If you’re looking for some fictionalized inspiration to kickstart your study habits, there’s no doubt that Rory Gilmore will be one of the first characters to come to mind. Whether you’re an avid Gilmore Girls fan or you’ve only seen GIFs of Rory and Lorelai eating junk food, absorbing all the pop culture they can get their hands on, or drinking inordinate amounts of coffee, you probably conflate “Rory Gilmore” and “book smart” in your mind. Luckily, we’ve had eight seasons of the Gilmores to inspire us. Channel your inner Rory for massive success in school!
Do the Readings, Then Read Some More
Always keep a book with you. While it won’t have the all-important book smell, you can even download the free Kindle app to your phone to have a digital library with you wherever you go. When your teacher assigns a book, read it—not the SparkNotes version. But be sure to branch out, too. If a topic comes up in class that interests you, search for book titles in that subject on Amazon or Google. And, don’t forget to have your daily dose of fiction, whether it’s a classic or a new release. Want to go all-in? Check out the Rory Gilmore Reading Challenge to read all of the titles Rory read in the series.
Caffeinate
No true Gilmore Girl would try to get through the day (or a study session) without a pick-me-up. If you don’t like coffee, opt for your favorite energizing drink instead—did you know that Alexis Bledel dislikes coffee and usually had cola in her mug?
Study, Study, Study
This one should be obvious: Rory studies like a superhuman. However, adhering to a study schedule that intense might lead to burnout, which will only detract from your goals in the long run. Check out your favorite studyblr or head to Pinterest for some inspiration to kickstart your study habits. For example, check out the Pomodoro method to prevent study fatigue. Find yourself floundering still? Look into a summer boot camp to boost your standardized test scores (to Rory-approved levels) and build better study habits.
Stock Up On Supplies
A pleasing aesthetic certainly isn’t the most important part of your study routine, but it helps keep you motivated. Color-code your notes. Make the pretty flashcards. Keep your planner updated and ready for scheduling study dates and extracurriculars. Head to your version of Doose’s Market (or, you know, Amazon) and pick up whatever pens, highlighters, notebooks, and other office supplies bring a bit of joy to your school day.
Don’t Forget the Brain Food
Any self-respecting Gilmore girl will be ready with Pop-Tarts, takeout, and whatever the daily choice is at Al’s Pancake World. Your brain needs plenty of food to fuel all that schoolwork, right? Keep a special treat on hand for your study sessions—you can even use it as one of your motivation techniques.
Dress the Part
While you’re studying and working through assignments at home, a messy bun and sweats are fine. But, when you’re actually in class, a little effort goes a long way. Not only will you make a better impression on your peers and teachers, but also you’ll feel better (and work better). Channel Rory’s schoolgirl look with petite cardigans and pleated skirts, or shop around for something that matches your personal style and helps you look like the serious student you’re becoming.
Sometimes You’ll Fall Short (and That’s Okay)
While Rory is undoubtedly the reigning queen of studying, she’s not perfect. Even fictional humans make mistakes (I mean, look at the Gilmore Girls revival…). Sometimes she gets bad grades. She makes poor decisions. She messes up, just like we all do. The most important thing is that you bounce back afterward. Even when you have a bad day, know that your hard work will pay off down the road if you keep it up.
Rory Gilmore might not be the perfect role model, but her study success can’t be beaten. Get dressed in your prep school best, learn the right study habits for you, grab some coffee and a donut, and get to work!