How to Improve Your Study Habits

For newly admitted college students, navigating the academic environment in college will be a new and difficult experience. The study skills that you used in high school will either be an advantage or a disadvantage in your college experience. Phrases like “College is nothing like high school” or “College professors are not concerned if you pass or fail” are typically echoed by your high school teachers. Some of these cliché phrases are correct: they are used to emphasize the challenges you will face in college and the importance of being self-reliant and determined. In college, you are responsible for your own education and you must be self-motivated to make it through your undergraduate –and even graduate– years.

To prepare for the rigorous course load ahead, it is important to start finding ways to improve your study habits. Some students maintain study habits that work for them, whether it is active recall or reviewing their notes before an exam. Many others have not formed such habits, and resort to cramming for exams or procrastinating assignments.

It can be challenging to settle into the routine of higher education. Fortunately, old habits and new distractions don't have to prevent you from earning your degree. Implementing effective study habits will help you stay organized and allow you to develop into a capable, disciplined college student.

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Organizing + Making a study schedule

Organization is important for succeeding in college, so get a college planner as soon as possible! This might be a regular planner, a simple notepad or a wall calendar. When students never set a study timetable, many find themselves overwhelmed halfway through the semester. Sit down early in the semester and schedule your upcoming deadlines, assignments, exams and study time on your weekly planner. Depending on the class and week, a session could include reading assignments, reviewing concepts, or preparing for a test. Once you have organized your assignments and study time for the semester, make every effort to stick to that schedule.

If you prefer a digital schedule and calendar, consider creating an agenda on your devices. Google calendar is a great tool that will improve your organization and can be used on your computer, phone, or tablet. Test dates, extracurricular activities, study periods, and assignment due dates can all be set as reminders so you will never miss a deadline.

Having a good study environment

Having a good place to study impacts the quality of your study time and your focus. It is recommended to have a quiet place to study with limited distractions. Look for a peaceful spot with few interruptions, where you can concentrate without being distracted by loud noises or individuals who continuously want your attention. For students living on college campuses or commuting to college, there are different places on campus or around your neighborhood to study.

On campus you can go to the library, or local cafes. Make use of these indoor and outdoor study spaces to give yourself a new perspective for studying. For commuter students, it may be difficult to study in a quiet environment, with family members or other distractions that prevent you from studying. If you are looking for a good place to study, start in a school or public library, a coffee shop, or a quiet corner of your home.

Eliminating distractions

Eliminating distractions can be difficult because assignments, notes and even your exams are on your laptops, which receive notifications often. When studying (or attending class) you should eliminate the distractions around you, including social media, online shopping, or browsing the web. One of the finest pieces of study advice for college students is to be conscious about how you spend your time. Make an effort to create limits for yourself: place your phone on do not disturb, or use it only to study. Apps like Pomodoro Hero, Forest, or Focus To-Do help with managing your time and protecting your focus from distractions.

Study Strategies: Active Learning + Retention

There are different types of study strategies that you can use to be a successful college student. One tool that has been shown to be effective is Active Learning. Active learning is a learning method in which students engage with concepts in order to gain knowledge and improve their comprehension skills. This strategy includes making flashcards, doing practice tests or teaching others; this process helps with understanding and memorizing concepts and topics.

Exams and practice tests have long been recognized as effective instruments for assisting students in learning and retaining information. The best way to identify your knowledge gaps and minimize exam anxiety is by taking tests which forces you to retrieve information from memory.

Another great study strategy to use is retention. Retention is the ability to retain information that you have learned. For retention, using interleaving and space repetition allows you to remember key concepts and apply them accordingly.

Taking breaks to prevent burnout

When studying you should always give yourself time to relax. Take a ten-minute break every hour or two of studying to keep you energized and in top mental shape. Breaks help you be more productive, regroup, and avoid burnout. It may seem like you need to study for as long as you possibly can, but having a balance will allow you to continue your studies and remain motivated.

A great way to remind yourself to take breaks is with a timer or the study app Pomodoro Hero. This app uses the Pomodoro Technique, which allows you to set the time aside to study and to relax and combat overworking or, in this case, overstudying.

Taking a study break to check your phone or social media is not the best way to utilize a break. Some great ways to get the most out of your breaks, include:

Stretching
Listening to music
Having a snack
Taking a short walk
Cleaning your room
Exercising

Ask for Help

Ask questions if you don't comprehend something. Visit your professors’ offices during office hours, or send an email to classmates or teaching assistants. If you get stuck on a problem or are unable to comprehend a textbook's explanation, someone who can walk you through the problem might be able to give you the fresh perspective you require to be able to understand new concepts. Some classes may even include a WhatsApp or Discord group chat to keep students involved and provide an outlet for inquiries outside of class.

Don't be afraid to reach out to tutors, professors, and classmates if you think you're falling behind. Whether you have trouble understanding a new concept or just need help managing your time, college is full of people who know exactly what you're going through. There are other resources available to you, such as Khan Academy or YouTube that provide useful articles or videos on topics you're attempting to grasp.

Don't Cram!

It's tempting to put off studying until the last minute, but you'll be far less likely to remember what you've learned this way. Pacing yourself helps you develop good study habits. Rather than storing everything for the week before the exam, try to study a little every day. Set study goals for each session of studying.

If you don't get as much done as you plan, don't be too hard on yourself; studying sometimes takes longer than you expect. Continue to take frequent breaks and schedule another study session. This can help you avoid tiredness while also allowing you to recall what you've learned.

Final Thoughts

For incoming and current college students, developing study skills will improve your ability to organize and retain information efficiently, to help you make it through college.

Regardless of your major, you must continually learn new study habits or improve on the ones you have to ensure your success as a college student. These tips will help you during exam season and on a weekly basis.