Studying is one of my favorite past times, I love constantly learning new information and it is the greatest way to remember and compartmentalize all this information I'm picking up. This has it's benefits because it shows in my grades. The main reason that I believe I actually enjoy studying is because I find it therapeutic and I always know what's going on in my classes. In the following list, I will share some of my best studying tricks to remember information like a pro.
1. Take a few deep breaths
The thought of processing a bundle of new information all at once may seem like an overload, but prior to tackling studying I find it helpful to center myself and get myself in the right mindset to be productive.
2. Eat something
Granola bars, bagels, and fruit are some of the things I like to eat before I study. Studying on an empty stomach can reduce productivity because all you think about if you're hungry is when you can eat next.
3. Set a time limit for yourself
Studying in excess is never good. I find that if you restrict yourself to a certain time slot you will increase productivity because you're working toward a goal.
4. Go over class notes from the class you plan on studying for
Before I make a general outline of things I want to study I like to go over what I learned in the past few lectures to jog my memory. This helps to add context to what I'm learning.
5. Read the book chapters that correlate to the class notes
This will help add context to your class notes and a lot of the time your professor will skip over important concepts that the book covers.
6. Make notes in the margins in the book and highlight key phrases
I warn you, it might be tempting to highlight whole paragraphs but only highlight key sentences that summarize the information of the paragraph.
7. If there are key terms that the book or your professor indicates, make a flashcard for them
Flashcards are one of my best friends, they can make studying efficient especially if you need to review quickly before an exam. Being able to review in situations where your time is limited is where flashcards are very helpful.
8. Make outlines and study guides one week prior to an exam
Making a study guide this early will give you time throughout the week to refer back to it and you will be able to look at it whenever you do have time to study. It's something that will already be there and even the process of making it will help you review.
9. The night before a big test, get at least 8 hours of sleep
For me personally, sleep is essential to doing well. I'm constantly taking naps to get energy, and I find that going to bed by 10 pm the night before an exam and waking up by 6 in the morning is a good sleep before taking a test. This gives you time in the morning to go over a few last things on your study guide.
10. Stay hydrated, it will make you feel less anxious while taking a test
Water is one of the easiest ways to help yourself. If you're hydrated you'll feel ready to conquer anything.
