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How to Study for the IB Diploma Over Summer

How to Study for the IB Diploma Over Summer

2 min read | Lanterna Team | January 27, 2026

Study for the IB Diploma over summer effectively without burning out. Get expert IB revision tips on scheduling, realistic planning, and focusing on your weakness areas.

Picture this: school is out, the sun is shining, you and your friends have organised the most epic trip to the beach…

Sounds dreamy right?

And then it hit you. Yes, you are still an IB student, even in summer.

Doing school work over summer sucks, let’s all agree on that now. Annoyingly, being an IB student does necessitate you do some. Fear not though. In this blog, I am outlining my top 4 tips for studying over summer while ensuring you still get a break.

Number 1: Pick Your Target

Let’s be real, you are NEVER going to revise everything you did in year 1 of the diploma. There is way too much fun stuff going on to even contemplate it. I advise picking your target, or rather, selecting your problem areas and working on them. If you found a few topics of Biology confusing, revise that. If your Extended Essay is stressing you, take the time to crack it. Focusing on your real areas of weakness now means that you won’t find yourself stressing about them right before your final exams.

Number 2: Create a Schedule

I know you have heard this advice about 10,000 times but it really is the best thing you can do. As it’s summer, don’t go overboard with planning. It’s impossible to plan minute by minute when you haven’t got the structure of school. However, simply selecting several days throughout the month where you plan to work can be the motivation you need to get studying. My best tip would be to plan to study on these days with a friend. That way you can motivate each other to get out of bed and research your EEs!

Number 3: Be Realistic

We are all guilty of having grand revision plans over the summer and then watching 7 seasons of Pretty Little Liars instead… My next tip, therefore, is to be realistic about how much and when you can study. For example, if you are going on holiday, you are not going to be sitting on the beach reading a physics textbook. Instead, leave that whole holiday clear of study so you actually get a chance to enjoy yourself.

Number 4: Take Some Time Off!

The IB is hard! Summer holidays shouldn’t be… The worst thing you can possibly do at this point in time is to burn out. Take this time to recharge and destress. Sunbathe, play Fortnite, eat ice-cream—these are all essential summer activities that need to be done. Ultimately, coming back to school rested from summer will make a world of difference.

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While summer is primarily for rest and relaxation, a little strategic study can significantly reduce stress later. Focusing on problem areas or making progress on major components like the Extended Essay now means you're better prepared for the demanding second year of the IB Diploma, helping you avoid burnout during term time.

The key is to "pick your target." Instead of trying to revise everything from Year 1, identify your specific problem areas, topics you found confusing, or major assignments like the Extended Essay. This focused approach is more realistic and effective, allowing you to strengthen weaknesses without sacrificing your entire break.

Create a realistic schedule. Don't plan minute-by-minute; instead, select a few specific days throughout the month for study. Planning to study with a friend can also provide motivation and accountability, making the process more enjoyable and effective. Remember to build in plenty of time for fun and relaxation too!

Be realistic about your capacity. If you're going on holiday, don't expect to study. Dedicate specific, manageable blocks of time on non-holiday days, but ensure you also schedule plenty of time for rest and leisure. The goal is progress, not perfection, and avoiding burnout is paramount.

The IB is a marathon, not a sprint, and summer is crucial for recharging. Taking time off to relax, pursue hobbies, and destress is essential to prevent burnout. Returning to school rested and refreshed will significantly improve your focus, resilience, and overall performance in the challenging second year.

Absolutely! The summer is an excellent time to make significant progress on your Extended Essay. If it's a source of stress, dedicating focused time now can help you "crack it" without the pressure of school deadlines, allowing you to refine your research question, conduct initial research, and structure your arguments effectively.

Our free IB consultation is a no-pressure, 20-30 minute chat with an expert IB Student Success Expert. It's designed to help you clarify your current situation, understand what's coming next in the IB, and walk away with a simple, personalised plan for your next steps, including how to best utilise your summer, with zero obligation to book tutoring.

Yes, it's genuinely free! There's no catch and absolutely no obligation to purchase tutoring. Our goal is to provide valuable guidance and a clear plan to help IB students and parents navigate the program successfully, drawing on our team's extensive experience supporting thousands of IB students globally.

Our Student Success Experts are highly experienced IB graduates and educators who understand the program inside out. They can help you identify your specific problem areas for summer study, develop a realistic and effective study plan, and discuss how Lanterna's expert tutors can provide targeted support if needed, ensuring your summer efforts are maximised.

Yes, absolutely. Our 600+ expert IB tutors, many of whom scored 40+ in the IB or have examiner experience, can provide personalised support across all IB subjects at SL and HL. Whether it's tackling a tricky Biology topic, refining your Extended Essay, or preparing for upcoming IAs, they can help you make significant progress efficiently and effectively.

The consultation is for anyone involved in the IB journey – students, parents, or both together. Whether you're just starting, in the middle of DP1 or DP2, or simply looking for clarity and a strategic plan for the summer and beyond, our experts are ready to help you gain confidence and set clear priorities.

After your 20-30 minute consultation, you'll walk away with a clear, personalised plan and actionable next steps for your IB journey, especially concerning your summer study. There's no obligation to continue with tutoring, but if you're interested, your Student Success Expert can discuss how Lanterna's tailored support might further help you achieve your academic goals.


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