Fighting off the woes of procrastination can be one of the greatest challenges when it comes to studying. And then remembering and retaining all of that information that you’ve studied can be equally difficult. There’s nothing worse than feeling unprepared and unconfident when you step in to take an exam. So here are five great study tips that will help you stay on track, focus on your material and get you feeling more confident for your upcoming semester at McMaster University or Mohawk College.
Pick a Place and Time
In order to get the most out of studying, it’s important to be strict. So schedule in a place and time for your studies. Get a calendar, whether it’s a physical calendar or an app. Write/record your study time, so it feels like a priority and commitment. This may sound too regimented, but by doing this, you actually give yourself more freedom. With a set time to get to your studies done, you are free to do whatever you choose with the rest of your time.
Study a Little Bit Every Day
For those who choose to pull all-nighters and cram as much information that they can into their brains last minute – it just doesn’t work. Sure, they may remember enough facts to get them a passing grade, but next week you can be sure they’ll forget just about everything.
School is about learning and building skills for professional and personal fulfillment. It’s important to stay focused and break up your studying into small segments each day. This way your brain can more easily process and retain the information you’re feeding it. Not only is this the most effective learning process, it is also much less stressful.
Figure out What Your Learning Style Is
Whether it’s auditory, visual or kinesthetic – everyone has their own style of learning that works better for them. The sooner you can identify yours, the easier you can take advantage of it and make studying much easier. If you are an auditory learner, record your lectures and play them back as you study. If you are a visual learner, use a whiteboard to write down important facts. If you are a kinesthetic learner, use flash cards, role playing, and other physical methods. Don’t forget, writing and drawing are physical activities, too!
Take Breaks
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unfocused – take a break. Just because you have an allotted time set in your schedule, doesn’t mean you can’t take a few breaks. The Pomodoro technique (25 minutes on, 5 minutes off) is an effective time management method for many. Use the 5-minute breaks to stretch, grab a snack, or just refocus on your mind.
App It Up
If you feel that distractions are impeding your learning, then utilize the world of apps. There are plenty out there that are specifically tailored to help students stay focused and on track, like Brainscape (flashcards), Todoist (to do list), XMind (mind-mapping), and more.
Get ahead this semester by having your arsenal for studying prepped and ready. It’s easy to get weighed down among modern distractions, but if you stay focused and use these tips, you’ll be in great shape for your year ahead in Hamilton.
Effective studying necessitates a great environment. Browse CLV Group’s apartments for rent in Hamilton now!
