Second Semester Strong

10 TIPS ON REPAIRING YOUR STUDY HABITS

There are all sorts of things that keep us from studying, like simply not knowing where to start, or maybe it’s just wanting desperately to finish another chapter of that book you’re reading. If you struggle when it comes to studying, then take heart because the start of the second semester means a fresh start! Take a look at the following ten tips to reinforce what you probably already know, but have maybe receded in the wake of all night cram sessions that were the hallmark of your fall 2019 semester.

SLEEP

How well do you actually pay attention in class and how invested in your homework are you when you pull an all-nighter? Not everyone needs eight hours of sleep to be fully functioning during the day, but everyone needs sleep to function well. In order to actually retain what you’re studying during the day, good quality sleep is crucial because it improves concentration and productivity.¹ There’s just nothing else quite like it. Sorry, Red Bull.

STAY ORGANIZED

Have you ever written something down on a to-do list that you already finished just for the satisfaction of crossing it off? No? Just me? Well, how about getting a “list-crossing-off” high by writing down all the things you need to keep tabs on this week? Instead of merely listing what you need to get done, write out a realistic schedule that includes time for Bible devotions, rest, grocery shopping, and even laundry. By blocking out your week with all the things you need to do to keep functioning as a human being, you’ll avoid overbooking and actually leave enough time to study in between work, student orgs, and that party Friday night for once. Some people prefer good old-fashioned paper and pen versus an online format, but there is no right or wrong way to write out your schedule. Just find out what works for you and stick to it.

GO TO CLASS

The best way to learn what you’re studying is to go to class. After all, college isn’t cheap so you might as well get your money’s worth, right? Your professor will emphasize the important concepts and give you a better idea of what is important and what you should focus on.² Not all exams are based straight from the material, so it is crucial that you attend class. Showing up also gives you the opportunity to take your own notes, which is going to be far and away more effective than getting notes from a classmate or your professor.

TAKE GOOD NOTES

Well written and understandable notes are a great way to be prepared for that exam next week. Don’t worry about getting every word, but pick out the main ideas. If you are worried you’ve missed something, you might be able to record the lecture with your professor’s permission, or compare your notes with a classmate. After class, reviewing your notes can be overwhelming and even more confusing than the lecture you just sat through. Instead of letting your notes get the best of you though, get the best of them. Rewriting your notes is a great way to review and notice information you missed the first time through.

STOP PROCRASTINATING

Procrastination and distractions are a huge study blocker. Often times, technology gets in the way of productive studying. As we all know, having an episode of Brooklyn 99 playing in the background, or blaring your favorite songs while trying to finish that eight-page paper due tomorrow, can be distracting. Putting off your homework or letting yourself get distracted leads to a poor outcome. You’ll feel more anxiety, stress and disappointment in yourself, and you’ll have lower motivation because you put off that huge project until last minute. All of these things can be avoided by being diligent and staying on top of your homework.

STUDY SPACE

Find a study spot that works for you. Try to avoid studying in your dorm room though. Your dorm room is meant to be a place you can sleep and relax, not for the stress of studying. Most people commit to one place to study, but going to different places is extremely beneficial. Learning new things is correlated with colors and experiences, so try switching up where you study.³ Some favorite places UW-Stout students like to study are the campus library, study rooms in the dorms, the MSC, or coffee shops in town. Pro tip: Check out The Blind Munchies every Saturday for a $2 student breakfast because we’re pretty sure a good breakfast goes hand-in-hand with good grades, and it’s cheap, which pairs nicely with the average student budget!

START SMALL

Spending too many hours staring at the textbook in front of us or flipping through the notecards we’ve gone over 15 times already is something you may be guilty of. An easy way to avoid this is to break it up and start small. Decide what is going to take you the longest to finish and what will be the quickest. Be real about it too! Start with something you know you can finish because this will help you feel like you’re getting somewhere and will only make the rest go smoother. Break your study time up as well. Quit staring at that textbook for an hour straight. Instead, read for 20 minutes and then take a short five-minute break to get up and stretch or look at your phone you’ve been dying to check.

REPEATED PRACTICE

There are many different ways to practice and absorb the information you need to know for that exam you’ve got in a week. Flash cards are a popular way to get repetitive memorization practice. Redoing past assignments is also helpful to keep concepts fresh in your brain. Going through practice exams is also a great way to review what is going to be on the upcoming test and to learn what material you need extra help on.

STUDY GROUPS

Having a study buddy or group is a great way to keep you motivated, honest, and responsible. You can take opportunities to ask questions, explain concepts, review material, and exchange ideas. Everyone will have different perspectives which, when heard, can help you reach your own conclusions about the material at hand.

STAY POSITIVE

Have you ever noticed how hard it is to get something done when you’re in a bad mood? It’s not easy. In order to best absorb the given material and to finish your homework quickly and well, your attitude needs to be in the right place. You might dislike the topic you are working on and it might be difficult, but with a negative attitude, it’s hard to accomplish much of anything. Find a few things that help you have a positive attitude like having a good cup of coffee, stopping and talking to a friend, or looking up cat videos on YouTube. With a positive attitude, you will be more open to the information and material you have in front of you.