Most students don’t struggle because they’re lazy.
They struggle because studying feels heavy before it even begins.
That’s where EASI PASS comes in.
This method isn’t about pushing harder or trying to “get motivated.” It’s about setting things up so study feels manageable, contained, and mentally engaging. I’ve used versions of this approach for years, and it works because it fits into real days, not ideal ones.
Let’s walk through these proven productivity tips for students.
E — Ease in
Don’t launch straight into “study mode.” That’s too big a jump.
Ease in by doing the simplest possible things first. Sit down. Open the file. Put the book on the desk. That’s it. No pressure to do more yet.
When the start is gentle, the resistance drops. You’re no longer trying to study. You’re just getting ready.
A — Allow time
Decide when you’re going to study before the day gets away from you.
Allowing time means giving study a place in your day instead of hoping it will fit later. It doesn’t need to be long. It just needs to be decided.
When time is allowed, you stop negotiating with yourself all afternoon.
S — Single step
Once you’ve started, choose one small step.
Not the whole assignment. Not the whole chapter. One clear action you can complete without overthinking. A paragraph. A question. A short problem set.
Progress begins when the task feels possible.
I — Ignore distractions
For this short window, everything else can wait.
Your phone doesn’t need to be checked. Tabs don’t need to be open “just in case.” You’re not cutting distractions forever. You’re ignoring them for now.
This isn’t about discipline. It’s about giving your attention a fair chance. And it’s most important when you’re studying at home, surrounded by dangerous potential distractions.
P — Prioritise
Decide what matters most in this session.
If you try to do everything, nothing gets done properly. Pick the one thing that would make the session worthwhile if it was finished.
When you know what you’re aiming for, your effort has direction.
A — Attention
This is where learning actually happens.
Reading without thinking doesn’t work. Rewriting notes without engaging doesn’t work. For study to stick, your mind needs to be involved.
Ask questions as you read. Explain ideas in your own words. Apply them to examples. Make yourself think. Short, focused effort with real attention beats hours of passive work.
S — Summarise
Before you finish, take a minute to summarise.
What did you get done? What’s the next step? Write it down. This small habit makes restarting much easier next time and stops unfinished work from sitting in your head all evening.
Mental filing matters.
S — Switch off
When the session ends, stop properly.
Close the file. Put things away. Let your mind rest. Switching off isn’t quitting. It’s part of staying productive over time.
You’ll come back fresher, clearer, and far more willing to start again.
Why EASI PASS works
EASI PASS works because it’s realistic. It doesn’t demand perfect focus, endless energy, or heroic discipline. It gives your mind structure, your time boundaries, and your attention something meaningful to do.
That’s what makes it sustainable.
About the author
This article was written by Lorraine Pirihi, who has spent years developing practical productivity and self-management systems for people balancing real work, real responsibilities, and limited energy.
The EASI PASS productivity tips were refined in consultation with Dr Andrew Lancaster, drawing on established research into learning, attention, and student study behaviour.
Further reading
For readers who want a deeper explanation of why the EASI PASS method works, a more detailed article is available.
EASI PASS: The 8 Productivity Tips for Students, by Dr Andrew Lancaster, sets out the research foundations behind each step of the method. It draws on established findings from cognitive psychology, education research, and time-management science, with sources provided throughout.
Related: How to Be More Productive at Work