Adjusting
to the academic workload in college can be difficult for some freshman
students. Compared to what they experienced in high school, the curriculum is
typically more specialized and the assignments are often more in-depth.
It’s
important to form good study habits for college early on so that you don’t fall
behind when faced with more challenging or time-consuming readings, subject
material, and exams. Make these six study habits a part of your regular routine
and you’ll start off your college experience on the right foot.
Effective
studying is critical to success in college, and many new college students
quickly find that their prior study habits need major adjustments. To begin
making the change, find a quiet, organized space to study. Study with a
positive attitude and specific goals in mind. If you need help, there's no
shame in asking. Your professors and peers are there to help you learn. You can
develop excellent habits that help you navigate the difficulties of college.
5 Study Habits for College Students
Below are 5 Effective Study Habits for College Students:
1. GETTING ORGANIZED TO
STUDY
(a) Create a dedicated study space: Find
a quiet space in your dorm room or somewhere on campus where you can focus.
Studying in the same place every day trains your brain to associate a certain
environment with work. This will help you get into the zone when you start
studying. Pick a place that's quiet and distraction free. The basement of your
dorm may not be a good choice if it's a common place for socializing, but you
could instead study at your desk in your dorm room.
(b) Find a regular time for
studying: If you study at the same time each day, your brain will
be prepped for learning when you sit down. Review your schedule and see when
you have free time. Schedule an hour or two for studying during those times
each day. You can study during gaps between classes or in the evening after
your classes are done for the day.
In
addition to finding times that work, find times when you're naturally more
energetic. If you tend to get sleepy in the afternoon, do something relaxing
for yourself around two o'clock and schedule study time sometime after dinner.
(c)
Organize your materials: Make sure you have everything you need
to study at your study space. If you're studying in a place in your home, keep
things like your books, pencils, pens, and scrap paper in that area. If you go
out to study, invest in a book bag with a lot of compartments and keep all your
study supplies stored there. It can help to stop by a local office supplies
store to get things like notebooks, pencil boxes, and other storage
contraptions to keep you organized.
(d)
Eliminate distractions: When readying your study space, it's
important to keep it distraction free. Remove any technologies that will take
your mind off your work, like your smartphone. You can even use apps to block
distracting websites like Facebook while you're studying, forcing you to focus
on academic websites instead. Keep other distracting material, such as outside
reading, away from your study area. If you go out of your dorm or apartment to
study, do not take anything potentially distracting. Stick to your school
supplies only and leave things like your iPod at home. However, if you are
studying in a noisy place, you may want to bring your headphones if music helps
you focus.
(e)
Figure out your needs via trial and error: College is all
about experimentation. It can take a while to find your groove when it comes to
studying. For a few weeks at the beginning of the semester, experiment with
studying at different times and places until you figure out when and where
you're more productive. For example, study in your dorm one day and a coffee
shop the next day. Take note of which place you feel the most relaxed and
engaged and make a habit of studying there regularly.
Also read: Top 10 Most Educated States in Nigeria (2022)
2. USING GOOD STUDY TECHNIQUES
(b)
Start with difficult material first: You'll be most energetic
at the beginning of your study period. Therefore, it makes sense to begin by
studying the most challenging materials. Tackle the most difficult subjects and
topics first before targeting your strong points. For example, if you're really
struggling understanding a concept for a philosophy class, study your notes and
reading on that concept first. Then, you can move on to easier topics.
(c)
Rewrite your notes: Studying requires a lot of memorization. It
can help to simply rewrite your notes and reword them as you go. Read over all
your notes for one session and then rewrite them on a separate sheet of paper.
This will force you to engage with the material and write it in your own words
again, which increases understanding and helps you remember what you've
learned.
(d)
Use memory games: Memory games can help you remember tough
concepts and terms. You can use visualization techniques or string together
words that help you remember concepts. These can be highly useful for an exam.
For example, a well-known memory device is Kings Play Cards On Flat Green
Stools, used to help you remember the taxonomy order used to classify species
(Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, Species). (Kingdom, Phylum,
Class, Order, Family, Genus, Species). You can also use visualization. For
example, you're trying to remember Jeanette Rankin was the first woman to serve
in Congress and you have an Aunt Jeanette. Picture your Aunt Jeanette talking
on the floor of Congress to help you remember.
