Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.
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Find A Good Study Spot
Some people like the complete silence of a library setting, while others like the stimulation of a busy café. Some students prefer sitting at their desks to study, others like a study spot outside in the sun. A star student at KU, Oliver prefers a quiet spot, away from distractions. “At home, you’ll want to…
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Create Flashcards
One of the top study tips for college students includes rewriting important facts, concepts, and definitions on flashcards. Flashcards also let you quiz yourself without the help of others. Digital flashcards and study apps are another way to organize and review the material.
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Take Advantage Of Office Hours
If you are having trouble with a concept or topic, your professors can help. Stop by during their office hours or email questions to your professor to understand the class material better, gain helpful study tips on how to prepare for your exams or write a better essay. You will also create a relationship with your…
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Study With Classmates
In addition to making friends, forming study groups in each of your classes is a valuable—and fun—way to review for tests. Working together helps develop good study habits, increases collaboration on group projects, and boosts confidence. “Find a partner to compare notes with,” Oliver adds. “You can work together, study together, help each other, and…
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Make The Most Of Class Time
Attend all class sessions, pay close attention to the lectures, and take notes in a way that makes sense for you. The goal is to be able to understand your notes when you review them later. “Taking good notes means you pay more attention during class,” suggests Oliver, a Chinese international student at the University of…
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Look After Yourself
You’ll study better if you take care of yourself. Make sure you eat well and get enough sleep and physical exercise. Don’t reward yourself with too many sugary or fatty snacks or push yourself to study late into the night. It’s also a good idea to make sure you drink lots of water when you’re…
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Stay Motivated
When you’re studying it helps to keep in mind your reasons for doing all this hard work, like a course or career you’re working towards. It can help to have something in your study space to remind you of your goals. You could also decorate your study space with inspirational quotes or photos of people…
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Ask For Help
If you’re stuck on something, or something just doesn’t seem to make sense, you can always ask for help. Talk to your teachers or lecturers about the things you don’t understand. Talk to your friends and fellow students too.
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Take Breaks
It’s important to take breaks while you’re studying, especially if you’re feeling tired or frustrated. Working too long on a task can actually decrease your performance. When you take a break, make sure you get away from your desk or study space. A bit of physical – even just a walk around the block – can sometimes…
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Review And Revise
At least once a week you should go back over the things you’ve studied in class. Thinking things over can help you to understand the concepts and help you remember when you need them the most. Quiz – Get a friend or family member to quiz you on key concepts. Offer to help your friends with their…
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