A Beginner’s Guide to Starting a Studyblr
When I first discovered Tumblr, I knew I just came across a black hole. I mean, one platform with every single thing I loved, from fandoms to poetry to awful memes–I was addicted. Back then, I wouldn’t have thought that Tumblr would (sorta) save my life. Then I decided to make a Studyblr.
study + tumblr = studyblr!
The first time I witnessed the phenomenon known as the studyblr community, I was strangely intrigued. I started off making edits for tv series and music, but it came to a point where I felt like I was working instead of doing it for leisure, and it was difficult for me to find time to make posts. The first thing I thought when I came across studyblrs was “the busier I am, the more content I have to blog”. What’s more fantastic than having a blog that depends on your hectic life?
So I decided to give it a go and blog about my studies. It came pretty easily to me, considering that I spend nearly 100% of my (insanely scarce) free time online and my life comprises a lot of studying (especially since I had my IGCSEs that year). Plus, seeing other studyblrs work hard motivated me to study instead of wasting away on the internet.
I’ve had my studyblr for a little over a year now, and I’m not even exaggerating when I say that it changed my life. Here are some benefits I’ve received over the past year:
- I look forward to studying. I guess this is because I’ve never taken multiple approaches to studying, and only after starting a studyblr did I learn of different ways to study. I also get new ideas for making notes! (which is extremely helpful since I am a visual learner)
- I’ve received tips that not only help me excel academically but also help me care for myself. Once you’ve spent enough time in the community, you’ll realize that there’ll always be someone who’s got your back. You could ask them anything and they’d be more than willing to answer.
- I’m not as hard on myself as I used to be, which has actually improved my grades and my mental health. I no longer toxify myself by overworking or anything like that, and I feel like I’ve somehow become happier.
- The studyblr community is like my second family (if not third, if I count my friends in real life). I’ve had tons of great conversations with like-minded individuals. Most of them were about studying, but eventually they branched off into other aspects of our lives, including common interests.
How to Start
Creating a URL
Most studyblrs have the word ‘study’ as a prefix or suffix. However, feel free to experiment with URLs that show other people who you are; nobody will judge you. For example, mine is @eintsein because Einstein is an immensely inspirational person and I find physics pretty interesting. You could like pandas and psychology and choose an URL like @pandapsych or something (this one’s taken, though).
Here are some ideas for things to include:
- Your name
- Favorite subject
- Role models (common ones include Hermione Granger, Elle Woods, and Christina Yang, but this can be anyone you admire)
- Stationery (pens, highlighter, etc.)
- Brand names (muji, stabilo, etc.)
- Study utilities (book, textbook, flash cards, notes, etc.)
Choosing a Theme
I think that simple, clean themes work best for studyblrs, especially content-heavy ones with a lot of text posts. However, the choice is all yours. Here are some theme makers I like:
Finding Blogs to Follow
It shouldn’t be very hard, but one thing I like to do is look through a single studyblr’s blog and see whose posts she/he reblogs. If not, you could always take a look at their blogroll (here’s mine).
Interacting with Other Studyblrs
One thing a lot of people tend to forget about social media is the ‘social’ part. Interact with other studyblrs! I guarantee that none of them will think you’re weird (or at least bad-weird, because good-weird people are the best). To be honest, most of us (myself included) get really hyped when anyone messages us or mentions us in a post.
And don’t forget to be yourself! Don’t try to act like a studyblr stereotype. It might also help to make an introduction post and join networks.
Hashtags
You could tag other studyblrs if you want them to see your posts (e.g. mine’s simply #eintsein). Most of us also use the following hashtags:
- #studyblr
- #studyspo
- #[subject you’re studying]
- #[stationery]
Products
There are some study materials/utilities that most studyblrs have. However, don’t feel that you need all the fancy stationery or gadgets to be a legitimate studyblr. Besides, there are cheaper alternatives.
Stationery
Here are some common ones:
- Staedtler Triplus Fineliners
- Stabilo Point 88 Fineliners
- Muji Gel Ink Pens
- Zebra Mildliners
- Muji binders/notebooks
Plus links that describe more:
- School Supplies by @theorganisedstudent
- School Resources by @elkstudies
- The Mega Stationery Masterpost by @studyvet
- School Supplies by @hermionegoals
- Studyblr Alternatives by @elkstudies
Extensions/Apps
The ones you see in almost every studyblr post
Others:
The Bullet Journal
A creative way to plan your life and manage your time! Basically like an entire book of to-do lists plus a little extra artsy stuff.
- The Bullet Journal Website
- My Guide to Bullet Journalling
- Studyblr Masterposts’ Bullet Journal Tag
- BuzzFeed’s Guide
Tips for Posts
What should I post?
The simplest thing to post would be pictures of what you’re studying. I think this is the most common type of post due to the convenience, i.e. you don’t have to stop whatever you’re doing in order to post something.
You could also post study guides/tips, which obviously takes more time but everybody appreciates the effort! Another popular post type is a resources post, which is essentially just a compilation of helpful links. A longer post with nearly all the information you need would be considered a masterpost.
Picture Taking
One thing that helps more than people think is natural lighting. It gives your pictures clarity as well as the often sought out ‘aesthetic’ quality.
You should also try experimenting with different angles, e.g. flat lays, micro images, etc.
Editing
Most studyblrs use a photoediting app called VSCO Cam which does wonders to your photo, but you could always use the built-in editing tools on your phone. I personally like the apps Faded for photo editing and Over for overlays (text, etc.).
Graphics
Photoshop is my favorite and probably has the most freedom, but if you don’t have the skills, you could always use overlay apps like Over, or online sites like Canva.
Alright, I think I’ve covered quite a lot of things, but here are some more links to help you out:
- How to Start a Studyblr and Why Every Student Needs One by jessicaslaughter
- How to Start a Studyblr 101 by @mediocrestudyblr
- Guide to Starting a Studyblr by @elkstudies
- Studyblr-ing by @etudiance
- @obsidianstudy’s answer about starting a studyblr
- Studyblr Tips by @arystudies
Hope this has been helpful to any potential/existing studyblrs! Don’t hesitate to contact any studyblr for further questions, and if any of you have other tips, feel free to add them below.
