Sometimes it can be easy to get bogged down with studying. It can get boring and monotonous, especially when you've been studying the same material over and over again. Here are a few study tips to help you get through long study sessions.
1. Take Frequent Breaks
It is super important to take breaks while you're studying. For every 45 minutes of study time, take a 15 break. Take this time to grab a snack, watch an episode of your favorite TV show, or just relax and breathe. Breaks can give your brain time to recuperate after being exposed to new information. If you don't take breaks while you're studying, you can quickly become burnt out and you may not be learning the material as effectively.
2. Choose the Best Environment
The best place for me to study is at the library. I like to study there when I can because I can limit my distractions while I'm studying. If I'm home, I'll soon start thinking of things around the house that need to be done, or I'll be preoccupied by television or other people who live with me. The environment in the library is more focused for me and I can think more clearly with limited distractions.
3. Don't Over-highlight
I was so guilty of this when I began studying in college. I over-highlighted everything! The pages of my textbooks were just yellow! This defeats the purpose of using a highlighter. When you read your assigned readings, just highlight anything that jumps out at you or things that show up in your PowerPoints or class notes. This has been the most effective method for me.
4. Notecards
Notecards are my favorite study materials. You can take them anywhere and they are a quick reference when you're studying. They can summarize the information you're studying so much more effectively than lengthy notes. You can access the information quickly instead of flipping through your notes.
5. Make Yourself Study Guides
While reading, I like to think of questions that I could ask. I'll write those down and try to answer them with the reading material. If I can't, I'll email my professor. In many textbooks, there is a section at the end of the chapter. I write them down and answer them. I use this as a guide to study with. You can put these on notecards as well and use them like flashcards.
6. Study Everyday
I know what you're thinking. Everyday? Is that really necessary? I guess it's not but it helps me a ton. If you study little bits everyday, it will make it a little less overwhelming when a test comes up. You won't have to cram because you will already be familiar with most of the material.
7. Schedule Study Time
I'm a very busy woman and scheduling study time is super important for me in order for me to study effectively. Get a planner and set time aside each week to study for at least a few minutes a day.
These are just a few tips that I have learned in the four years that I've been in college. I hope this could help you a little bit! Methods work differently for different people, so use a method that works for you! Good luck this semester!
