It’s the middle of the semester, and that means many of us have found ourselves waist deep in quizzes and tests.
Whether this is your first year in college or you are a returning student, improvements can always be made to your study habits. The following is a list of tip’s that will help you become a better and more efficient studier:
Do set goals for yourself as a student that are realistic and obtainable.
Do buy a planner that will help you keep up with your assignments and dates of tests. There are numerous things going on in college that can grab your attention away from your studies. Planners can help you keep up and remember assignments that might otherwise elude you.
Don’t procrastinate! This is one of the worst habits developed by college students. “My advice would be to not try and eat an elephant all in one bite. You must do it piece by piece and that is how you should approach studying,” said Dr. George Daniel, coordinator of Student Affairs.
Do develop a routine for your studying. Whether it is every other day or an hour each and every day. This will help you to retain the information, instead of cramming.
Don’t make skipping class a constant. Everyone skips class, but make sure it doesn’t become a habit.
Do attend review sessions or SI (Supplemental Instructor) sessions. They can be very valuable to you. A lot of the time professors will supply the SI with information about the upcoming test.
Don’t study the same way as your friends. Sure, some of your friends might have really good studying techniques, but what works for them might not work for you. You need to figure out whatever way you retain information best and stick with that.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions in class or to seek help from your professors during their scheduled office hours. Most of the time they will be more than willing to help you.
Do find a way to balance your schoolwork and your social life. The best college students are the ones that excel in the classroom and outside of the classroom.
Don’t make it a habit to turn in work late. For most classes, late work carries a very steep penalty on your grade. Sometimes late work isn’t even accepted.
These tips will help you to be a more well rounded student, as well as help you to not feel the immense amount of anxiety that naturally comes with being a college student. Balancing a productive student life with a proper social life is attainable, if you plan accordingly.
For more helpful tips on good study habits read Dr. Randall S. Hansen’s article College Study Do’s and Don’ts: Tips for Thriving in College at MyCollegeSuccessStory.com. about studying habits in college, there are many Do’s and Don’ts of studying.
