Let’s face it, studying is not the most enjoyable activity, especially in college.
Nonetheless, studying is inevitable in order to get those good grades and eventually a degree. So, is your current study method yielding the results you wish for? If not, then you are probably using the wrong techniques.
Reading the last day before a test and rushing to cram everything doesn’t cut it anymore in college.
In college, it is vital to have a solid study technique that will ensure you retain most of the information. This post will give you some new ideas that you could implement in your study life in college. Let’s dive right in!
Table of Contents
Take time to study every day
While this may seem quite tedious, it is actually a very helpful tip for students anywhere around the world. Studying for a few hours every day will give your brain the time to absorb the content better as compared to cramming a day before an exam.
There is no other way of getting the knowledge. As Charles Ross (a highly qualified academic writer who works for a cheap essay service AffordablePapers.com) would say, ”One must study to acquire knowledge”, it is imperative that you make time for your study.
Stay clear of interruptions
Staying focused during your study time is very important. You don’t want to be stuck reading one topic over and over just because of unnecessary destruction.
The more focused you are the better you understand. So do whatever it takes to remove the destruction agents near you whenever you are studying.
Even if it means putting your phone in another room or evening locking your door, you better do it. You will be able to focus better, therefore, understand what you are studying.
Identify your ideal atmosphere
Not everyone can study comfortably from their room. It is your responsibility to find out which place works best for you. Many students mention that the library is silent and nearer to study resources and make them ideal. This might not be you, so get out there and find that place that best fits your study needs. Once you have identified the right study environment for you, be sure to constantly study from that place.
Repetition creates a habit and soon your brain will adjust and recognize this space as a study place and you will concentrate better.
Always take breaks
Your brain needs short breaks during the study period to soak in all the content you upload by reading. However, this doesn’t mean you take a 1-hour break for a study period of 10 minutes. Once you realize you are zoning out and daydreaming, then it is a good indicator that you need a break. Short breaks between long periods of study have been proven to give the best results when studying.
Get organized
Failing to plan is planning to fail. However much this might sound like a cliche, it is a fundamental aspect of your education. Note down the test dates, assignments, and deadlines. This will allow you to plan your study schedules around your assignments and tests so that you avoid the last-minute rush to study before the test.
You can go the extra mile and color code different subjects so that you know what needs to be done. Having a proper plan will save you a great deal especially in college.
Get into a study group
An effective study group needs not to have so many people. A group of 5 individuals will be small enough to maintain control and also large enough to share ideas back and forth. Remember, everyone has their strength, where you might be lacking your mates might be in a position to help you understand and vice versa.
Bouncing ideas and questions around will give you a perspective that you might have not thought about yet. Study groups are particularly helpful for upcoming tests and overall academic enrichment.
Snack for nourishment
Keeping your body nourished and energized will greatly influence your concentration and focus span. You need to energize your body to keep your brain functioning at full capacity all through your study period by sticking to healthy eating habits.
Snacking on caffeinated drinks and candy will only work as a short energy boost. However, if you are studying for longer periods, then you are better off, getting your source of energy from a more sustainable source, for instance, apples.
Study before going to bed
Sleep helps in memory formation, learning, and overall brain function. Therefore, studying right before going to bed will help you recall better whenever you need to retrieve the information.
Scott Cairney, a researcher at the University of York, recones that you learn new things when you are awake and sleep refines the knowledge. He also goes ahead and explains that sleep also restores brain function, which is crucial for learning.
During sleep, your brain will reorganize your memories and new knowledge. So instead of studying all night, do it before bed and review what you studied in the morning.
Believe in yourself and stay positive
If you are studying for a coming test, then you need to believe in yourself and stay positive. Seeing yourself acing the test and have belief in your ability to remember what you read will make you feel better about the examination.
Do not focus on failing, you will not be able to take in whatever you are reading. If you have done your best as far as studying, then the test should be the least of your worries.
Make use of shortcuts
Making use of visual pictures and acronyms during a test will help you remember and retrieve information easily. Also remember to schedule a visit with your professor, have a chat with her, she is full of ideas.
There you have it, top ten tips for studying in college. These effective tips will help you better your studying techniques so that you don’t spend more time on your books than you need to.