Ace Those Classes with These 5 Study Tips

BY Micaela August 23, 2021

It’s that time of year! As students of all ages go back to school, you may wonder how you will find time to study as you balance work and other obligations, or you may worry how you will pass the upcoming class? If you are a student who is just getting started in college or you are a student continuing your education, consider these tips to expand your study skills:

Set Goals

Goal setting is crucial, especially when you want to be as productive as possible. Successful students tend to be very goal-oriented. Setting defined goals for each time you sit down to study will help you manage the time you’ve allocated and help you stay focused on the most critical tasks. You can set goals by writing them on sticky notes, setting reminders on your phone with a time limit, or having a friend who acts as an accountability partner remind you of what is most important. 

Get Into A Schedule and Be Consistent

Getting into a schedule is a necessity! Whether you study at the same time each day or study in the same spot with limited distractions, getting into a routine will help you mentally prepare to begin learning. It will also allow you time to plan out during the day to complete your assignments and prepare for your next test.

Eliminate Distractions

It’s super easy to get distracted when you are looking for every excuse not to study. Your environment makes all the difference! Find somewhere comfortable where there are limited distractions, and you can concentrate. Doing this will ensure you have an effective study session and will be the most productive. Most importantly, get out of a room where there may be a TV or anything or anyone who can distract you. Remember to set “do not disturb” on your phone for the allocated time and reward yourself with time limits after you have completed a task.

Take Good Notes and Review Them

The notes you take can be used as a valuable tool. Always date your work, use headings, and underline or highlight important terms. Refresh your mind by reviewing your notes before beginning an assignment to ensure you know the course material.

Break Up Your Studying

Lastly, and most importantly, is to remember to take breaks. Cramming sessions might be helpful occasionally, but you don’t want them to become a habit. Try studying in shorter increments and take periodic breaks so you can stay energized and focused throughout the entire session. Consider taking a walk, practicing some yoga, or doing a meditation during your study breaks.