At university it is essential to adopt an effective study method. Many newly enrolled students soon realize that old habits are no longer adequate and that they require major changes. To initiate this change, find a quiet space and organize yourself to find the right focus. Study with a positive attitude and set specific goals. If you need help, don't be afraid to ask for help. The professors and other students will be happy to help you out. You can develop an excellent study method that allows you to overcome the initial difficulties.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Organizing to Study
Step 1. Create a space dedicated to study
Find a quiet area in your home or anywhere else you can concentrate. By always studying in the same place, you will get your mind used to associating it with the work to be done. This way, you can apply yourself to the books every time you open them.
Choose a quiet, distraction-free environment. The basement of your home is not a great idea if other home basements use it as a meeting place to talk, but you could study while sitting at your desk in your room
Step 2. Always choose the same time
If you study at the same time every day, you will mentally set yourself up to learn as soon as you sit down. Check your schedule and see how much free time you have available. Spend an hour or two each day studying.
- You can study between lessons or in the evening when you have finished your courses;
- In addition to identifying the right time, try to understand in which hours you have the most energy. If you tend to be sleepy in the afternoon, do something relaxing around 2pm and study a few times after dinner.
Step 3. Organize the material
Make sure your space has everything you need to study. If you have chosen a place in the house, leave everything you need in that area, such as books, pencils, pens, and paper materials. If you are studying outside the home, buy a backpack with several compartments and keep everything you need inside.
Try going to the stationery to buy notebooks, pencil boxes, and other tools you need to stay organized
Step 4. Eliminate distractions
When reading, you need to stay away from all kinds of distractions. Eliminate all technological devices that can de-focus you, such as your smartphone. You can also use an application to block websites that affect your attention while applying to books, such as Facebook, so that you only consult the ones you need.
- Move away from the area where you have chosen to study all other distractions, such as irrelevant reading.
- If you don't study at home, don't bring anything that will distract you. Take only the material you need and leave anything that can distract your attention, like the iPod. However, if you have to study in a noisy place and music helps your concentration, consider bringing headphones.
Step 5. Find out what your needs are by making a few attempts
The university is a constantly evolving path. It will probably take some time to find your study method. At the start of your first exam session, try studying at different times and places for a few weeks until you understand when and where you are most focused.
For example, study at home one day and study in the student lounge the next. Notice in which place you feel the most relaxed and attentive, and get used to studying there regularly
Part 2 of 3: Using Great Study Techniques
Step 1. Set a goal every time you open the books
Study sessions will be more effective if they follow one direction. Blindly applying is not a winning strategy, in fact it could take you precious time trying to figure out where to start. So, before each study session, find out what the most important topics are and define your goals.
- For example, if you are studying for a math exam, focus on a different concept each time. One day you can focus on multiplication and the next on divisions.
- You can also set goals based on days of the week. For example, study science on Mondays and Wednesdays, and humanities on Thursdays and Fridays.
Step 2. Start with the hardest topics
At the beginning of the study session you have a lot more energy. Therefore, you should start with the hardest subjects. Tackle the more complicated topics before focusing on the ones that are most congenial to you.
For example, if you have difficulty understanding a concept of philosophy, you should first review your notes and deepen them. Then move on to the simpler topics
Step 3. Write down your notes
Studying requires strong memorization. Therefore, try to rewrite your class notes and rewrite them as you write them down. Read them in full and then copy them to another sheet. In this way, you will be forced to review the concepts and rework them in your own words, assimilating them and remembering what you have learned.
Step 4. Use memory games
They can help you memorize difficult concepts and terms. You can use visualization techniques or associate words that allow you to imprint certain notions in your memory. This is a very useful method for an exam.
- For example, a well-known mnemonic technique is condensed into the English expression "Kings Play Cards On Flat Green Stools", used to remember the zoological classification: Kingdom (Kingdom), Phylum (phylum), Class (class), Order (order), Family (family), Genus (genus), Species (species).
- You can also use visualization techniques. For example, if you have to remember that Jeanette Rankin was the first woman elected to the US Congress and you have an aunt named Gianna, imagine your aunt speaking in the US Congress building.
Step 5. Give yourself some breaks
If you study for long hours straight, you will be bound to get tired. Hence, breaks help you relax, recharge, and face difficulties with different eyes. Get into the habit of studying for an hour, then take five minutes to distract yourself, such as sneaking a peek on social networks or texting a friend.
Set a timer to make sure you don't lose the beat. You don't have to study too much with the risk of consuming all your energy, but neither should you allow yourself an excessively long break otherwise you could lose focus
Step 6. Study with a positive attitude
Seeing study as a job is demeaning and disheartening. So instead of considering it as something you are forced to do, look at the positives. See it as a way that allows you to improve your skills and abilities and put what you learn to good use.
Studying can be exhausting, but you have to face and fight the most stressful thoughts. For example, don't think, "I'm a mess, I'll never get it." Rather say to yourself: "I am sure that if I apply myself every day, I will be able to assimilate this concept"
Step 7. Give yourself some rewards
It's easier to study if there's something you're looking forward to when you're done. Develop a system for rewarding yourself so that you are always motivated to get your job done.
For example, you decide to go to the bar and reward yourself with an ice cream or a pizza after three hours of studying
Part 3 of 3: Using External Resources
Step 1. Consult the course program as needed
It is important that you know what to expect from a course. Use the teacher-outlined schedule if you feel lost or overwhelmed while studying. You will find outlined the main concepts, purposes and so on.
For example, suppose for a science exam you have a hard time remembering the years of the most important scientific discoveries. If the program reports that the goal of the course is to help students better understand the birth of the scientific method, you should focus on general theories rather than exact dates
Step 2. Form a study group
Find other colleagues who show commitment and dedication during the courses and propose to study together. With the right help you can concentrate during university and assimilate the subjects of the courses well.
- Choose the right colleagues. If your study group is made up of friends, the sessions could turn into socializing moments. Choose bright students who are attentive in the classroom.
- Join forces. If a student is puzzled by a concept you have grasped but is good at a subject you are confused in, they could make a great partner to study with. Help each other.
Step 3. Tell the professors your doubts
There is nothing embarrassing in asking for clarification. Everyone can get confused and need help. If you have any doubts about a concept or topic, send an email to the teacher or go to his office. He will be able to offer you advice and solutions that will allow you to fill in your gaps.
Step 4. Introduce yourself to the summary lessons if they are foreseen
Teachers can set up meetings in which the fundamental topics of the course are summarized every week or shortly before an exam. Attend them if you have time, in order to better understand the subjects covered. In addition, they are an excellent opportunity to ask questions to professors or assistants.
Step 5. Talk to a tutor
If your university offers a tutoring service, use it if necessary. You can also take private lessons. A little one-on-one help is very useful if you have any concerns about a topic.
