Hermione Granger’s Studying Guide

Finish Every Assignment Early

• Hermione is definitely not a procrastinator and would never leave an assignment the day before it’s due. Make sure that when you get an assignment, you write down the date in a planner.

• As soon as you get homework, a new textbook to read or an assignment to complete, start it the same day, even if that means just briefly reading and brainstorming the topic to understand it.

• Set false deadlines in your mind a couple of days before the real one, giving yourself time to proofread, check for mistakes, and improve your answers.

• Avoid putting things off just because they seem too time consuming or difficult. You’re going to have to do them either way, and the sooner you finish them, the sooner you can move on.

• At the beginning of each week, use your planner and chart out your lessons, homework, assignment deadlines, upcoming exams, revision sessions and personal commitments.

• Give each task a specific day and time so you have a clear plan to follow rather that purely relying on memory and ensure that you’re always on time!! (bonus points if you’re early).

• Highlight important deadlines and mark your top priorities so you can clearly see what needs your attention most.

• Break larger tasks into smaller and more manageable ones and spread them throughout the week to avoid overwhelming yourself.

• Make sure you leave room for breaks, hobbies, and unexpected tasks. Make your schedule realistic and one you know that you’ll stick with!!

• During your lessons, make sure that you’re actively listening and writing down important explanations, key definitions and any examples your teacher uses to help explain complex concepts.

• Organise your notes using clear headings, subheadings, bullet points and colour coded keywords to make every topic easy to navigate.

• Use one colour for definitions, a different one for important dates, and a third for examples/information you need to revisit.

• Don’t try to write every single word your teacher says, try understanding the information and summarising it in your own words.

• Ensure that you actually revisit your notes and that you don’t just leave them sitting on your desk. They will help you feel prepared for upcoming exams!!

• Hermione actually enjoys learning, so she would never stop simply because she reached the end of her textbook. Try to stay interested in your school subjects, even if you might feel bored in the moment.

• Make it a personal habit to research topics beyond what you’re taught in class. That could mean borrowing library books, reading articles, or even watching educational documentaries. Choose books that challenge your thinking & encourage you to see your subjects from different perspectives.

• If you’re studying ancient history for example, study the mythology and cultural traditions behind the events you’re learning about. If you’re studying biology, read about scientific discoveries or how concepts from your lessons apply to the human body/natural world.

• You could even consider making a reading list for each subject and aim to finish one additional book or a few interesting articles each month!

• Believe it or not, the right environment can make all the difference when it comes to concentrating and enjoying your studies.

• Studying in inspiring places often reminds you how vast and potential fueled the outside world truly is, therefore motivating you further and increasing your work performance!

• Try exploring different spaces that make you feel motivated, ambitious and calm. Spend an afternoon in a beautiful library, take your notebook to a local cafe, or find somewhere with comforting lighting and a place where your surroundings feel peaceful.

• Pay attention to what environments help you focus best, as a place that feels inspiring to you might not work for everyone.

• Hermione may be incredibly dedicated and academically driven, but even she knows the importance of rest.

• Remember to take breaks in between study sessions and properly plan your time so that you don’t stress yourself out. Otherwise you’ll be too tired when you need to actually take an exam that actually matters.

• Make sure you’re eating nourishing meals, drinking enough water, getting sufficient sleep and taking time to recharge and enjoy life outside of your studies.

• After your studies, put on your comfiest pyjamas, make yourself a warm drink and spend some time with your pet, just like Hermione enjoys the company of her familiar, (Crookshanks)!

• Make an effort to become fully involved in your school environment by participating in class discussions, asking questions, and raising your hand when you know an answer.

• Don’t be afraid of getting something wrong because mistakes are opportunities to learn and speaking up helps you build confidence over time!

• Organise or attend study sessions with your classmates, where you share revision tips, quiz one another and work through challenging questions.

• Hermione valued friendships, so get to know other students and surround yourself with people that encourage you to be yourself and grow academically.

• Outside the classroom, try extracurricular activities like book clubs, debate teams, school councils, academic competitions & sports teams!

• A weekly study timetable: To plan your revision, homework, reading and breaks in advance. Give every task a realistic time slot to stay consistent!

• A colour coded planner: To keep track of every assignment, deadline, exam, revision session and extracurricular activity.

• A hardcover notebook: Where you keep your detailed lesson notes, essay plans, mind maps, vocabulary lists and interesting facts.

• A section of reference books: Collect dictionaries, classic literature, subject guides and books that hold topics outside of your school syllabus. Curiosity is one of Hermione’s biggest strengths.

• A reliable pen collection: Stock up on smooth writing pens with black and blue ink, fine liners, mechanical pencils, erasers and a ruler! Hermione is always prepared for any possible outcome.