For most college students it takes a while to find out the best ways to study effectively. Here are a few study tips that might help you stay on track during your educational endeavor.
Establish a place to study. You should surround yourself with a relaxed atmosphere with as little distraction as possible. Eliminating distractions like the TV or your gossiping roommate is the only way to ensure that you will not get sidetracked or pulled away from your studies.
Try to find a place where you don’t routinely do other things, it should be an area where your brain only has one thing to focus on. Also, good lighting is key.
Prioritize. With multiply classes, assignments and exams can pile up and can sometimes seem impossible to get through. Get yourself organized. What is due first or what exam do you write first? What is worth more in terms of your grade, or in terms of your personal, education or career goals?
If you aren’t sure what is more important or time sensitive, start with the most difficult subject. Putting off a difficult subject until your tired only makes it even harder.
Make a list and tackle one thing at a time. Concentrating on each task individually will help you feel less overwhelmed and give you greater focus.
Give yourself plenty of time. Unfortunately cramming doesn’t work. By starting to study weeks ahead of your exam you have plenty of time to read everything. It also gives you time to ask questions about anything you don’t fully understand. Procrastination is a student’s worst enemy, try and avoid it as much as possible.
Understand the assignment. Nothing is harder or more frustrating than trying to complete something when you are unclear of the expectations. Ask questions and get help if you need it.
Break down each task. Figure out everything that you need to do to accomplish the task and then break it down into smaller objectives. By subdividing the project, it becomes less intimidating and you seem to work through it faster.
Schedule breaks. Take a ten minute break after every hour of study. Spread out several short study sessions during the day and if possible avoid long blocks of study time. There is no point in trying to study when you have reached zombie state. By taking breaks you refresh your brain and make it easier to focus.
Utilize campus resources. Get to know your instructors and ask questions. Also, get to know your campus. Find the leaning services that are offered and take advantage of them.
Lethbridge College has a Learning Café that offers students, peer tutoring, development study courses, study skills, workshops, and free individualized academic support. The Learning Café is in the back section of the Buchanan Library in room CE1340.
And for those long nights when you find yourself in need of help and the college is closed, LC has an eLearning Café. This online resource offers you quick online access to advice, tools, tips and practice activities to help you reach academic success.
For more information you can visit the Learning Café on campus or contact at: learningcafe@lethbridgecollege.ca or call 403-382-6952.
What are some of your best studying tips? Please share below.
Image from -Snugg- via Flickr
