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how i studied effectively in university while being a VP of 3 clubs and on multiple dance teams, a thread
as a preface, these are all methods that helped me but everyone learns differently, so what works for me may not work for you! if you have any tips i haven’t mentioned in this thread, i’d love to hear them
first & foremost, get into the habit of keeping track of your deadlines & other important dates as soon as you know them. this can be electronically (google/apple calendar, apps) or physically. if you’ve been here a while, you know i love my bujo! here are some spreads i’ve done:
if you’re in high school, i highly recommend figuring out what your learning style is before university. are you more visual (charts, tables, diagrams), auditory (discussions, lectures) or kinesthetic (hands-on activities, writing notes)?
i find it easier to concentrate when i’m not hungry so i recommend having a light snack beforehand! this fuels the brain and gives it energy for the work it’s about to do. this way i’m not distracting myself by wondering what i’m going to eat next
if possible, take classes that you’re genuinely interested in! it’s so much easier to study something that you enjoy as opposed to something you dread. if not, try to find something enjoyable in the course or a way it can be applicable to you outside of the classroom!
i study at least two weeks before an exam. this means re-reading parts of the textbook, reviewing my notes and doing practice exams. this helps with remembering the information and applying it!
set a goal before you begin studying! do you want to finish two chapters today? do you want to understand a concept, finish a practice exam? knowing what you want to accomplish beforehand keeps you on track and helps you decide what to study and what not to
a learning technique called “spaced repetition” involves breaking up information into small chunks and reviewing them consistently over a long period of time. don’t try to memorize everything in one sitting. learn a little each day and review before starting anything new
reward yourself! after each section or goal you’ve reached, treat yourself with a snack or something you know you’ll look forward to. this can really help motivate you and maintain concentration!
write your notes by hand! i know how easy it is in this day and age to type instead because of how fast and easy it is. however, it’s proven that writing out notes helps you memorize better! (if you’ve been here a while, you know i used to tweet photos like of when i study!)
remember: work smart, not hard! if your professor gives you an outline of what to study, really hone your knowledge of those topics and focus on those. find out what works for you and what doesn’t. this can require a lot of trial and error, but it’s so worth it!
figure out when you focus best: is it early in the morning? late at night? not everyone studies in the day time and that’s okay. what’s important is figuring out how to efficiently maximize your time and energy
with that said, as glamorized as all-nighters are, please try not to pull them! your brain needs rest to recharge for the next day. especially before an exam, it’s best to get a full night’s sleep. all your hard work will be for nothing if you can’t remember anything!
if you’re memorizing something, make an acronym that’s easy to remember! for example, the STAR method stands for: situation, task, action and result. i personally find this makes it infinitely easier to remember lengthy concepts
tune out any and all distractions! turn off that show, go on airplane mode and train yourself to just work. find out if you study well with music, with friends, in a cafe or a quiet library. here’s my study playlist if it helps anyone: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6Hq6RxBoG3pHK1YlDKLEa2?si=uKLTakpwQFK-xCapOujomg
if i’m studying alone, sometimes i play a “study with me in real time” youtube video. i love these as they force me to concentrate because i feel like someone is there with me (and it makes studying a lil less lonely)! here’s my favourite video:
once i’ve done all the readings and gotten a handle on the information, i like studying with friends. we go over the main topics, quiz each other and help fill in knowledge gaps where needed. this tests whether i’ve truly understood the information or not
arguably my most important tip: take breaks! i know it seems simple but they allow your brain to recover, maintain performance, increase focus and reduce stress. i like to study for 25 mins and rest for 5. take a walk, have a snack, do something you enjoy!
good luck everyone! i know you’re all so, so capable of achieving your goals. although this year may look a lil different, you have everything you need to excel at everything you put your heart to as always, i’m here for you if you need anything! xo
as always, i’m here for you if you need anything! xo
