Studying is a daunting and almost never fun thing to do, though as students it is our constant companion during our academic years. I will be the first to admit that I have terrible study habits; I leave everything to the last minute and it really impacts my student experience. Although partly it’s because I’ve been so busy with writing essays that I haven’t been doing much studying. So now that exam season is in full swing I am sure we all need a reminder on how to study. Here’s a simple list of tips that may help you get back into the studying groove.
- Know that everyone has their own style of studying and some tips may work well and some tips may need adjustment according to your style.
- Leave your self ample time to study (in the best case scenario). I know this sounds impossible but plan waaaay ahead and you will find that you do have the time. Time management is key (cliché but key).
- Let the people in your life know that it’s exam season for you so that they give you some much needed space for study time. Especially if you live at home or with non-students.
- Find a comfortable and quiet study spot, one where you can go the longest without being disturbed. That may be your room or a comfy spot in any library that you think suits you best.
- Break down your study material into units, weeks, themes that may help your organize your thoughts when it comes time to write those essay exams. It also helps you make a schedule of what you can get studied before the exam and sets daily goals.
- Only study what you are told to study (sometimes professors tell you); if not, be strategic. What was discussed most in class? What is the general class consensus on important study material? Think like a professor, what do they want you to get out of the semester.
- This is something that you have to work on throughout your academic career but try and think of unconventional ways of studying that may help material stick with you better. Makeup a song, use a white board, cue cards etc. *You can try explaining your material to anyone who is willing (or in my case unwilling) to listen. If you can explain concepts to someone who doesn’t know anything about the material it can help you understand the material more thoroughly. BUT make sure it’s someone who can ask you questions in response, as your dog or stuffed bear will not have that ability (I assume)*.
- This one is important: take a breather; studying can be overwhelming. Do jumping jacks; hang out with your cat; grab something light and HEALTHY to eat such as yogurt or an apple.*Also you might want to go light on the fried food; just try not to eat so unhealthy for at least the exam period because heavy meals make you sleepy among other things *.
- Keep the temperature in your area of study comfortable but don’t keep it warm. I’ve made the mistake of up turning up the heat and drinking hot chocolate and instantly feeling way too tired to concentrate. Comfortable not womb-like; that’s the motto.
- If you know you study better in groups than find yourself a group to study with. This never works for me; I am too chatty and can’t concentrate. But if you have a good group of people that you can study with go for it, but remember, do the bulk of studying on your own time before meeting up. Quizzing each other on the material and asking about things you didn’t understand will be the most effective use of the study group.
- This one is going to work for some only. Play some music. I know background noise always helps me concentrate because utter silence depresses the heck outta me. Make sure the music you play is something you can’t sing along to, maybe try some classical stuff. It’s worked for me!
- Most importantly, realize that studying is a part of your university experience and although it may be a pain, (I empathize greatly) a good effort can result in a great grade.
- MOTIVATION. Motivation is so important and something I lack after what feels like thousands of hours of reading. Think about what your aim is with your degree, think about your goals, and most importantly, think about your passions. Your motivation can be emotional or just super goal-oriented. Maybe put a picture up of you as Prime Minister or the first PCJ student in space. Whatever it is, remind yourself of it.
Many times, I’ve left the exam room feeling like I could have aced that thing had it not been for my poor study habits and lack of focus. Had I just studied a little bit more, I could’ve gotten that A. So my advice to you would be to plan as much ahead as possible (I know you can’t sometimes) and just NEVER GIVE UP!
We are all floating in the same boat; keep rowing, folks. (Yes that is the metaphor I’ve chosen to stick with)