Being a college student comes with many challenges, especially when you are transitioning from high school to college. College lectures, assignments, essays, and exams can be hard to manage. Balancing all these demands requires more than just simply attending class, taking notes, and completing your homework… although that does help! To truly excel and succeed in college, you must implement effective study strategies to maximize efficiency, and implement all you have learned, and ace your exams!
Here are some essential study hacks every student should know:
1. Master Time Management: Although this may seem simple, it is very important to master time management when wanting to elevate your study habits. Use things like planners or digital planners (Check out our shop for the Ultimate Academic Planner) to schedule all aspects of your routine. When planning out your routine.. make sure you set aside time for study sessions and write down all of your exams and quizzes so you can prepare beforehand. Break your studying and assignments into more manageable chunks. Do as much as you can each day, and set goals for study periods. I highly recommend studying a little bit every day. It makes a huge difference compared to cramming during finals week. That way you can learn and retain the information as you are learning, compared to learning 12 weeks of material in one week.
2. The Pomodoro Technique: After implementing effective time management strategies, I highly recommend using the Pomodoro technique when studying. Break your study time into smaller intervals. 25 minutes on, followed by a 5 minute break. During that 5 minute break, completely put everything down and do something that gives your brain a break (don’t just pick up your phone and scroll). Do a few jumping jacks, get a quick coffee, turn on a quick meditation video, whatever works for you and gives you the break you need! Doing this will reduce burnout, enhance your studying experience, and helping you maintain concentration. I have found it helps me tackle a lot of material over a few hour period, since I’m giving my brain the break it needs.
3. Utilize Active Learning Techniques: A lot of the time, you’re utilizing active learning techniques without even knowing! However, when you are tackling a lot of material at once it is hard to be attentive and actively learn. Active learning techniques are not passively reading and highlighting material, or copying notes word for word. Techniques like summarizing information into your own words, teaching concepts to a friend, or creating mind maps can help reinforce learning and ensure you grasp key concepts.
4. Create a Productive Study Environment, or find your Study Space on Campus: I have found that when I put a lot of effort into the act of studying, and make it seem more attractive that it actually is… then I am more likely to study for longer, and actually ENJOY it. Put motivational quotes, your favorite pics, and some fairy lights by your desk. Always keep your desk clean, buy supplies and decor that you enjoy. Make it a whole experience! It truly elevates your study game. Or if you don’t want your space to be in your dorm, find a quiet and aesthetic space on campus, get your favorite drink or a snack, put your headphones on, and study away! When you find a space, stick to it. It will help program your mind into study mode when being in that space.
5. Prioritize Self Care: As cliche as it sounds… a healthy mind and body are crucial for effective studying. Stop pulling all nighters to study… you can get a bunch of studying in if you prioritize your time wisely and implement time management strategies. Get your sleep, drink your water, move your body, and eat nutritious meals. Not only should you be physically healthy, you should be mentally healthy as well! Spend time in The Bible, journal, meditate, practice deep breathing techniques, etc. these practices can help improve concentration and reduce stress.
6. Establish a Study Group: Study groups can be both a blessing and a curse… having people in your class who have the ambition and desire to study can be very uplifting and beneficial. However, if it is more of a hassle and social session than a study session, it could be hard to actually be productive. Study groups are great for discussing difficult concepts, going over notes, helping each other study for exams, and gaining different perspectives. Ensure the group stays productive and focused. Set clear objectives for each session to avoid it turning into a social session.
7. Use Practice Exams and Past Papers: If you have access to practice exams.. use them! But if you have a quiz that you took in the past that you want to get a better score on, use that as a study aid. Familiarize yourself with the format and types of questions that may appear on exams. This will help you reduce any test anxiety and improves your ability to apply knowledge under exam conditions. Act as if you are taking the exam a few days before the actual exam, complete the practice exam, review your mistakes, and look for areas of improvement.
8. Stay Organized and Take Good Notes: Develop a consistent note-taking system, such as the Cornell Method, or find an outline to follow. These techniques will keep your notes clear and organized. Regularly review and revise your notes to reinforce your understanding and retain the information. After each lecture, review your notes and have a mini study session! You’ll thank me later..
9. Use Mnemonics or Memory Aids: Acronyms, visual imagery, and mnemonic devices are incredible techniques to use to help you memorize complex information. Memory Aids can teach you to recall the information more efficiently and smoothly. These techniques are perfect for courses or areas of study that require a lot of memorization.
10. Get Help if Needed: I know… this is pretty self explanatory, but it is worth considering. If you’re a Type A perfectionist like myself, it’s hard to admit we can’t do it all. It’s hard for us to ask for help.. but trust me, it is so much better when you do. Utilize your colleges Teaching Assistants, Tutors, Study Groups or talk to students that have taken the class before or that are in a similar area of study. Also, please go to your professors office hours!! I cannot stress that enough. Don’t be intimidated, you’ll stand out immensely if you face your fears and go to your professors office and admit you’re struggling or need clarification on something. Nine times out of ten, they will be extremely impressed by your courage and drive to do well that they will assist you, even if they don’t… at least you tried. Remember, you can’t do it all and it’s okay to ask for help.
Final Thoughts
Don’t overwork yourself by trying to implement all of these techniques. Conduct a little trial and error and see which ones work best for you. You should implement techniques that work best for you, your schedule, and your learning style. By incorporating these study tips into your routine.. you’ll enhance your learning experience, manage your time more efficiently, and ultimately achieve your goals! Having a good study routine will help you become the Straight A student you desire to be, and will boost your forward on your path to becoming your best self. You will be absolutely unstoppable. I know you can do it! I’m so proud of you… and remember, you’re doing better than you think you are.
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13 NKJV
The content provided in this blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, medical, or professional advice. All information and opinions expressed are based on general knowledge and research. The author does not claim ownership of any content or ideas presented and does not assume responsibility for any errors or omissions.
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