When it comes to all the stress and busyness that comes with exams, presentations, and being a college student in general, it’s crucial to learn how to manage your time and energy. Want to create a better balance between work and free time, and maybe stray away from cramming and pulling all-nighters?
Here are some things to consider, along with some advice from some great Alvernia students:
Find Your Own Space
To allow yourself to focus and review important material, finding a study space that works for you is crucial! This could be in the library, Starbucks, or in your room. Or, like Akilah Hoxter, use your bedroom floor!
“Believe it or not, I have never done homework at my actual desk,” Hoxter, an Athletic Training major, said, “Always make sure you’re somewhere comfortable when doing work, just not too comfortable.”
Everyone is different, so find what works for you and venture out to find a new location occasionally.
Make a Schedule
Allotting a specific time for you to spend studying is an excellent way to stay organized. It’s best to receive information in doses, and it will not make you feel overwhelmed.
“Do not study one day before an exam.” Marisol Martinez-Alvarez, a Business Management and Marketing Major, said, “It’s best to segment the chapter/concepts that need to be studied into different days.”
Allotting even an hour a day throughout your week can make a massive difference in the way you review and retain information.
Take Notes
During a class, it is essential to take notes. This can be important to look back on when reviewing an exam and helpful in drafting a paper. While you can do this on a computer, many studies have shown that taking notes by handwriting further assists memory. As you look to retain and internalize the presented information, writing by hand is the better option.
Hoxter recommends doing a bit of both, “Write down and type your notes,” she said, “It sounds like a lot but if it helps you remember I say go for it!”
Take Breaks
Occasionally, you should take a step back. Allowing some time to enjoy socializing, a hobby or something away from your studies is key to avoiding burnout.
“I like to take breaks with some friends,” Alettya Zalapa-Alonso, a Psychology major, said, “or take some personal time to breathe and take things in.”
Find Your Own Style
Everyone learns and studies differently! From learning in groups or alone, dedicating various hours to studying, or using different academic tools.
“I love to make flashcards,” Hoxter said, “and it helps to go back over the points and look over them.”
It is essential to learn how you best retain information, how you best take notes, and how your best review and focus.
“I like to build cognitive maps connecting concepts, theories, and significant figures.” Alonso said, “I like to try and read ahead of time and jot down notes so I can add any comments or additional information during class time.”
Most importantly, you should be aware of what information you comprehend rather than memorize.
“I try to understand the concepts I am being taught by using/comparing real-world examples occurring in the business industry,” Alvarez said.
Know Your Weaknesses
Be aware of what is keeping you from studying. Are you a procrastinator? Do you get easily distracted? Once you become aware of your weaknesses, you can learn the best way to tackle them. Whether that is by finding a schedule to stick to, learning to study in intervals, or, as Alvarez said, removing all distractions away from you, “the main one being your phone.”
For many students, especially within different majors, there are several ways to approach reading a textbook, reviewing, and studying. Whether that is by making flashcards, taking notes while reading, or finding real-world applications to what you are learning. But all agree that finding a spot to focus, building a schedule, and learning what works for you all contribute to successful studying.
