The demands academic life places on college students can be hefty, and while certain studying strategies work for some students, they do not work for everyone. This list of studying tips and tricks has been created to benefit students from different walks of life who also have different learning styles.
Let’s dive deeper into some of the studying habits that college students can integrate into their everyday life.
Find a Studying Environment that Works for You
While silence can be golden for some, others find it more distracting to work without background noise. Understand which environment suits you best. If you are unsure of what works best in your case, you may want to try studying in a variety of settings to help you find your answer.
If you are already aware of the environment that crafts your best focus, be sure to prioritize being in those settings to do your work. For instance, if you are someone who needs absolute silence, you might want to work on the quiet floor of your university’s library. Some libraries even offer silent study rooms for students to work in.
On the other hand, if you’re someone who works better with background noise and different people bustling about, you might focus better in a coffee shop, or in one of your university’s dining areas. Whether you prefer the library, a coffee shop, or somewhere in between, it’s important to know what works best for you and to dedicate time to working in those areas.
Include Variety in Your Routine
It’s also important to incorporate variety in your studying habits. Monotony can lead to burn out. Not only can taking breaks be important, but so can change. Alternate the material you study and the mediums through which you learn. For example, if your professor provides additional media, like a podcast, be sure to listen to it in addition to simply reading your book.
If possible, try making time to study in groups along with working alone. Studying with a group can cultivate collaborative learning – a process that has led to improvements in learning and comprehension. The day after working with a study group, try reviewing the material on your own, even for a quick amount of time, to reassess your understanding of the content you learned.
All in all, changing up learning processes by working in different locations and using varying techniques can actually promote student success and the retention of information long term.
Space Things Out
Less is better than more – which is why so many students are encouraged to have good time management skills. Of course, no one is immune to procrastination, but we recommend trying to stop it before it starts.
Spacing tasks out into manageable portions of time can make a big difference for students trying to combat procrastination. If you find out that you have an exam next Friday, for instance, it is heavily encouraged to begin preparing the weekend before. Not only does this strategy increase your chances of retaining information long term, it can make for a more enjoyable experience than staying up late to cram the evening before the exam.
Studies have also shown that physical activity can support information retention. If you are on campus with a couple of hours in between your classes, try studying two subjects with a 30 minute walk in between. This approach gives your brain a break while still being productive.
Become a Better Note Taker
Improved study habits begin in lecture halls. Taking thorough notes in class can make a big difference when you sit down a few weeks later to review the material. Different students can be different note takers; what’s important is not the quantity of your notes, but their quality and efficacy for your learning.
For example, if you struggle with handwritten notes, consider taking lecture notes on your laptop. Many students find typing to be a faster and easier method to take information in. Other students may prefer handwritten notes. If this is the case, be sure that your notes are structured and organized in a way that makes the most sense for you and the subject.
However you go about note taking, ensure that the notes you take are clear, and are accessible later down the line as you prepare to be tested on the material.
Get More Sleep
Countless studies have proven the correlation between improved student performance and a healthy sleep schedule. Often, the question many students have is how to go about getting enough sleep. Not only do many college students work to support themselves through school, but they can have family obligations, in addition to other responsibilities.
In many instances, improved sleep habits begin with evaluating your schedule. Look for pockets of your day where you can undertake some productive time to study. Try finding possibilities that will get you to bed at your ideal time, and do your best to adjust accordingly.
Student life is busy. Just as it’s important to make time for school and your responsibilities, it’s also important to make time for yourself. Sleep plays an important role in how you feel and how your body functions. Be sure to prioritize it.
Stay Consistent
We know that consistency is easier said than done, but pushing through procrastination plays a significant role in maintaining a good work-life balance. Do your best to set realistic goals and follow through with them.
Consistent study habits create steady progress. As this progress develops throughout the semester, it can lead to the timely completion of assignments, and better preparation for exams or final term papers.
Although fighting procrastination instead of cramming for exams can feel like a sacrifice in the short term, in the long run, students will save time and energy. Do your best to push past the urge to procrastinate – your future self will thank you.
From Cramming to Conquering
While each student’s college experience is unique, the common challenge lies in the demanding world of academia. By incorporating these tips into their lifestyle, students can create a college experience that is more fulfilling than it is stress-inducing.
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