(e)
Take breaks: No one can study for hours on end without
getting frustrated and burnt out. Breaks help you relax, recharge, and approach
a situation with new eyes. Make a habit of studying for one hour and then
taking a five minute break to do something you enjoy, like go on social media
or text a friend. Set a timer to make sure you're on task. You don't want to
study for too long, leading to frustration, or take a long break, which can
ruin your concentration.
(f)
Study with a positive attitude: If you see studying as a
chore, you're likely to get frustrated and burn out. Instead of seeing studying
as something you have to do, look at the positives. Think of this as a way to
improve your skills and abilities and get the most out of your education.
Studying can be stressful, and it's important to address and challenge
stressful thoughts. For example, don't think, "I'm a mess. I'm never going
to understand this." Instead think, "I'm sure if I work a little each
day, I can figure out this material."
(g)
Give yourself rewards: Studying feels easier if you have
something to look forward to when you're done. Develop a reward system for
yourself so you're motivated to get through your work. For example, agree that
if you study for three hours, you can go to the cafeteria and have something
like ice cream or pizza for a treat.
3. SEEKING OUTSIDE RESOURCES
(b)
Form a study group: Find peers who are hard workers and do well
in the course. Ask them to form a study group. The right study group can really
help you stay focused and engaged and gain a better understanding of course
material. Choose the right peers. If your study group is made up of friends,
studying may turn into socializing fast. Pick good students who are genuinely
engaged in class. Bounce off one another's strengths. If a classmate is
confused on a subject you're skilled at, and does well in an area that confuses
you, they would make a good partner. The two of you can help one another out.
(c)
Go to your professors with questions: There is nothing to be
embarrassed about if you have questions. Everyone gets confused sometimes and
needs some extra help. If you have questions on a concept or subject, email
your professor or go to office hours. They may be able to offer you tips and
tricks to better understand the material. Your professor's office hours should
be stated on their green sheet, which they handed out at the beginning of the
semester. When emailing your professor, state your class day and time in the
subject header. Professors often teach more than one class.
(d)
Go to review sessions if they are offered: Some teachers have
review sessions each week or before an exam. Always make a habit of going if
you have time in your schedule. Review sessions can help you gain a better
understanding of course materials. They can also be a great place to ask
professors or teaching assistant’s questions. If your teacher does not offer a
review session, ask them if they are willing to do it. If enough students are
interested in a review session, they may create one.
(e)
Use a tutor: If your campus has tutoring centers, make
use of them if you ever need help. You can also look for a private tutor in
your area online. A little oneonone help can go a long way if you're confused
about a subject. Not all tutors advertise in the tutoring center on college
campuses. Some tutors post their fliers on the school bulletin board, alongside
other fliers for housing and textbook sales. If you cannot find any tutors, ask
your classmates. Some of them may be willing to help you before or after class,
and not all of them will charge a fee.
4. KEEP TRACK OF DEADLINES AND IMPORTANT DATES
You might have the best of intentions when buying a new
planner, but to really make the most of it, you should be sure to review it
every day and write down due dates for assignments, exams, and other important
events. Keeping track of what you need to study for can help you stay ahead of
crucial projects and develop good study habits for college. You can get ahead of upcoming assignments by checking
your calendar on a weekly (and daily) basis, outlining each deadline in
advance, and blocking off time to study. And don’t forget the best part of
keeping a list of tasks—crossing them off once they are completed!
5. DO NOT CRAM FOR YOUR EXAM
If you follow the previous tip, you likely won’t find
yourself in a difficult situation, but it’s worth repeating: Remember to
schedule your study time wisely to make the most of it. Studies
show that reviewing material in smaller chunks of time—over a longer time
span—is more effective than trying to cram a ton of material into one session.
Slow and steady wins the race.
Once you have your course syllabus and schedule for the semester, find periods of time between classes and activities when you can fit in some studying. This way, you won’t have to stress the night before a big exam trying to review everything at the last minute.
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