the friendships and the laughter.

Study groups are a very effective practice, not only for your academic preparation but also for your wellbeing and mental health. Beyond strengthening friendships these will help create memories you will cherish long after university, especially when the responsibilities of work and family set in.

In this post, I’ll share an overview of the benefits of joining (or forming) a study group, so you can decide if it’s something that might suit your learning style.

First of all, study groups can help improve understanding of the course materials. Your colleagues might have understood some of the material better and can help you fill the gap, and vice versa.  Explaining concepts to others is one of the best ways to consolidate your knowledge. This is in line with Vygotsky’s theory of cognitive development, which emphasises the importance of social interaction and the “Zone of Proximal Development,” whereby learners progress most effectively with guidance from others. In a study group, participants naturally ask questions, challenge ideas, and clarify points. This process pushes everyone to think critically, often leading to those “aha!” moments more often than when studying alone.

Second, study groups can help avoid procrastination. Grunschel and colleagues (2013) showed that social learning environments that involve commitment to peers help reduce academic procrastination by fostering a sense of responsibility. Let’s be honest, it’s easy to procrastinate when no one’s watching! Committing to a group study session adds a layer of  commitment. Knowing that others are counting on you encourages consistent effort and discourages last-minute cramming.

Third, study groups allow you to learn and explore study revision practice and techniques that might be suitable for you as well. Every student brings a unique background and learning style to the table. You might discover a more efficient note-taking method, a helpful revision tip, or a fresh way of looking at a tricky theory. Learning in a group creates an environment of mutual exchange, where everyone can benefit from each other’s strengths. This aligns with a practice called peer learning (Boud, Cohen, & Sampson, 2001). According to peer learning, when students actively engage with one another, they are more likely to reflect on and refine their own strategies, leading to improved self-awareness and academic performance.

Last but not least, we know that university can be stressful. A supportive group of peers can ease anxiety, boost confidence, and provide a sense of belonging. Just knowing that others are experiencing the same struggles can make challenges feel more manageable. This can be a powerful weapon to fight academic burnout. For instance, a systematic review by Richard and colleagues (2022), showed that peer support has positive effects on the mental health of young adults, particularly in reducing feelings of isolation, stress, and anxiety. Their review highlights that structured peer interactions, like those in study groups, can help students feel emotionally supported, which plays a key role in maintaining well-being during demanding academic periods.

Overall, study groups offer more than just academic advantages; they create a supportive space where students can grow, learn, and connect with others facing similar challenges. Whether you’re preparing for exams or simply looking for new ways to engage with your studies, joining or forming a study group can be a game-changer for your university experience and your well-being.

Wondering how to start a study group?

1. Find the right people: Look for classmates who are motivated and reliable. You can ask in lectures, post on course forums, or use social media groups to find interested peers.
2. Set goals: Agree on what you want to achieve in each session, whether it’s reviewing specific topics, working on assignments, or practising problem solving.
3. Keep groups small: Groups of 3-5 members tend to work better for effective discussion and participation.
4. Choose a time and place: Whether it’s in person at a café, library, or online (e.g. via Zoom or Teams), pick a setting that works for everyone and minimises distractions.
5. Mix study with social time: Don’t forget to build friendships, sharing a laugh helps make the study process more enjoyable and sustainable. For example, try planning a fun activity after your session, like going for a walk or watching a movie. These small actions can act as a reward and as a way to strengthen social bonds.

References:

Boud, D., Cohen, R., & Sampson, J. (Eds.). (2001). Peer learning in higher education: Learning from and with each other (1st ed.). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315042565

Grunschel, C., Patrzek, J., & Fries, S. (2013). Exploring reasons and consequences of academic procrastination: An interview study. European Journal of Psychology of Education, 28(3), 841–861. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10212-012-0143-4

Richard, J., Rebinsky, R., Suresh, R., Kubic, S., Carter, A., Cunningham, J. E. A., Ker, A., Williams, K., & Sorin, M. (2022). Scoping review to evaluate the effects of peer support on the mental health of young adults. BMJ Open, 12(8), e061336. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2022-061336

Vygotsky, L. S. (1978). Mind in society: The development of higher psychological processes. Harvard University Press.