No one is born knowing how to study or how they best learn new skills and information. Studying is a skill that we must learn, develop, and improve over time. If you find that strategies that used to work for you in the past are no longer getting you the same results, know that this is normal and a very common experience for college students and people of all ages! Being open to seek out and try new techniques can help you perfect the skills and strategies that will help you be the most successful in your classes!
Here are a few of our recommended study tips and strategies for a successful semester:
Go to class and do the homework – It's really that important!
Skipping class and not completing homework is the fastest way to fall behind and can result in not passing the class. Attendance and homework can often count for a significant portion of your final grade (check your syllabus to confirm) and have the potential to really lower your grade even if you feel confident in the course material. Professors often discuss additional material that goes beyond the textbooks and provides additional context to concepts that can help everything make more sense. Homework allows you to practice material in meaningful ways and test your knowledge of how well you are learning the information. Going to class, taking notes, and actively engaging and participating in the class really contributes to great results! You'll also get a chance to know your classmates and professors and build community on campus!
Create and follow a weekly study routine
Studying the night before an exam or writing a paper the day before the deadline is stressful and not the best way to retain the information you are learning. Make studying and working on homework a daily habit. Use a planner or your calendar to block out specific times each week for your classes and manage your time. Look at your schedule of quizzes, exams, homework due dates, and finals in your first week of class and plan out your entire semester. Make sure you are giving yourself extra time to study or do homework if many things are due on the same day to help you stay on track for successfully meeting all course requirements.
Create or find a dedicated space to study
If you are doing your homework or studying in the same place you watch your favorite shows or play video games it is hard not to feel distracted! Set up a dedicated workspace in your room where you can focus on studying and homework. If your room isn't the best place for you to do work or study there are many on campus study spaces you can use or reserve that might work better for you. When studying, set your phone or notifications on silent to help you focus and avoid things that can be distracting.
Seek out and try new study techniques
No one study technique works for everyone. Some techniques and strategies that were useful to us in the past may no longer be as helpful. Treat it like an experiment by trying out new techniques and seeing what works best for you.
Not sure where to start or what techniques could be helpful? You can meet with a Tutoring & Academic Success Center (TASC) academic success coach to work one-on-one on exploring and developing academic skills and strategies.
EffectiveU also has many self guided tutorials and tips that can also help you learn about, explore, and try different study strategies to help you be your best. Some of the tutorials include:
Ask for clarification on course concepts
If you need a little more support in understanding key concepts in your classes there are many resources that can help! Reach out right away when you have questions to stay on track with your classes because many concepts build on each other as the semester goes on.
Ask your professor or teaching assistant (TA) and attend office hours when you have questions. Not only will you get a better understanding of the course material, you will also develop connections with someone who could be a future mentor. Professors can often also make suggestions for ways to improve your grade or how to get the most out of the course.
Some departments have tutoring available for students taking specific classes. Find more information on available CSE class and department tutoring on our university resources blog post.
Schedule an appointment with a TASC tutor for help with concepts in chemistry, physics, math, and biology. TASC tutors are not part of your class, but have a strong understanding of the concepts in these subjects and can help you understand them better. Bring your textbooks, course notes, study materials, and your questions.
Start a study group with your classmates. Studying with your classmates can help you enhance your understanding of the course concepts, explore multiple viewpoints, and help build community in your class.
Take care of yourself, plan in time for other activities, and, most importantly, have fun!
College is a holistic experience and your classes are just one piece. Taking care of yourself is your top priority and will also help you perform academically at your best! Whether it's participating in a student group, playing sports at the recreation and wellness center, or getting involved in research, make sure to make time for activities that matter to you and things you enjoy! If things start to feel hard there are places on campus you can go for more support. Read our university resources blog post for an extensive list of CSE and university resources.
Mistakes as normal, expected, and part of the process
No one has everything figured out right away. Everyone makes mistakes and learning what works for you takes time and effort. Mistakes are the first step in the process of mastering a new skill or concept. Allow yourself permission to try new things and make mistakes knowing you'll adapt, learn, and keep moving forward. You've got this!
