How to Study Smarter, Not Harder
I was talking with my coworker about going back to school. The both of us want to go back but are unsure what to do and we’re both mildly concerned about our study habits. Most of our anxieties stem from past experiences and generally poor study habits. We both didn’t seem to know the difference between critical understanding needed to pass the class and know the material and memorization to just pass exams. It got me to thinking if we didn’t know how to foster better study techniques, who else was having that issue? So here is my studying master post!
Study Skills:
Give yourself enough time to study- Don't leave it until the last minute. Ideally, for every one credit hour in which you enroll, you will spend approximately two to three hours outside of class studying. Therefore, to help determine the course load most appropriate for you, use the formula: 3 credit hours (1 course) = 3 hours in class per week = 6-9 hours study time per week. That can add up! To help sort out time management, set up a timetable for your studying. Remember to utilize your syllabus effectively! Write down how many exams you have and the days on which you have to sit them. Then organize your study accordingly. You may want to give some exams more study time than others, so find a balance that you feel comfortable with.
Organize your study space- Try and get rid of all distractions, and make sure you feel as comfortable and able to focus as possible. I need everything completely tidy and organized in order to concentrate. Think about what works for you, and take the time to get it right.
Use different study sources- Don’t just look at your notes, diversify your study aids! Use revision notes, flowcharts, study guides, study groups, and old exams. I like using old exams the best because this helps you get used to the format of the questions, and - if you time yourself - can also be good practice for making sure you spend the right amount of time on each section.
Other tips & tricks:
Snack on brain food- Keep your body and brain well-fuelled by choosing nutritious foods that have been proven to aid concentration and memory, such as fish, nuts, seeds, yogurt, and blueberries. The same applies on exam day - eat a good meal before the test, based on foods that will provide a slow release of energy throughout. Sugar may seem appealing, but your energy levels will crash an hour later.
Take regular breaks- Develop a study routine that works for you. If you study better in the morning, start early before taking a break at lunchtime. Or, if you're more productive at nighttime, take a larger break earlier on so you're ready to settle down come evening.
Drink plenty of water and exercise- I cannot stress this enough. My first go at college, I ate like trash (and had the expanding waistline to prove it) and therefore felt like trash. I didn’t eat well, I guzzled coffee and Mountain Dew like my life depended on it, and I wouldn’t carve out time to get my body moving. If you don’t feel good, you won’t do well. It’s so easy. Get to the gym for an hour or two each day by finding something (whatever it is) you can do consistently 5-7 times a week. It’s easy to grab a bottle of water and to eat your food groups while you’re studying. You’ll thank yourself each and every day if you do that. Trust me on that.
Plan your exam day- Make sure you get everything ready well in advance of the exam - don't leave it to the day before to suddenly realize you don't know the way, or what you're supposed to bring. Check all the rules and requirements, and plan your route and journey time.
Other resources:
How To Study Better - Best Study Techniques
Scientifically Proven Best Ways to Study
How to study for exams - Evidence-based revision tips
