Now that the excitement of Thanksgiving is over, it is time to get prepared and pumped up for the holiday season, oh, and the season of exams, projects, and papers. Though I haven't personally gone through a week of college finals yet, I am going to share my favorite ways to study as a college student. These tips have really helped me succeed so far!
1. Write out a full to-do list
It is so important to write down every single thing you have to complete when you are stressed with school work overload. That way, no assignment or even little reading gets forgotten. I typically make a to-do list every week on my computer, and then I highlight each item as I complete it. I color code by class and I also include a section of other so that I don't forget what meetings or paperwork I need to get done.
2. Type your notes
In the next few weeks, if you hand write your notes, type them up onto your computer. The repetition will help you remember them and will make them easier for you to read and understand. Then, reread those notes until you feel you have the concepts down.
3. Go to the quiet floor
This tip has helped my grades like no other. There is nothing more satisfying than sitting down in a cubicle for a couple hours with coffee nearby to really focus on your work. I find it is easier to ignore my phone when on the quiet floor, therefore, I get way more work finished in a shorter amount of time.
4. Use Quizlet
I make quizzes for everything. You can always type up questions with multiple choice answers, simple term-definition cards, or you can make flashcards based off your textbook or notes. The repetition really helps you remember what you need to know, especially in crunch time like finals week.
5. Sleep
If you have a 7:30am final, and you go to bed at 3am the night before, it is unlikely that you'll be able to do well. It is as important to sleep as it is to study. If you study after dinner until midnight every night these next few weeks, you will still get about six hours of sleep, and you can be more rested and better prepared to score well.
I wish nothing but the best for my fellow college students these next few weeks! I hope everyone finishes strong and finds a study pattern that works well for them. Good luck!
