Good idea to think about this as a spiritual discipline first. In Jainism, quitting smoking can be seen as a vow (vrata/anuvrata) aimed at ahimsa (non-violence) to oneself and all living beings, and at self-control. The basic framework is:

• The five great vows (mahavratas) are for ascetics; laypeople observe smaller, time-bound or partial vows (anuvratas) to gradually move toward those ideals. Abstaining from harming living beings and from causing needless violence is central to these vows. Smoking harms health and can be seen as harming the body you inhabit, so its abstinence aligns with ahimsa and self-discipline. ( britannica.com)
• If you take a formal vow to quit smoking for a fixed period (for example, to support your studies for four years), breaking it even during breaks is considered a violation of that vow. The strength and clarity of a vow come from intent and consistency; in Jain practice, a vow is meant to be kept as a serious commitment. If you cannot keep it perfectly, you would typically renew and recommit rather than continue breaking it. ( britannica.com)

What you can do practically (in line with Jain guidance and self-control):

• Decide on a clear start date and length for your vow (e.g., “I will not smoke for X months/years while I complete my degree”). Treat any lapse as a signal to recommit, not as a permission to keep smoking.
• Use supportive practices that Jain texts encourage for self-discipline, such as regular times of reflection, meditation (samayik), and mindful conduct. These help strengthen resolve and reduce craving. ( britannica.com)
• Seek a mentor or Jain guide (a senior lay practitioner or a monk) who can give you personalized guidance on vows and how to handle challenges.
• If quitting feels very hard, you can start with a more gradual approach within the vow’s framework (e.g., reduce frequency, switch to nicotine-free alternatives, or limit smoking to outside study breaks only after you’ve built stronger resolve) and then move toward full abstinence.

Important note on tradition:

• In Digambar and Shvetambar traditions, there are subtle differences in how vows are framed for laypeople versus monks, but the core aim remains: reduce harm, cultivate self-control, and progress toward moral and spiritual purification. The basic idea that a firm, sincere commitment is required for a vow holds across traditions. ( britannica.com, jainworld.com)

If you’d like, I can help you outline a simple, Jain-aligned plan to quit smoking for your four-year goals, focusing on clarity of vow, daily practices, and ways to handle breaks without losing your progress.