5 Studying Tips for New College Students
College is, unsurprisingly, a big step up from high school in terms of both workload and difficulty of subject matter. Of course, college is meant to challenge students and to push them to learn new things. However, students who aren’t prepared to deal with the rigors of college life won’t find the experience beneficial, but rather, massively frustrating. Indeed, the one skill all college students should seek to sharpen is how they study and prepare for tests. To that end, today we’ll provide five tips that will help you become a better student and conquer any exam that comes your way:
Learn Something New Every Day
Trying to master every aspect of a particular subject in a short period of time is unrealistic. Yet, many college students feel pressured to learn as much as they can as fast as possible. This isn’t a viable long-term strategy. It’s better to simply focus on learning one new concept or fact each day and to build up your knowledge base gradually. Taking your classes one day at a time might sound cliche, but there’s no better way to tackle a difficult task than to break it down.
Develop a Routine
College life is about more than just going to class. It involves meeting new people, exploring new lifestyles, and visiting new places. Unfortunately, that makes establishing a routine all the more difficult. However, it’s imperative that you find regular times within your busy schedule to study and complete assignments. Otherwise, you run the risk of falling behind.
Make Use of Your Resources
Eventually, everyone encounters a confusing lesson that makes no sense. Rather than sitting and vainly reviewing your own notes all night, make use of the many resources available to modern college students. Go online for educational videos, check out a few books from the library, or –– if all else fails –– email your professor. Most college teachers are more than willing to offer a little extra guidance if you politely reach out to them.
Eliminate Distractions
Multi-tasking is not a good idea –– at least not in terms of studying for a college final. When you sit down to review a lesson, find a place that’s completely devoid of distractions. Contrary to popular belief, even listening to music can prove detrimental to your focus and knowledge retention. Note, this doesn’t mean you can’t study with a partner; just make sure you don’t veer off topic as a result.
Relax
Whether you’re trying to figure out how to work a UV 96 well plate or learn why the Renaissance occurred, it’s important to know how to relax while studying. No one performs their best when they feel nervous, tense, or under pressure, so find ways to chill and to take the edge off. Sure, you may have to spend a few long nights hitting the books, but in general, getting plenty of sleep and participating in other healthy activities like going to the gym or hanging out with friends will help you keep things in perspective. In the end, finding a good work-to-school-to-leisure lifestyle balance is key!
