Study tips for college students from Marcus Phillips's blog

Every student has a different study style and approach, but there are some general tips for students to follow to maximize studying efficiency. Start with eliminating distractions. Turn off your phone, download apps to block social media or take a break and study somewhere else on campus.

Plan and schedule your study sessions in advance. Also, be sure to review materials regularly throughout the semester rather than cramming just before exams.

Setting a schedule is the key to managing your time. This is especially true if you are approaching a deadline or exam.

Start by looking at your calendar and identifying the white space. These are the 2-3 hour blocks that you have full control over and can be dedicated to studying.

Next, divide that amount of time up between your various subjects. Consider things like your preferred study times and what works best for your learning style. Also consider taking breaks (think about the Pomodoro Technique: 25 minutes of work without distractions, then a 5 minute break). It’s okay to move your study time around if something important comes up, just make sure to trade it for something else that you have an obligation to or delegate some of your tasks to https://www.wowessays.com/.

Taking effective notes is one of the most important study skills. However, many students struggle to make this work for them. To ensure your notes are as useful as possible, prioritize new information over information you already know.

Be sure to highlight any words, phrases or concepts that are important and write your own explanations or questions. Be sure to take the time to review and quiz yourself using flashcards, as well.

It’s also important to space out your studying sessions, rather than cramming the night before an exam. This allows your brain to better retain and understand the information you are learning.

One of the most important factors in studying well is finding a quiet environment where you can focus. This can be difficult, especially if you live with others. It can be helpful to find a separate room where you can study or to go somewhere outside of your home, such as the library.

Another way to reduce distractions is to get a pair of noise cancelling headphones. These will allow you to block out distractions while still being able to hear music or audiobooks.

Some students also find it useful to study at the park or a coffee shop, where they can enjoy the fresh air and quiet surroundings.

A few minutes of light reading or a quick game of TikTok can be an effective way to recharge. Be sure to set a timer, however, and agree with a friend not to check your phone until the break is over.

Exercise is another great study break activity. It gets your blood flowing and oxygenates your brain, so it can help boost your concentration. A quick walk, a few sets of push-ups, or even just stretching can help.

Sticking to a break schedule will help you stay on track. It’s best to stop studying before you feel your mind fogging up and getting some business essay writing help free, rather than waiting until you get to the end of a chapter or unit.

Whether it’s fidgeting, tapping feet, or using a stress ball, keep your body active as you review class notes. This can help jog your memory and improve comprehension. Try creating a jingle, rhyme or mnemonic to recall important information from class.

Studying methods aren’t one-size-fits-all, but the best method is often the most simple. Create a plan for your studying, and stick to it.

Rather than saving long study sessions for reviewing material right before an exam, space out shorter study sessions throughout the week leading up to the test. This technique is called “spaced practice,” and it can increase retention and confidence.

Students often think they must learn to study on their own, but reaching out for help is a sign of strength. Forming a study group can be helpful for many reasons, including encouraging one another to stick to studying goals, helping explain difficult concepts and providing different perspectives on the material.

Instead of saving your studying until the night before a test, try to study at least once a week leading up to it. This will help you retain information long term. It also helps to set measurable studying goals, such as reviewing one chapter per session or practicing math problems. Rewarding yourself for reaching these study goals can help motivate you to work harder.