8 Chapter 8 Polish My Study Skills

“I suggest having 1-2 friends to study with who are determined to stay on task and review the material with you. It helps to start reviewing and quizzing yourself on the material at the end of every week or even the day after and not wait till a couple of days before the exam(s) to review everything. I usually type out my notes based on my reading from the chapter(s), put together questions and answers based on the outlines or PowerPoints to quiz myself repeatedly during the weeks before the exam(s), and reread the chapter(s) at least one more time after the initial reading… Don’t overwork yourself, take study breaks, manage your studying for each class wisely, and study more than a week in advance.”

                                                                                         – UTRGV College of Health Professions student

Adjusting to the academic workload in college can be difficult for some first-year students. This gets more complicated as students try to balance various demands on their time, including work, family, and friends. In addition, compared to the high school experience, the curriculum is typically more specialized, and the assignments are often more in-depth.

It’s essential to form good study habits for college early on to avoid falling behind when faced with more challenging or time-consuming readings, subject material, and exams. Make these six study habits a part of your routine, and you’ll start your college experience on the right foot.

1. Find a Place to Study Regularly

Consistency is critical in studying, so do your best to make a habit of it! Finding a spot on campus and at home where you feel comfortable and inspired to dive into a successful study session is a good idea.

The environment should be whatever works best for you—whether that means having complete silence, some light background music, or a more lively atmosphere. Please give it some thought and try out a few different spots. The sooner you find the space that works for you, the sooner you can study effectively.

2. Keep Track of Deadlines and Important Dates

You can get ahead of upcoming assignments by checking your calendar weekly (and daily), outlining each deadline in advance, and blocking off time to study. And don’t forget the most rewarding part of keeping a list of tasks—crossing them off once they are completed!

3. Don’t Cram for Your Exam

If you follow the previous tip, you likely won’t find yourself in a difficult situation, but it’s worth repeating: Remember to schedule your study time wisely to make the most of it. Studies show that reviewing the material in smaller chunks of time—over a longer time—is more effective than cramming a ton of material into one session. So again, slow and steady wins the race.

Once you have your course syllabus and schedule for the semester, find periods between classes and activities when you can fit in some studying. This way, you won’t have to stress the night before a big exam trying to review everything at the last minute.

4. Organize a Study Group

Studying alone works well for many subjects, but learning the material might be easier if you bounce ideas off your classmates. During your first year at college, give group study sessions a try. There’s a good chance your fellow students will be interested in getting together to review course materials.

You might discover a new way to study while making a few new friends!

5. Review Your Notes After Class

6. Ask for Help

At UTRGV, you’ll find a team of professors and advisors who are there to help you succeed. It’s normal to find a class challenging sometimes, but don’t feel you must face it alone.

Everyone needs help at some point—and it’s better to reach out as soon as you think you need it rather than let yourself fall behind. Contact tutoring services, your professor, or an advisor if you don’t understand the material or need extra assistance adjusting to college academics.

Source: Azusa Pacific University. Crucial Study Habits for College Students. Available at: https://www.apu.edu/articles/6-crucial-study-habits-for-college-students/

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