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How to Study Over the Holidays for IB Students

How to Study Over the Holidays for IB Students

3 min read | Lanterna Team | January 27, 2026

Learn how to study over the holidays for IB success. Expert revision tips on setting goals, choosing a studying style, and creating a clear plan without sacrificing relaxation.

When you finally make it to the end of the semester, revision is almost definitely the last thing on your mind! However, taking the time now to plan out what you want to get done over the holidays will make your life much easier and actually give you more time to relax. Here we’ll take you through how to study over the holidays and maximise your time.

Tip 1: Choose your style of holiday studying

There are two main styles of studying over the holidays. This first way is to study consistently for a shorter period of time in each session. This might look like studying for 2 hours a day over the whole holiday.

The second way is to dedicate a longer chunk of time solely to studying. This could look like spending a few days studying throughout the whole day.

Both strategies can work really well! To decide which is best for you, think about what you have planned for the holidays. If you’re travelling with your family for part of the holiday, you probably don’t want to spend it revising! In this case, it might be better to work a few full days at the beginning and end of the holidays. That way you can properly enjoy the trip!

If you aren’t travelling, it might be more effective to work more consistently throughout the holiday. If you chose to do this, it’s really important to set clear boundaries so that you are still able to take a break and relax! Try setting up a standard working time for an hour or two a day.

Tip 2: Set clear goals

Without clear goals, it can be challenging to feel as if you are making progress. At this point in the school year it can be easy to lose motivation. Ticking tasks off of a list or reaching goals can help maintain your drive.

There are two types of goals: task based and time based. A task based goal would be something like finishing your Chemistry IA. A time based goal would be something like spending 30 mins a day reviewing a topic. Time based goals can be motivating if you’re dealing with a longer project which will take awhile to tick off of your list!

When setting goals, it’s essential to consider what is realistic. If your goals are too ambitious and you don’t end up meeting them it can be really discouraging!

Tip 3: Create a clear plan

One way to make a plan is to take a look at what needs to be done by the time school starts again. This might be finishing up coursework or reviewing the topics that are covered in a mock.

Make a list and then rank the tasks by how important they are. Take a second look at it and rank the tasks by how long you think they’re going to take. Your top priorities should be the ones that are at the top of both rankings!

Next take a look at how much time you have. It’s important to decide when during the holiday you want to finish each task by. Making these ‘intermediate’ goals can clear up exactly how you’re going to reach your main goals!

Once you’ve set dates for each goal, you’re good to go! Add them to your calendar so that you don’t forget what you have set out to accomplish.

Tip 4: Remember that the IB is a marathon!

The IB Diploma Programme is a long process. To get through it, it’s essential to look after yourself. While the holidays are a great opportunity to catch up and get ahead on work, it’s essential that you take a break.

By setting clear goals and boundaries with studying you can ensure that when you aren’t working, you are able to relax.

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The key is effective planning! Decide on a study style that suits your holiday plans (consistent short sessions or concentrated blocks), set clear, realistic goals (task-based or time-based), and create a detailed plan with intermediate deadlines. Crucially, remember to schedule time for rest and relaxation to avoid burnout and ensure you return refreshed.

You can either study consistently for shorter periods each day (e.g., 1-2 hours daily throughout the holiday) or dedicate longer, concentrated blocks of time over a few specific days. Your choice should depend on your holiday commitments, such as travel, to ensure you can stick to your plan.

Set clear, realistic goals that are either task-based (e.g., "finish Chemistry IA draft") or time-based (e.g., "spend 30 mins reviewing Topic 4 in Maths daily"). Prioritise tasks by importance and estimated time, and ensure your goals are achievable to maintain motivation and prevent discouragement.

A clear plan helps you prioritise tasks, manage your time effectively, and ensures you make tangible progress without feeling overwhelmed. It also allows you to schedule dedicated relaxation time, making your break more restorative and productive overall. Add your planned tasks to a calendar to stay on track.

The IB is a marathon, not a sprint! By setting clear goals and boundaries for your study time, you can ensure that when you're not working, you can truly relax without guilt. A well-structured plan allows you to allocate specific times for revision and specific times for leisure, preventing stress and promoting well-being.

Our Student Success Experts can provide personalised guidance to help you structure an effective holiday revision plan tailored to your specific IB subjects, current progress, and goals. They'll help you identify priorities, break down tasks, and strategise to maximise your time, ensuring you return to school feeling prepared and confident.

It's a free, no-pressure 20-30 minute conversation with an expert IB Student Success Expert. This consultation is designed to give you clarity on your current IB situation, help you identify key priorities, and provide a simple, personalised plan for what to focus on next—all with zero obligation to book tutoring.

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Our Student Success Experts are highly experienced professionals with deep knowledge of the IB Diploma Programme. They have supported thousands of IB students and can offer expert advice on everything from effective revision strategies and subject-specific challenges to broader programme navigation and university applications.

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You'll walk away with a clear, personalised plan outlining your next steps and priorities for your IB journey. There's zero obligation to book tutoring, but if you decide you'd like further support, your Student Success Expert can discuss how Lanterna's premium tutoring services could help you achieve your academic goals.


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