Study tips for successful semester

Sasha Anand, Features Editor|September 17, 2019

Starting a new school year is a stressful and exciting time, especially if it’s your first year in college.

While the workload change from high school to college may be rough at first, there are a few things you can do to make things run a bit smoother.

Here are a few tips to make the task of studying a little less daunting:


Stay Organized.

The ability to stay organized seems like a very easy thing to do, however, many students struggle with it. This process looks different from person to person.

Whether you’re using a composition notebook, a three-ringed binder or your laptop to take and keep notes, make sure you’re keeping them together. Organizing your notes as you go makes it easier to go back and find things when it’s time for midterms and finals.

Whichever method you choose to adopt, the most important thing is that it is going to help you be the most successful student that you can be.


Take Good Notes.

A phrase heard consistently by students throughout their years in school. There are numerous styles of note-taking: Cornell method, outline method, bullet point notes or summary notes.

You can highlight things, use different colored pens or throw a couple of sticky notes in there. Ultimately, it is up to you to find which method works best for you in retaining information.

Have Proper Nutrition.

This is easier said than done, but proper nutrition does impact one’s focus and academic success.

Someone who is eating healthily will have more energy to put effort into their studying habits and their lives as a whole. Snacks are important; packing fruit, granola bars and other nutritional foods will help you stay energized throughout the day.

 

Stay Hydrated.

Again, this habit is easier said than done. Many people forget to do the simple things in life due to busy schedules and too many priorities.

Drinking plenty of water helps reduce stress, keeps you energized, makes it easier to focus and is great for your skin.

 

Get Proper Sleep.

This is probably the hardest tip of all for most college students to in- corporate into their routine.

Busy schedules, socializing, jobs and extracurricular activities make getting a good night’s rest difficult to come by. However, being well-rested can help with focus and motivation to get through long nights of studying.

If you manage your time right and aim for at least seven to eight hours of sleep, you’ll be helping yourself out in the long run.