You would think that after 12 or so years of school we would have mastered the are of "studying" and we would all be getting straight A's and have a 4.0 gpa. I don't know about you but for me, I still struggle every semester to stay on top of school and work and have a decent social life. That being said I have learned a few tips and tricks along the way that have helped me to succeed in school.
1. Keep a planner!
I can't stress the importance of a planner enough! you can either take time every week, every month, or every semester but what's important is to set it up so that you have all your assignments and to-dos. One thing I do at the start of every semester is getting all my assignments and write when they are due, that way I already have them down for the next semester. Another thing I do in my planner is color code. I write my tests and exams in one color, papers and investigations in a different color, and homework in a different color. Finally every week on Sunday I plan for my next week. I write my daily to-dos and my goals for the week.
2. Take clear notes
Organized and clear notes, even if they are short and concise, are always better than writing down absolutely everything being able to understand it later. Your class notes are there for you to study so you need to make sure you can understand them. Pay attention to what is most important and make sure you write it down. If you're willing to go the extra mile bring several color pens that way you can write what's extra important in a different color or you can underline and box things up to make them stand out. The most important thing when it comes to taking notes is to find your note taking style. I personally prefer Cornell notes because it gives me space to go through my notes and add to them once I've left class without messing them up.
3. Always, Always, Always come prepared to class.
Extra pens and paper are always a necessity for good students. You never know when you'll need to use them plus you'll never be that annoying person asking to borrow stuff in the middle of a test. if you think you may need something bring it with you to school even if you don't end up using it. I always carry my computer, a binder, glue and scissors, and other school supplies in my car so if I happen to need them I know they are there for sure.
4. If you commute to school make pack your food!
As broke college students, wasting unnecessary money should be a no-no, and one of the most common ways in which we waste our money is by buying food in the school cafe/restaurants. Not only that but if your schedule is like mine where you have a break between morning and afternoon classes for lunch you don't want to be wasting time you could use in a better way. Make sure you always carry a snack in your bag or car because hunger is a huge distractor and that is the last thing you want to be when you're in class. Also, make sure your food is not super heavy because it will make you sleepy and beware sugars because they will burn up fast and will cause you to crash mid class.
5. Remember to have fun
Stress can not only cause diseases but will also damage your sleep patterns and take away your ability to complete the task properly and pay attention. Make sure that while you give your all to school you also schedule in some fun. Hang out with your friends every now and then, exercise, go to the beach (if you have one close by) or even to a park. It is okay to forget about school and work every now and then and just do something that you consider fun. Take a weekend trip, go to a concert, or even plan a sleep over at your dorm, apartment or house.
Remember that while it should be a priority for you to excel in school it is more important that you stay healthy of mind and body. All nighters every week to get an A will do nothing for you in the long run.
