How to Study Better

Find a quiet place to study.

Countless students begin the semester with good intentions, but end up disorganized and not using their time effectively. To get better-than-average grades, you'll need to take an honest self-assessment of what you're doing wrong and investigate simple ways to push yourself to greater heights. Focus on getting a consistent amount of sleep, eating nutritious food daily and exercising to build stamina.

Things You'll Need

• Study space
• Daily organizer
• Study aids

Instructions

1. Find a quiet study area. This area should have no clutter and not be anywhere close to your bed. Most times students make the mistake of studying in or around their beds. Having a separate area gets you in the mindset that you are there to study, not sleep or relax. You should have a place where you can sit, read and examine your notes. It should be an environment similar to where you'll be taking your tests.

2. Find your learning type. So many times students excel in one area and do poorly in others. Determine whether you learn more by reading, listening or doing. Figuring this out will help you zero in on effective studying strategies.

3. Turn off your cell phone. While you are studying, disconnect yourself from distractions. This will lead to more productive studying and better grades.

4. Be an active reader rather than a passive reader. Write notes in your textbook margins. Skim through your chapter as you find the key points. Read first and last sentences of paragraphs, headings and diagrams, as well as bold type. Find main ideas and supporting points.

5. Set an appointed time every day when you will study. Get into this routine. Make sure it's a time of day when you're alert.

6. Avoid Facebook and other social networking pages. Use your time more effectively by getting a daily organizer and scheduling important dates such as midterms, appointments and major assignment due dates.

7. Take studying breaks after an hour. Go walk around, just get the blood flowing. This will help relieve boredom.

8. Treat yourself after fulfilling a study goal. This will not only be good for you, but it may get you to repeat the feat.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid sugary foods and too much caffeine.

• Study regularly all semester rather than engaging in all-night study sessions during finals week.

References

• State University of New York at Buffalo: How to Study - A Brief Guide