Sometimes in college it is difficult to sit down and study for your upcoming exam. There are so many other things you could do with your time. Here are a few things that may help you when you really need to get down to business and study:
- Figure out if you can study with background noise.
Is it hard for you to focus if there is music playing or if the TV is on? Can you get your reading done when people are talking around you? This will help you determine the best location for you to study. If noise doesn't bother you, you can probably get work done in a place such as the Campus Union Building lobby. But if noise does bother you, then you may need to find a quieter place like the library or Brewed Awakening in the Education Building.
- Use fun colors
Buy some bright colored pens and highlighters. Colors often help material stick in people's brains better and, besides, who wants to just use black or blue? You can also organize test material or chapters by color to make it easier to study.
- Take breaks
Allow yourself to take short breaks. Studying for hours and hours without a break will leave you completely exhausted and probably frustrated. Set goals for yourself. For example, study for an hour and then allow yourself at least a 10 minute break to get some fresh air or a snack.
- Teach a friend
It has been said that the best way to learn is by teaching. So pull your friend or family member aside and teach them about the subject that you have been studying.
- Use flashcards
Buy a couple packs of flash cards or create some online flash cards on a website such as Quizlet. Writing down the vocabulary words or important points will help you remember them. You also can have someone go through the information and quiz you.
