Back-to-College 101

9 College Study Tips

1. You don’t need a single study space.

Have a variety instead; study at home, a coffee shop, the library or a park. Even move your desk or kitchen table so you get a change of scenery! Changing it up will prompt your brain to retain more information.

2. Track more than just homework in your planner.

Keeping a calendar with homework due dates is great. Make sure to keep track of your extracurricular, work and social commitments too!

3. Start small.

If you have a big project coming, start small! Work on a piece of the project every few days and plan ahead; you’ll be done before you know it!

4. Start a routine.

Find a time during the day that works best for getting homework or projects done and stick to it. Plan to hit the books.

5. Create a distraction-free zone.

Try creating a distraction-free zone; it may really help. Turn off your phone notifications, turn on “Do Not Disturb” or block Twitter (temporarily) on your computer. You’d be surprised how much you can get done with no interruptions!

6. Get real.

Be realistic about how long things take. Will it take you longer to read that history chapter, or can you get it done in 30 minutes?

7. Use your time in class wisely.

If you have some free time in class or the professor finishes lecturing early, get a jump on your homework or studying! It’s a great habit to get into while the material is fresh in your mind.

8. Review your notes.

Fill in details, edit parts that don’t make sense and highlight information that is most important. Interacting with your notes will help you remember them!

9. Make some friends!

Find a few people in each class that you can contact in case you miss class or have a homework question. This also comes in handy when it comes time to study for exams – study groups!