Studying is hard, and finding the tools that make it easier can be even harder. It took me some time, but I finally figured it out, and here are my top five study saving graces:
1. Syllabus Attachment Syndrome
Every semester, I become overly attached to my class syllabi (WOW, the plural form, folks!) Professors give these handy-dandy guides to us for a reason, and as monotonous as it can be to read through them, they’re pretty darn handy. Often times, they include dates of quizzes and tests that professors may not mention in class. For every class, I keep the syllabus in order to check back weekly, and even sometimes daily, to make sure I’m not behind. Occasionally, the syllabi include tips for participation and extra credit, which can offer the grade boost you need for the GPA you’ve worked for!
2. The big, big binder
Every year, I buy a three-inch binder. This binder is the holy grail of all educational materials ever. I’m not a terribly organized person, so my binder keeps me sane. I buy loose-leaf paper in bulk and use dividers to separate my classes into sections. I use my handy-dandy hole punch so that I can store every handout, quiz, and any other study materials I’ve been given for class. By the end of the semester, my binder is pretty heavy, but studying for finals is much easier when all my study material is in one place!
3. Quiet time
I’m easily distracted, which can make studying difficult. Often times I have to separate myself from the hustle and bustle until I’m focused on nothing other than my homework. Sometimes, I have to hide my phone and my laptop from myself. Once my electronics are out of sight, they’re out of mind too. And just like that, I’m a world-class nerd at last.
4. My pretty planner
I often times schedule my days down to the minute. It sounds like a little much, but it keeps me in check like you wouldn’t believe! Unlike high school, college requires a little more self-accountability when it comes to classes. Writing down all the tasks I need to complete in a day keeps me on track with my classes. I schedule out blocks of time for reading, making flashcards, and sometimes, on busy days, even showering! Every time I finish a task, I cross it out and move onto the next until I’m finally finished, and then… sleep.
5. Sleep
For the love of all the melatonin in your brain, get some sleep! I’ve dealt with the repercussions of sleep deprivation firsthand, and it’s not the most enjoyable of states. I’ve unintentionally fallen asleep in a desk chair, listening to an online lecture. I’ve fallen asleep in the library for HOURS. I’ve gone to bed in the early hours of the morning after trying to cram. It’s. Not. Pretty. Then, to overcompensate, I’ve consumed enough espresso for multiple people, and I hate coffee. Bottom line—sleep, it’s so simple! Shut off your phone and go to bed; you’ll thank yourself later.
Take my five study saving graces with a grain of salt; what works for me might not work for you. I would encourage you to try them, though, because they've completely altered the quality of my learning experiences.
