8 Great Study Tips for College Students
Studying for exams can be tedious, but if you plan your time correctly, you can make it go by quickly! The following tips and strategies will help you learn how and when to study so you can pass the exam for that English Lit class that you never attended.
Get Lots of Sleep
You are college student, so this should be no problem! Students who get a full night of sleep are more alert, more focused, and learn things more easily than those who are sleep-deprived.
Schedule Time for Studying
This may seem like a no-brainer, but you would be surprised at how often this is overlooked. If you have a regular break in your class schedule, set aside that time as a regular study time. By making it part of your routine, you will get into the habit of studying. The key is to start right away, stick with it, and try not to cheat on time. If you do not have a gap in your schedule then you should make time to study at night.
Make a Study Guide
Whether or not you are lucky enough to have a professor give you a study guide, making a guide is incredibly helpful when studying. The best thing to do is to go through your notes, textbook, past exams, or any other material and jot down all the information that is essential to the forthcoming exam. For example, important concepts, definitions, and formulas are key. The theory behind making a study guide is rereading and writing the information will help you memorize it faster.
Make Flash Cards
Making flash cards can be a bit time consuming, but the act of making the card is half the study and memorization process. Flash cards are easy to carry around with you so you can review them anytime. There are a few iPod/iPad apps dedicated to flash cards, so you might want to check them out if you use flash cards often.
Set Time Goals
Time goals will help you stay focused and on track, especially if you have time constraints. You are more likely to be productive if you have a goal to reach.
Remember to Take Breaks
Studying is difficult! You need to take short breaks to allow your brain to digest and retain the material. Be sure to take only a short break, otherwise you may get distracted by your roommate’s SpongeBob SquarePants marathon and it could be hard to get back to studying. When you do start studying again, quickly review the material you’ve already gone over, then move on to new material.
Go Facebook Free
While you are studying (during a regularly-scheduled study time or while cramming for an exam), make a rule for yourself to stay off Facebook. If you are flipping back and forth between your textbook and Facebook (or your cell phone/iPod), you will be more distracted and probably won’t remember as much. Keep your Facebooking and texting reserved for your study breaks.
Quiz Yourself
At the end of a chapter, it is a good idea to create a mock quiz and test yourself to see if you know the material. Write down a list of keywords, phrases, or questions but make sure to leave room underneath each one. Then go through and pretend you are taking an exam. Write down as much as you can remember about each topic.
If you can follow these simple steps, you will really maximize your ability to study, focus, and retain information, while still keeping up with your social life!
