HOW TO STUDY

Study early and often. Unlike high school, the majority of the schoolwork you do in college occurs outside the classroom. Developing strong study habits will improve your performance in class and help you reduce stress around mid-terms and finals. Below are some studying tips:

1. Location - Is key to a productive study session. Find somewhere quiet and where you will not be distracted.
2. Study according to your body clock – Some of us are morning people, some are afternoon, and some are evening. Understand when you are the most alert and arrange your class times and your study times accordingly.
3. Study according to your learning style –
   1. Auditory learners – podcasts, lectures, group discussions
   2. Visual learners – reading, outlining, using color codes in notes
   3. Tactile learners – lab work, group projects, acting out what you are learning
4. Study plan – Having a plan will keep you focused and efficient.
   1. Be specific. List the tasks you want to complete for each study session. For example: read chapter 1, write intro for history paper, finish report, etc.
   2. Prioritize your work. Start with things that are most important and move on from there.
5. Break up large assignments – Don’t try to do a large assignment all at once break it down into parts. Example: Mon – research, Tues – make an outline, Wed – write first draft, Thurs – revise, Fri – edit/peer review.
6. Alternate assignments – If you need to switch it up, switch it up. Spend 30 minutes on math then switch to English, then go back.
7. Take Breaks – You will learn more if you take breaks. 30 minutes is about the max amount of time your brain sufficiently concentrates. Take a 10 minute break after each session. During your break take a quick walk, stretch, grab a snack. Do not be tempted to check messages, or social media. These are considered time suckers and we tend to spend more time doing them then we mean to.
8. Utilize office hours – Your instructor wants to help you. Use their office hours (found in your syllabus) to go ask them questions and to have them explain what you do not understand.
9. Block out time to study – Mark when you will study on your calendar and do not push it off for anything.
10. Review your notes – From class within 24 hours of taking them.
11. Review your notes and textbook together – Often times the textbook can fill in blanks or your notes can explain what is in your textbook.
12. Read the chapters before you go to class – This way you know what to listen for and have questions already in mind.
13. Study group – Form a study group or have at least the phone number of 1 other person in your class. If you miss a class or have questions you can utilize your study group or that 1 person to help you.
14. Complete written assignments early – This gives you time to edit or add as new ideas come to you.

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