So it’s not a big secret that I got into college! Yeeey! I’m really excited about that and can’t wait to see what this year going to bring.
Talking about studying, I’m absolutely nerd. I love all my studying things organised and cute of course. After many years at school and home learning I have some studying tips with you to share.
Before I start I want to make a clear point that I know that everybody studies differently and all tips below are just my PERSONAL way of staying organised with all study bits and bobs.
***
Note taking.
It’s very important to be as active in class as possible. Listen carefully, take notes, if necessary invest in voice recorder. Keep an eye on any information professor uploads online. If possible, download the information and print it out. Read it very careful so you be able to follow along better in class.
One awesome idea I found on Tumblr while doing a little research for this post:
” I write my notes in black pen, and when it’s time to study I go through and colour-code with highlighters.
Yellow: main subject, idea, or term.
Orange: definition of term, elaboration, or something to know.
Pink: examples.
Blue: use it to star stuff the professor mentioned would definitely be on test/quiz ”
-Colour code – So AWESOME!
Do your homework.
Don’t make the biggest mistake that most of students does. Even if the quiz/test/exam is next week you should start reading as soon as possible. While reading always take notes what you should check or get more information about. Try to imagine what kind of questions your teacher/ professor might ask. ALWAYS TRY TO FIND EXTRA PROBLEMS. Don’t forget to re-explain the original text to yourself ( easier to remember things).
If you need to present something oral, practise it opposite mirror. Practise it as long as you be able to present all your presentation without grinning. Once you are able to do so, there is nothing could ever unsettle you down.
Find your spot.
Like Sheldon Cooper in The Big Bang Theory and his craziness about his spot ( check it if you never watch this amazing TV show before), you should like the place where you are going to study. My favourite spots always were coffee or kitchen tables, but last time I fell in love with my £10 Ebay auction win IKEA desk. I fell in love with desk idea after realising how much easier it is to keep everything organised and clutter free. It’s much easier to stay focus on homework if you have all tools and books you need in one place. Once you start to wonder around for stationery or other bits don’t be surprised to end up on Facebook or somewhere on internet wasting your precious time.
Never study in bed or anywhere you can lay down. EVER. There is a big chance you will fall asleep no mater what time of day it is.
Sometimes I need to get out from the house and change studying environment. When things like that happens, I transfer papers from computer to my Kindle, take iPod and go to park or coffee to read. Fresh air or smell of grounded coffee are one of the best wake up for me.
It’s actually a good idea to keep your papers in Kindle. You can keep reading while on the bus or train without fear to drop all papers on the floor or lose them.
Always have your syllabus.
Try to organise your life as much as possible. Homework, parties,work, sleeping and eating are important part of student life. It is good idea to invest in Filofax or any other personal organiser to have everything in one little book. Don’t forget to update it daily so you would not miss anything important like test or mum’s birthday ( things like that happens!)
Health habits.
To make your brain to work 100% you need to make sure you look after yourself. Firstly try your best to get a good night sleep. Most of healthy adults needs between 7.5 to 9 hours of sleep to function at their best. Secondly ALWAYS pack water and some healthy and naughty snacks with you. After long study there is nothing better than to boost your water and blood sugar levels. It helps to stay focus and energised for longer time.
It’s a good idea to get your health check before new academic year. If you can’t make to visit your GP I would suggest at least to get your eyes checked. Glasses are no shame or ugly any more and everyone can get glasses to match their needs and style.
My necessary studying tool list:
Filofax / pen / pencil/ pencil sharpener/ eraser/ ruler/ calculator / hole punch/ post-it notes/ pads of paper/ binders / stapler/ paperclips / index cards/
Bonus Tip from Pinterest:
Whenever you need to study for an important test, Google “site:edu [subject] exam”. My econ teacher just taught me this trick. If you go to Google and type in “site:edu production possibilities curve exam” for example, you get many different college exams featuring problems pertaining to that subject. And if you need to write a paper about something, just add filetype:pdf
What do you think?Do you like any of these tips? Maybe you can share some of your ideas and tips? Let me know below in the comments section!