Ep.172 How to Have a Productive Study Session: 3 Simple Steps to Get More Done in Less Time
#172 – Feel like your study sessions are more faffing than focusing? In this week’s episode, I’m sharing 3 simple steps to help you stop wasting time and finally feel productive when you study. You’ll learn exactly what to do at the start, middle and end of a study session so you can get more done in less time—without burning out. These are the tips I use myself and teach my students—and they really work. These are quick wins you can try today to make your study time feel calmer, clearer and way more effective. To get the links and shownotes for this episode, head to: https://chloeburroughs.com/episode172. Download my FREE Study Session Planners Download my FREE Better Essays Sentence Starters Check out my membership, the Kickbutt Students Club. Grab a copy of my book, The Return to Study Handbook.
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Ep.171 Choose Your Hard: How to Keep Going When Studying Feels Impossible
#171 – Studying is hard…but not studying is hard too. In this episode, I’m sharing a powerful mindset shift to help you get through those stuck, low-motivation moments. I’ll walk you through real student examples and tell the personal story of my own recent qualification. One of the hardest things I’ve done in years. You’ll learn how to pause, reflect and choose the kind of hard that moves you forward. Plus, I’ll share free tools to help you make studying feel more doable – whether you're on a break or deep in essay season. To get the links and shownotes for this episode, head to: https://chloeburroughs.com/episode171. Download my FREE Study Session Planners Download my FREE Better Essays Sentence Starters Download my FREE Intentional Study Break Workbook Check out my membership, the Kickbutt Students Club. Grab a copy of my book, The Return to Study Handbook.
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Ep.170 How to Plan Your Study Break: Find Time for Rest, Joy and Freedom
#170 – If you’re currently on a study break, or you’ve got one coming up—whether it’s a few weeks or a few months between terms/years—this episode will help you make the most of it. I’m sharing a gentle, practical approach to planning your break with intention—not to get more done, but to feel more like you. You’ll learn how to reflect on what you need, create playful “classes” from the things you love, and build a weekly schedule that supports rest, joy and freedom. There’s also a free printable workbook to help you create your own personalised break plan—complete with journalling prompts, naming inspiration, and a weekly schedule template. To get the links and shownotes for this episode, head to: https://chloeburroughs.com/episode170. Download the FREE accompanying workbook for this episode. Check out my membership, the Kickbutt Students Club. Grab a copy of my book, The Return to Study Handbook.
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Ep.169 5 Reasons Why Essay Writing Feels So Hard (and How to Fix It)
#169 – If you have ever found yourself thinking, “why does essay writing feel so hard?” you are not alone. In this episode, I share 5 reasons why essays often feel overwhelming, confusing or frustrating—and what you can do about each one. We will explore why you were never properly taught how to write essays, why traditional study methods often make things harder, and why high-stakes assignments leave no room for practice. You will also hear why outdated frameworks like PEEL are not helping you and how you might be working incredibly hard but not always in the most effective way. If essay writing feels like a slog, there is nothing wrong with you—you just need better support, clearer methods, and more strategic tools. I will also introduce you to my brand-new training, The Essay Fix, which is open for enrolment now. Tune in to learn practical shifts you can make right away to make essay writing feel easier, more focused and less overwhelming. To get the links and shownotes for this episode, head to: https://chloeburroughs.com/episode169. Join the Essay Fix training. Check out my membership, the Kickbutt Students Club. Grab a copy of my book, The Return to Study Handbook.
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Ep.168 Why Independent Learning in Higher Education Feels So Hard (and What to Do About It)
#168 – You’re told to be an independent learner at university—but no one actually shows you how. In this episode, I’m unpacking why independent learning feels so hard at higher education level, especially if you’re returning to study as an adult. You’ll learn why the problem isn’t your intelligence, motivation or potential—but the lack of proper support. I’ll break down the myth of ‘just figuring it out’, share the metaphor I use with my students to explain what’s really going on, and walk you through what should happen instead. If studying still feels harder than it should be, this episode will help you understand why—and give you a clearer way forward. To get the links and shownotes for this episode, head to: https://chloeburroughs.com/episode168 Check out my membership, the Kickbutt Students Club. Grab a copy of my book, The Return to Study Handbook.
This podcast provides simple studying advice for non-traditional students returning to education to advance their careers. You’re in the right place if you’re a mature student, distance or workplace learner (or all three like Chloe) and studying for a degree or professional qualification. Chloe Burroughs, study skills expert and author of The Return to Study Handbook, will teach you how to study effectively so that you can boost your academic confidence, get more done in less time, and achieve the grades you really want.
Chloe understands what you’re going through — the stress of juggling studying around your job and personal life; the feeling that you’ve never actually been taught how to study effectively; the worry that you’re not going to achieve the grades you need to move forward in your career. You’ll learn step-by-step strategies for time management, organisation and productivity; boosting your studying motivation and confidence; overcoming negative thinking and fear of exams; note taking and reading; essay writing and critical thinking; improving your memory; and exam revision and preparation. In short, you’ll develop the skills to make the most of the time, energy and money you’re investing in your education — so you can gain your dream qualification.
With solo shows full of actionable study advice, conversations with other students, and interviews with education experts, Chloe Made Me Study will give you the confidence to achieve the grades you need to take the next exciting step in your career. So, if you’re a non-traditional student who’s ready to uplevel your study skills and results — hit that subscribe button to discover how to make your studying life easier.
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