1. Set a time and place to study
Do you like to study in your room? In the library? Or even outside with a cup of coffee in your hands? Chances are, you already have a place in mind that you go to often when you study or do homework. Wherever that place may be, make sure that the place has limited distractions and people you are going to talk to on a daily basis. Have a clear idea on what time will work best for you. If there is a subject that you don't understand, make sure to survey your surroundings and find someone who can help you, whether it's a tutor or a student in the class with you.
2. Break up your time
Let's face it, if we were to dedicate twenty-four hours a day studying, we'd wander these halls like insomniac zombies with mood swings. In other words, there's only so many hours that you can dedicate to studying. Set limits on how much you can process this information, then write down answers to questions you do know, take a half an hour break, and start up again. Do NOT overdue it. Your brain can't process a whole chapter all at once. Break it up into small categories.
3. Set the scene
Do you listen to heavy metal when you're studying? Have food in a bowl nearby for snacking? No? Just me? Or do you prefer absolute quiet? Whatever the case may be, you have to make sure you're comfortable. Let's face it, you're probably going to be here for a while. Get organized beforehand and have something that will retain your focus, whether it's a quiet space filled with lots of room or a bowl of popcorn available as a reward or to keep your mind sharp. What time works best for you? Do you like working in the evening after you had dinner? Or do you like working in the early hours when the sun has yet to rise? Take all these factors into consideration and apply them to your studying.
4. Read syllabuses and do some work ahead of time
What homework assignments are due this week? What's the most reading you have to do for a class? What's the least amount? Which course stresses you out the most? Be sure to do most of the reading ahead of time because nothing beats knowing exactly what the professor is talking about and seek help if you are struggling. The professors will take notice and you will feel more confident. If it helps, take some notes to jog your memory. Take action and seek extra guidance if you need. Your reward will most likely be your grades and the satisfaction.
5. Read Like A Boss!
Ew. Reading. Haha, just kidding, but when it comes down to about 100 pages per week, you're bound to get stressed out no matter how many times you reread the chapter. Branch it out. Color code if you like colors to help you remember. Jot down notes in the margin. Take a twenty minute nap then come back to the reading or grab something to eat. Do a healthy method to retain the most information.
Teacher's Pet Tip – Highlight important images and make note on how to cite them or what the utmost importance is about them. Your professors might include it in an exam!
6. Participate, participate, participate!
Nothing sucks more than a one sided conversation. Your professors work long and hard to prep for this lesson. Show that you're interested! Ask questions! Provide some commentary (but make sure it is appropriate!) Apply some knowledge on previous lessons or courses. The professors will appreciate your feedback.
7. Find a study group
Cliché? Eh... Friend group you always talk to? Maybe. People who do well in the class? High possibility. Whatever the case may be, make sure you find a good study group that is diligent and will offer help by separating it equally. They can really help you with difficult topics and course material if you don't understand something in the class.
8. Don’t be afraid to ask for help
As Confucius once said, "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step," and the same applies to your situation right now. Right now, you are on a journey in college towards a possible career and whether you choose to get a degree or not is your choice. How will you know which path works well for you? Simple. Know when to ask help. If you are struggling, there's no need to suffer in silence. Ask if there is a student tutor or ask for a private tutor for a one on one session to break down the material with you. Whatever the case may be, don't be afraid to meet with your professor and ask some questions to help you understand the course better. They will appreciate it and you will thank yourself later.
9. Life shouldn't control you
Job, boyfriends, girlfriends, friends, drama, personal reasons, etc... Let's face it, all of these things can be great but they can also be a pain in the butt when it's time to get serious. When you are feeling stressed, it's your responsibility to let these people know that you are stressed. If you don't, these people and factors will suck out your time, energy, and even motivation. Make sure you DO want to work on that project. Make sure you DO want to write that essay a few days ahead of time. Make sure you DO NOT want to fail this course. You have to let them know. Speak up.
10. Don’t CRAM for exams
I'm looking into the future... You are in your room and you have a computer on hand... you have an essay due in a few hours...and what's that you're doing? You're cramming in your time. Piece of advice, DON'T DO THAT! It's seriously bad for your sake as well as your health's. Your brain can't process all of that information all at once and you trying to absorb all of it is putting massive strain on it. Plan ahead. Break it down. Have a small study break or even seek a study group that meets weekly. Don't wait until the last minute.
