Study Tips for College Students

As a college student, you’ll spend plenty of weekends at the library, on the quad or in a quiet place trying to absorb all of the information you learned throughout the week. The good study habits you picked up in high school are a good start. Just add taking organized notes, timing studying just right and taking a break to the list to ensure that your study time is well spent.

Take Organized Notes

It’s not enough just to take notes — they have to be good notes. Start with recording the key points without writing down every word. You can always go back and review a chapter and add more notes later on, or discuss the topic with the professor during office hours. After taking notes, it may help to go back and rewrite them in a neater handwriting, or even type them into outline form. Keeping notes organized along with your other class materials will be a huge help when it’s time for exams.



Time it Just Right

Over-studying is not a myth — it can actually happen! You don’t need to spend all day at the library, even if you feel unprepared. Time management skills are going to be huge in college since there’s no one else managing your time. Don’t wait until the last minute and try to cram everything in. Pace yourself by studying a little each day, focusing on the key points and making sure you are well rested. This approach is going to pay off way more than pulling an all-nighter would.

Take a Break

Limiting time on computers, phones and social media may actually improve your study techniques. Today’s students spend hours and hours on social media and staring at electronic devices. Set boundaries for your study time, and you’ll see concentration improve. Be sure to take a break when studying. Some students find success with a 10-minute break after an hour of studying, and others will try to take a day off a week. Knowing there is time for relaxation later on helps them stay energized and focused.

Study habits are learned throughout life and not overnight. If you need more help with studying, reach out to your peers, professors and mentors for assistance. Whatever you do, take the time to establish good study habits because they’ll prove to be beneficial throughout the rest of your education.

Comment:

Over-studying is definitely not a myth, and is why “cramming” is such a stupid idea. You have to learn a little bit day by day and let your brain store it in your long term memory when you sleep at night. Trying to stuff everything you need to know in there all at once is literally impossible.

I think basically everyone nowadays could use that last bit of advice – “take a break” from electronics, etc. They’re consuming our lives, young and old… it’s sad.

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