Essential Study Tips for Successful College Students
The transition from high school to college can seem overwhelming - even to the best of students. From packed lecture halls to the new-found freedom of a flexible schedule, life as a college student demands skills related to time management, motivation - and, most importantly - smart study habits.
Below you'll find a complete list of resources to help you build the study skills and lifestyle habits you need to experience success in college.
Learning To Learn
The study habits and strategies that were effective in high school may not cut it in college. At first, many new college students find it necessary to spend a bit of time cultivating new skills in order to find success as a college student. From figuring out your learning style to creating the ideal study environment, check out the resources below for expert tips in becoming a better student.
Set the stage: When hitting the books, your surroundings set the stage - and can determine whether or not you have an effective and productive study session. While the ideal study environment varies from student to student, this resource will help you identify the key characteristics of your optimal learning atmosphere.
Figure out your learning style
When it comes learning, different students have different styles and strengths. Some may prefer to read and write, while others benefit most from more applied, hands-on experiences. Determining the style of learning that suits your needs can unlock the secret to successful study strategies. Learn about the different types of learning styles, and how they can be applied in the classroom.
Assess your study skills
Unlike high school, college learning involves a great deal of independence and personal accountability. Without the close student-teacher interaction that's typical of high school, many college students struggle when it comes to finding a study pattern hat works for them. Explore different types of study habits to find the method that works best for you.
Evaluate your study habits
To find success in college level learning, experts have identified six critical study skills: textbook reading, note taking, memory, test preparation, concentration, and time management. Where are you at when it comes to each of these skills? This inventory will help you target your strengths and weaknesses - an essential starting point on the path to becoming a better college student.
Improve your reading skills
Reading proficiency is the foundation of effective studying - and one of the most significant struggles among new college students. This resource from Dartmouth College details the importance of reading comprehension, and offers expert tips for improving reading rate, retention, and comprehension.
Enhance your memory and concentration
The typical college student has a lot to juggle - from social events and activities to exams and group projects. Concentration and memory are two crucial components to successful studying. Practicing mindfulness can enhance concentration, memory, and focus for better overall performance as a college student.
Don't fear the lecture hall
Effective study skills start in the lecture hall. From active listening to taking notes, discover the skills to a successful classroom experience.
Listening is essential for studying and learning, but to succeed in college, you may have to brush up on your listening skills. For some students, the art of listening is a skill that can make or break success in the classroom. The L-I-S-T-E-N method provides an easy mnemonic device for improving listening skills in the lecture hall.
Practice the art of active listening
Active listening is one of the most powerful tools in the college toolkit. Mastering the art of listening is essential for a better classroom experience in college. The Harvard Business Review Guide to Active Listening is a great way to develop or improve your active listening skills, and learn key strategies for better note taking and post-lecture reviews.
Organized and effective note-taking
When it comes to taking notes, there are many different strategies to choose from. But the Cornell method note taking is hailed as one of the easiest and most effective note taking frameworks, providing a systematic format for synthesizing and organizing your class notes. This link provides a detailed how-to for mastering the Cornell method of note taking for more effective studying and better academic performance.
Taking notes is an activity that isn't restricted to the lecture hall. In fact, experts advise that becoming an effective note taker requires some key steps before, during, and after a lecture. Adopting this comprehensive strategy can result in better studying as well as improved comprehension and retention. Visit this link to learn more.
Beyond The Books
When it comes to finding success as a college student, there are a number of factors that can make or break your efforts. In addition to smart study habits, it's also essential to master the art of time management, find time for sleep, and avoid the temptation of procrastination. Below are top resources for going beyond the books to find success in college.
Make time for your studies
One of the first challenges faced by many first-time college students is balancing a busy schedule. In addition to classes, the typical college student's calendar will quickly fill with extra-curricular activities including work, clubs, athletic, and social events.
Although many college students' schedules are surprisingly flexible, finding time to squeeze in studying takes a smart approach to time management. Master the art of time management to create a well-balanced schedule that leaves plenty of time to hit the books.
Make a schedule and stick to it
A daily schedule that follows a consistent pattern of sleeping, eating, exercising, and studying can actually optimize your mental function and physical health. But setting a schedule is a tough task for most college students.
This article from Cornell University provides essential time management tips carve out a manageable daily routine that balances sleeping and studying with the more exciting aspects of college life, including socializing and stress-reducing activities.
Relieving stress for better focus and concentration
One of the most common complaints among new college students? Too much stress. But don't let feelings of anxiety and pressure distract you from studying or hold you back from achieving the success you know you can achieve. Learn some stress relieving tips so you can minimize stress and get the most out of your time.
Procrastination is the enemy of success
As your calendar fills with due dates, deadlines, and other demands, it's easy to start putting off projects and study sessions. But staying on top your work is an important part of finding success in college. Remember, procrastination is the enemy of success.
Whether you feel overwhelmed, or lack the motivation to get things done, it's essential to avoid procrastination at all costs. Learn the secrets of avoiding procrastination, staying ahead of the game while optimizing time management and minimizing stress for a more successful college career.
Sleep is more important than you think
When it comes to sleep, college is synonymous with staying up all night. But although late night study sessions and last minute cramming are tempting strategies for staying on top of your work, a lack of sleep can quickly derail your college career. T
Sleep is one of the key ingredients to a successful college career and includes smart tips for squeezing more shut-eye into your busy student schedule. Get a solid 8 hours of sleep every night and you'll be amazed how much easier it is to do just about anything.
General Resources For Smarter Study Skills
Taking a bit of time to learn the process of studying is a worthwhile investment that can lead to better learning and an enhanced academic performance. Learning healthy time management skills is the best way to optimize your college learning experience, including the basic principles behind time management, organization, and prioritization.
Stocking up on discount school supplies by buying in bulk
College life comes with enough expenses—tuition, books, and housing—without overspending on the basics. Stocking up on bulk school supplies like notebooks, pens, pencils, and looseleaf paper in bulk is a smart way for college students to stretch their budget. Buying school supplies in bulk means you’ll always have the essentials on hand for classes and study sessions, without making last-minute runs to overpriced campus stores. Plus, the money you save can go toward the real fuel of higher education—pizza and drinks for those late-night cram sessions with friends.
From finding much-needed motivation to sidestepping procrastination, effective college study habits demand a suite of skills that aren't always intuitive to the typical college student. With these links, you'll be on the fast-track to developing the skills and habits that will lead to better success in the college classroom.
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About the Author
Jennifer Biederman has a PhD in Conservation Biology and a Master’s Degree in Education. She has been a full-time university instructor for 8 years and regularly teaches a course that introduces study skills to college students.