Dua Lipa at Royal Albert Hall: Varying Your Study Locations and Strategies for Success

I’ve recently had An Evening with Dua Lipa on rewatch mode since it aired earlier this month on television. The performance was mesmerizing—not just for Dua Lipa’s incredible voice and stage presence, but also for the thoughtfulness behind her setlist and venue.

Dua Lipa one-night performance at London’s Royal Albert Hall wasn’t just another concert—it was a milestone during which Dua Lipa played many of her hits backed by a 53-piece orchestra and a 14-member choir.

In interviews, Dua Lipa has expressed that performing at such an iconic venue was a dream come true. Known for its grandeur and rich history, Royal Albert Hall provided a setting that reinvigorated her artistry and deepened her connection to the audience.

For law students and bar exam takers, Dua Lipa’s deliberate choice of venue serves as a metaphor for effective studying: varying your environment and study strategies can elevate your performance and retention.

This idea connects directly to a New York Times article I revisited, titled “Forget What You Know About Good Study Habits” which discusses proven strategies that can enhance how much you learn and retain during your study sessions.

Vary Your Study Location

Much like Dua Lipa’s choice to perform at Royal Albert Hall, studying in different environments can help you re-engage with your material. Research discussed in the article shows that alternating study locations improves memory and retention.

For example, a classic 1978 experiment found that students who studied a list of vocabulary words in two distinct environments—one cluttered and windowless, the other modern with a courtyard view—scored significantly higher on a test than those who studied in the same location twice.

This finding challenges the traditional advice to study in one fixed location. Instead, try switching up your study spots:

🏠 Home: A familiar and comfortable starting point.

📚 Library or Campus Study Rooms: Quiet, focused environments with minimal distractions.

☕️ Coffee Shops: Moderate background noise can help some people concentrate.

🏞️ Parks or Outdoor Spaces: A change of scenery and fresh air can be refreshing.

🗒️ Realistic Exam Settings: If your school offers mock exam environments or designated classrooms, use them to simulate exam-day conditions.

Experiment with different locations to discover what works best for you—and don’t be afraid to mix it up regularly.

Mix Up Your Study Content

Dua Lipa’s Royal Albert Hall setlist began largely with tracks from the performer’s latest album, Radical Optimism, but also included fan-favorite classics like "Levitating," "Dance the Night," "Don’t Start Now," and "Cold Heart" (featuring a special appearance by Elton John!).

This dynamic blend of new and familiar kept the audience engaged and energized. Similarly, alternating between related but distinct study tasks in a single session can keep your mind engaged, deepen your understanding, and make your studying more effective.

The New York Times article explains that musicians and athletes often use this approach. Musicians, for instance, alternate between scales, pieces, and rhythmic drills, while athletes mix strength, speed, and skill training.

For bar exam prep, this could look like:

📝 Reviewing Outlines or Flashcards: Focus on key concepts for a subject like Constitutional Law to solidify your foundational knowledge.

🎯 Answering MBE Multiple-Choice Questions: Reinforce and test your understanding of the material by tackling practice questions.

✍️ Practicing Essay Questions: Develop your ability to apply the law in writing by working through essay prompts.

🛠️ Adding Performance Tests: Build practical skills and apply your knowledge in realistic scenarios to prepare for the exam’s hands-on components.

Mixing tasks engages different parts of your brain, strengthening the connections between concepts and helping you retain information longer. Plus, practice questions aren’t just assessments—they’re powerful review tools when used intentionally.

Making the Connection

Dua Lipa’s performance at Royal Albert Hall wasn’t just about hitting notes. It was about making a strategic choice that inspired her and enhanced her artistry. In the same way, varying your study environment and diversifying your study techniques can energize your preparation and set you up for success.

Remember: The bar exam is your stage—don’t just "Levitate" through your prep. "Dance the Night" (or day) away with intentional studying, mixing the "New Rules" of innovative study techniques with the classics that work. Keep your momentum strong, because with the right preparation, you’ll be saying "Don't Start Now" to self-doubt and don't "Hallucinate" about your passing the bar exam. Give yourself every advantage to shine like the "Future Nostalgia" of success you’re destined to be.