Many new college students find that their previous study habits need to be changed in order to succeed in college.To start making a change, find a quiet space to study.Study with a positive attitude.There's no shame in asking if you need assistance.Peers and professors can help you learn.Developing good habits can help you navigate college.
Step 1: There is a dedicated study space.
You can find a quiet space in your dorm room.Your brain learns to associate certain environments with work by studying in the same place every day.When you start studying, this will help you get into the zone.There is a place that is quiet and distraction free.If it's a common place for socializing in your dorm, the basement may not be a good choice, but you could instead study at your desk.
Step 2: It is possible to find a regular time to study.
If you study at the same time each day, you will be prepared for learning.When you have free time, review your schedule.You can schedule an hour or two for studying.You can study in the evening after your classes are over.You can find times when you're more energetic.If you get sleepy in the afternoon, you should take a break around two o'clock and study after dinner.
Step 3: You have to organize your materials.
Make sure you have everything you need to study.If you're studying in your home, keep your books, pencils, pens, and scrap paper in that area.If you go out to study, invest in a book bag with a lot of compartments and keep all your study supplies there.If you stop by a local office supplies store, you can get things like notebooks, pencil boxes, and other storage contraptions to keep yourself organized.
Step 4: It's time to eliminate distraction.
It's important to keep your study free of distraction when readying it.Don't use technologies that will distract you from your work.You can use an app to block websites that distract you while you're studying.Outside reading should be kept away from your study area.If you leave your dorm or apartment to study, don't take anything that could distract you.Leave your iPod at home and only use your school supplies.If you are studying in a noisy place, you might want to bring your headphones.
Step 5: Use trial and error to figure it out.
College is about experimentation.When it comes to studying, it can take a while.You can experiment with studying at different times and places for a few weeks at the beginning of the semester.One day you can study in your dorm and the next in a coffee shop.Make a habit of studying at that place if you feel relaxed and engaged there.
Step 6: Each session should have a single goal.
Study sessions that have direction are the most effective.It can be hard to figure out where to start when you are just blindly studying.Determine what topics are most pressing and set goals before each study session.If you're studying for a math final, focus on one concept each day.One day you can study multiplication and division.The days of the week can be used to set goals.Focus on math and science on Mondays and Wednesdays, humanities on Thursdays and Fridays, and so on.
Step 7: Start with the most difficult material.
The beginning of your study period is when you will be most energetic.It makes sense to study the most challenging materials first.Before targeting your strongest points, tackle the most difficult subjects and topics.If you're struggling to understand a concept in a philosophy class, you should study your notes and read on it.You can move on to easier topics after that.
Step 8: Write them down.
It takes a lot of concentration to study.Reword your notes as you go.Rewriting your notes on a separate sheet of paper is the best way to do it.This will help you remember what you've learned by forcing you to engage with the material and write it in your own words again.
Step 9: Play memory games.
You can use memory games to remember.visualization techniques can help you remember conceptsThese are useful for an exam.Kings play cards on flat green stools are a well known memory device that helps you remember the order of the species.You can use visualization as well.Jeanette Rankin was the first woman to serve in Congress and you have an Aunt Jeanette.Take a picture of your Aunt Jeanette talking on the floor of Congress.
Step 10: Take some time to rest.
No one can study for hours on end without burning out.Breaks can help you relax and approach a situation with new eyes.You can make a habit of studying for one hour and then taking a five minute break to do something you enjoy.To make sure you're on task, set a timer.You don't want to study for too long, or take a long break, which can ruin your concentration.
Step 11: Study with a positive attitude.
You're likely to get frustrated and burn out if you see studying as a chore.Look at the positives instead of seeing studying as something you have to do.This is a way to improve your skills and get the most out of your education.It's important to address and challenge stress in studying.Don't think, "I'm a mess."I'm not going to understand this.If I work a little each day, I can figure out this material.
Step 12: Give yourself something to be proud of.
It's easier to study if you have something to look forward to.If you have a reward system for yourself, you will be more motivated to get through your work.You can eat ice cream or pizza in the cafeteria if you study for three hours.
Step 13: Refer to your syllabus.
Understand the expectations of your course as you study.If you feel lost while studying, use the syllabus as a guide.Major concepts will be outlined in the syllabus.For example, if you've been trying to memorize the years of major scientific breakthrough for a science course, you might be getting frustrated.The goal of the course is to help you understand scientific theory.Understanding the overarching theories is more important than knowing the exact dates.
Step 14: Establish a study group.
Peers who are hard workers will do well in the course.They should form a study group.The right study group can help you stay focused and engaged.The right peers to choose from.If your study group is made up of friends, studying can turn into socializing quickly.Good students should be in class.Don't let one another's strengths get in the way.If a classmate is confused on a subject you're skilled at, and does well in an area that confuses you, they would make a good partner.The two of you can help each other out.
Step 15: Go to your professors for questions.
If you have questions, there is nothing to be embarrassed about.Everyone needs some help when they get confused.Go to office hours if you have questions about a topic.They might be able to give you tips and tricks to better understand the material.At the beginning of the semester, your professor gave you a green sheet with their office hours stated on it.When sending an e-mail to your professor, state your class day and time.Professors teach more than one class.
Step 16: If they are offered, you should review them.
Before an exam, some teachers have review sessions.If you have time, make a habit of going.Review sessions can help you understand the course materials.They are a good place to ask professors questions.If your teacher doesn't offer a review session, ask if they are willing to do it.A review session may be created if enough students are interested.
Step 17: A tutor can help.
If you ever need help, make use of the tutoring centers on your campus.You can find a private tutor in your area.If you're confused about a subject, a one-on-one help can go a long way.Some tutors don't advertise in the tutoring center.There are fliers for housing and textbook sales on the school bulletin board.Ask your classmates if you can't find a tutor.Some of them will be willing to help you before or after class, but not everyone will charge a fee.