Studying More Efficiently

Successful students have good study habits, such as:

1. Try not to do too much studying at one time. 
2. Separate their study topics. 
3. Plan specific times for studying. 
4. Try to study at the same times each day. 
5. Set specific goals for their study times. 
6. Work on the assignment they find most difficult first. 
7. Find a space on campus where they can study best.
8. Reward themselves after achieving their goals.

Looking for tips on how to study for an exam? Watch this video for some scientifically proven techniques.

Five Study Habits of Successful Students

Successful students have effective study habits. They apply these habits to all of their classes. Which of the habits below do you already do? What could you do more effectively?

1. Schedule specific times for studying.

Study time is any time you are doing something related to schoolwork. It can be completing assigned reading, working on a paper or project, or studying for a test. Schedule specific times throughout the week for your class work. Studying at the same times each day establishes a routine that becomes a regular part of your life, just like sleeping and eating. Recommend planning your upcoming week on Thursday and schedule your time Friday-next Thursday.

Say “I will start something” instead of “I need to finish this.” Your mind is more willing to begin and then wants to complete tasks once started. It is easier to procrastinate if you feel like you have to finish something.

2. Short time, many times.

If you try to do too much studying at one time, you will become tired and your studying will not be very effective. Space the work you have to do over shorter periods of time. Taking short breaks will restore your mental energy (see Pomorodo Technique).

First –Last – Connected: It is often easiest to remember the first information, the last information and information that makes a connection for you! Having breaks gives you more of these first – last episodes.

3. Set specific goals for their study times.

Goals will help you stay focused and monitor your progress. You must be very clear about what you want to accomplish during your study times.

SMART Goals: Divide your work into smaller and more achievable SMART goals to increase your success. (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Time-based)

4. Work on difficult assignments first.

Your most difficult assignment will require the most effort. Start with your most difficult assignment during a study session since this is when you have the most mental energy.

Starting with the most difficult when your mind is fresh gives maximum ability to gain understanding. The reward of overcoming the biggest hurdle is that other areas seem more achievable by comparison.

5. Review, rewrite, summarize notes daily and weekly.

Make sure you do some homework for each class at least every other day (review, revise, and summarize class notes within 24 hrs. Taking the time to read through and organize notes on the weekend will make a difference in your understanding of concepts.

Collectively these strategies will dramatically reduce the amount you forget while making it significantly easier to recall in exam study later. 

Adapted from Study Skills on www.how-to-study.com. 

Study Spaces on Campus

Social Areas: Smith Union, Quad, Common Rooms in Dorms
Semi Social: Areas 1st floor library, Druck Atrium
Semi Quiet: Kanbar Adams, 24 College St., 30 College St., Gibson Music Library
Quiet: 2nd & 3rd floor Kanbar, 6th floor Hubbard, Shannon Rm Hubbard ,3rd floor VAC, 6th floor Pickard Memorial Hall, Druckenmiller Hall, Hatch Science Library

Self-Rewards

The many ways to reward yourself for reaching your goals

Reward yourself whenever you reach an important milestone or achieve a specific goal. Having something to look forward to increases your motivation and makes it easier to follow through with your tasks. Here is an extensive list of self-reward ideas, pick one that really speaks to you.

Free Rewards

• Call (or spend a day with) a friend or family member who makes you smile.
• Create a personal sanctuary. Create a private space in your room where you can relax.
• Dance and sing.
• Designate a lazy day and do absolutely nothing.
• Do a crossword puzzle or word search.
• Draw or doodle.
• Engage in a little gardening.
• Enjoy a bubble bath or a long shower.
• Enjoy an at-home-spa day.
• Go screenless for an hour.
• Host a game night and play classics such as Pictionary, Twister, and Charades with friends.
• Knit, crochet, cross stitch, embroider, or sew.
• Lie in a hammock.
• Play poker or another card game with friends.
• Re-organize your closet.
• Sit on a porch swing.
• Take a short break during the workday.
• Take photos.
• Visit the library or bookstore and browse.
• Volunteer at the local shelter.
• Write a note to a friend or family member you haven’t spoken to in a while. Include a note about how you're thankful for how they've positively impacted your life. 

Entertainment Rewards

• Enjoy a laugh at a local comedy club.
• Go to a carnival, festival, or arts and crafts show.
• Go to a concert.
• Go to an art gallery.
• Listen to an awesome podcast.
• Listen to music that motivates, energizes, or relaxes you.
• Marathon your favorite show on Netflix.
• Plan a night out with your friends.
• Play a Wii game.
• Play pool.
• Play your favorite online game.
• Attend a sporting event.
• See a movie in the middle of the day when the theater’s not full.
• Sing karaoke.
• Throw a party.
• Visit the museum.
• Watch (or re-watch) a movie at home.
• Watch all the cute animal videos on YouTube you want.
• Watch bloopers and funny videos on You Tube.