Moving to a new country for education can be both exciting and overwhelming. International students often face language barriers, cultural differences, and a new academic system. One key challenge? Figuring out the most effective way to study. Should you dive into group study sessions or go it alone with solo study? By the end of this article, you'll know the pros and cons of each method, discover which approach suits your learning style, and learn how to optimise your study routine for academic success in the UK.
Why Study Methods Matter for International Students
Effective study habits are crucial for academic success, especially for international students adjusting to a new environment. According to the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA), over 600,000 international students are enrolled in UK higher education. With the added pressure of adapting to a different culture and academic expectations, choosing the right study method can significantly affect performance and mental well-being.
Group Study: Benefits and Drawbacks
Group study refers to a collaborative learning method where students meet regularly to discuss course material, solve problems, and prepare for assessments.
Benefits of Group Study
Peer Support: Studying in groups allows international students to clarify doubts and share knowledge, which can be particularly useful when English is not their first language.
Motivation Boost: Being part of a group helps keep procrastination at bay and encourages consistent study routines.
Exposure to New Perspectives: Group members may interpret concepts differently, offering new ways to understand complex topics.
Communication Skills: Discussing academic content in English improves verbal communication, a valuable skill for coursework and job interviews.
Drawbacks of Group Study
Distractions: Groups can become social gatherings if not well-organised.
Uneven Participation: Some members may dominate, while others contribute little.
Scheduling Issues: Coordinating a common time that suits everyone can be difficult.
Solo Study: Pros and Cons
Solo study involves studying independently, giving you full control over your time, environment, and pace.
Advantages of Solo Study
Customised Learning Pace: You can spend more time on topics you find challenging.
Fewer Distractions: Solo environments allow for deeper focus and better retention.
Time Flexibility: Study whenever you want without being dependent on others.
Better Self-Assessment: Solo study helps develop critical thinking and self-evaluation skills.
Disadvantages of Solo Study
Lack of Feedback: No peers to consult if you’re confused.
Isolation: It can feel lonely, especially for students far from home.
Lower Motivation: Without external accountability, it's easier to skip sessions.
What the Research Says
A study by the Higher Education Policy Institute (HEPI) found that students who engaged in regular group discussions scored 15% higher on average in formative assessments. However, another study published in the Journal of Educational Psychology noted that students who balanced solo and group study performed better than those who focused solely on one method.
According to the British Council, collaborative learning is particularly effective for non-native English speakers, helping them gain confidence in using academic English.
How to Choose the Right Method for You
Here are five steps to help you determine what study method works best for your situation:
1. Identify Your Learning Style
Visual learners benefit from diagrams and mind maps (often better done solo).
Auditory learners gain more from discussions (group sessions).
Kinesthetic learners retain information through hands-on activities (works well in lab groups).
2. Consider Your Course Structure
STEM Courses: Often benefit from group problem-solving.
Humanities: May require deep reading and individual analysis.
3. Analyse Your Schedule
If you have a busy part-time job or internship, solo study offers more flexibility.
If you have free evenings, group study sessions might be more feasible.
4. Reflect on Your Personality
Introverts may prefer solo study.
Extroverts might thrive in a collaborative setting.
5. Trial and Adjust
Try both methods during your first term and assess your academic performance and mental health.
Best Practices for Group Study
If you decide to go the group study route, here’s how to make the most of it:
Set a Clear Agenda: Decide in advance what topics you’ll cover.
Keep Groups Small: 3–5 people is ideal.
Rotate Leadership: Assign roles like timekeeper or moderator.
Stick to a Schedule: Consistency leads to better outcomes.
Use Online Tools: Tools like Google Docs, Notion, and Zoom can enhance productivity.
Best Practices for Solo Study
If you prefer studying alone, follow these tips:
Create a Study Plan: Allocate specific times for each subject.
Use Active Recall: Test yourself instead of just reading.
Take Regular Breaks: Follow the Pomodoro technique (25 minutes study, 5 minutes break).
Track Your Progress: Use planners or study journals.
Combining Both for Maximum Impact
Many students find that a hybrid approach works best. For instance:
Use solo study for initial content absorption.
Join group discussions to deepen your understanding and test your knowledge.
Collaborate on practice exams or presentations.
Final Thoughts
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to the "group study vs solo study" debate, as your learning style, course demands, daily schedule, and personality all play an important role in what works best for you. International students adjusting to life in the UK should experiment with both study methods to find a personal balance that boosts productivity and mental wellbeing. Whether you benefit from focused solo revision or thrive on group collaboration, your study environment makes a difference too. At Student Tenant, we provide student accommodation that supports every type of learner—safe, convenient, and tailored to help you succeed academically.
Start your student housing search with us today at StudentTenant.com.