10 of the Best College Study Tips for 2024
In college and university, studying is challenging whether you’re in the first or last months of your academic career. No matter what you’re studying, there are better study practices than spending countless hours in the library with your books open, and this guide will give you ten tips on how to study smarter, not harder.
10 Ultimate Tips- How to Study in College
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Go to Class
I know what you’re thinking, “but going to class is boring!” Although it might seem tedious, students who attend class are more likely to have a higher GPA than those who don’t. Going to class allows you to focus and take notes on course content, and some professors will tell you to take note of specific slides for future reference and hint towards what you can expect on an upcoming exam. Some colleges or universities even offer extra credit for attendance or in-class participation – extra grades for no extra effort! Not only that; when you attend classes online or in person, you can also develop relationships with your professor and other students, making it easier to ask for help or maybe even make a friend or two! Never miss a class again using the My Study Life study planner app– get reminders of upcoming classes, tasks, and exams on the go.
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Taking Notes
Good note-taking is the foundation of making your studying easier and quicker. Although the basics of following along in class and writing down topics and notes are important, the way you write notes is critically important. Use a notetaking method like the Cornell Method for efficient notetaking and reading. Some students find the Mind Mapping Method, which uses a graphic representation of notes that connect the main lecture points to more minor subject details, helpful to visualize topics. Highlighting, underlining, and making bold or italic characters also help with identifying important information in notes to study and remember.
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Develop a Study Schedule- Time Management For College Students
Create your ideal study schedule before you begin classes to get ahead of the game. This means making a schedule for all tasks and how much time you ideally need to spend on them. Start with a daytimer or calendar and note all due dates for all assignments and exams. Next, make yourself a daily schedule focusing on the tasks that are due next. This schedule helps you focus on what needs to be done first and how much time you should allot for each task. An hourly schedule, time blocking, or to-do lists are beneficial when studying for multiple classes. These break up your day into smaller, manageable blocks of focused time instead of being overwhelmed with all the tasks you need to complete. You can then see when you have time for some fun!
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Review Notes Often
Have you ever rewatched a movie or reread a book over and over? After you reread or rewatch a movie, you know the plot, who the characters are, and where the plot twist is. The same concept applies to your course content! By rereading your note summaries, you are more inclined to remember the information in them. It can help you learn small connections you missed the first time you wrote them down (like understanding why your character in a book said the thing they said four chapters ago) and master the bigger picture. Struggling to keep track of all of your notes? Try using a note-taking device to manage a heavy courseload.
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Reading Out Loud
Reading aloud to yourself is one of the best, easy college study tips as it helps you memorize the information you’re reading as you’re more likely to remember something if read out loud. Our mouths are typically slower than our brains, so reading aloud can help us slow down and retain the information better than scanning the words quickly with our eyes. This method is also beneficial when editing assignments and essays, as we can better identify grammar issues and correct the writing flow.
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Flashcards and Quizzes
Making flashcards from your notes is an excellent way to work on memory recall while studying in university. Writing questions on one side and answers on the other is an excellent way to quiz yourself. Quizzing yourself on the subject allows you to study the same way you will next encounter the information: in test format! Be sure to make the questions challenging and be honest with yourself; you won’t learn anything if you make it too easy. Tired of using paper flashcards that get lost and crumpled in your bag? There are many online study tools that you can try to make building these easier and faster.
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Find YOUR Study Style to Study Better In College
We all like different things, and similarly, we all work differently and learn differently, too. Finding your most beneficial study style will allow you to study more efficiently and learn more quickly. If you prefer images or graphics, try utilizing a studying method that emphasizes these tactics, such as mind mapping or labeled diagrams. If you like studying using auditory cues, use a program that reads your notes to you or record yourself as if you were teaching the subject to another. The same is true for a reading or kinaesthetic study style. The most important thing is to stick to active learning techniques especially when cramming for a final exam. Everybody works differently, and finding the study style that fits will help you think critically and comprehensively understand the subject better. Setting specific and actionable school year goals is another great way to stay on track.
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Limit Distractions
One of the most important college study tips is to make your study time as productive as possible by limiting distractions during your working time. Try to find a study space that is clean, quiet, and bright. By having this space, you’re more inclined to be ready to study and retain information than being distracted or discouraged by a cluttered, dark area. Turning off your social media is an important way to avoid procrastination. Limit your social media time by setting screen time app limits, logging out, switching off notifications on your phone or laptop, and even tossing your cell phone away from arm’s reach when studying. If you can, try to stay off your phone even during your study breaks, especially if you’re studying off a screen. Instead, try doing a few minutes of chores, some meditation for students, or talking to a friend or family member to refresh your brain.
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Study Groups and Body Doubling- College Study Hack
Feeling unmotivated or stuck in a rut with your studying? Try switching up your routine with a study group or try the body doubling technique. Creating a study group gives you a chance to study with like-minded students. It allows you to bounce ideas off one another, gain new views you may not have realized, and ask questions without the stress of asking your professor. Studying in groups can also minimize the chance of getting distracted while studying as you can motivate eachother (as long as everyone stays on task). Can’t get a study group together? Body doubling is similar in that you mirror the productivity of people working around you by following their work pattern to stay accountable. Studying in a café or a library is an excellent way to use this tip and stay on track.
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Breaks!
Your brain can only handle so much until it becomes tired and overwhelmed. By giving yourself breaks in study sessions, you can avoid student burnout. Go for a walk, set aside 10 minutes to scroll silly through Reels, or snack on some healthy food to fuel your study session. Give yourself some grace – any amount of studying takes mental focus, and you should be proud.
The My Study Life online student planner enables you to keep track of all your classes, tasks, assignments and exams – anywhere, on any device.
