10 Study Tips for University Students

If you are only new to university, getting used to the hours of study can be difficult – particularly when trying to work around classes and employment, as well as trying to fit in some leisure time.

Starting uni is exciting, but the transition can be difficult. To help you navigate starting your degree, here are 10 study tips that are sure to help.

Organise Your Schedule

One of the first things you should do once you are unpacked and have your class times is to develop a study schedule. This should include your class times, study sessions, breaks and even your work hours. Now, your schedule may change slightly from week to week depending on what you have going on, or due to holidays, but essentially, the bulk of it should stay the same, giving you consistent times to study across the week.

There are big benefits in using planners and digital calendars to keep yourself organised and on track.

Set Realistic Goals

Studying can be overwhelming at times, particularly when you have more than one assignment due or exams coming up. Breaking your tasks down into smaller, management goals can help make studying more achievable, and keeps you motivated.

Use Active Learning Techniques

Have you heard about active learning techniques? Normally, most people will read passively and highlight a few key paragraphs, but with active learning, you summarise the information in your own words, create flashcards or notes, or teach concepts to a study partner. Using active learning techniques can help to enhance your understanding of the topic, and help to retain the information.

Finding the Optimal Study Environment

For most of us, our optimal study environment is a quiet and comfortable place, free from distractions. But you may find that this doesn’t work for you. Don’t be afraid to try different study locations to see what suits you best. Whether it be the library, a cafe, in the park or at home, by finding the right study setting, you’ll be more productive.

Staying Consistent

As with many things, being consistent in your study is the key to succeeding academically. Creating a study schedule that you know you will be able to stick to will ensure you avoid that last-minute cramming session before an exam. Having regular, spaced-out study sessions are far more effective than long study sessions right before exam time. Those regular sessions will ensure you turn up fresh and awake to your exams, allowing you to focus on the task.

Staying Healthy

Combining university and external study, as well as potentially working, can play havoc with not only your physical health, but your mental well-being as well. While it is important to have a study plan that allows enough time for each subject, you should also ensure you are setting aside enough time to get some sleep, regular exercise and the chance to prepare and eat a balanced diet.

A healthy diet and healthy lifestyle contributes to better focus, long term memory retention and a better, overall academic performance.

Develop Note Taking Skills

This may sound like an easy one, but everyone takes notes differently, and you need to find the right option for you. You should experiment with different note-taking methods to find the approach that works best for you. You should also regularly review and organise your notes to reinforce learning and for better information retainment.

Taking Regular Breaks

While study is important, taking breaks are essential to maintain focus and prevent burnout. There are many ways to optimise your study sessions, but one of our favourites is the Pomodoro Technique where you do 25 minutes of focussed work, and then have a short five minute break away from your desk. You then take a longer 15-30 minute break after four work sessions. 

Utilising Resources

Universities tend to have a large range of resources you can take advantage of as a student including quiet library spaces to study in, organised study groups, tutoring services and online resources. We really recommend seeking help when needed, especially when you are finding your feet in the first few weeks of each subject.

Don’t forget to seek help when you need it, and don’t hesitate to ask questions, either in class, in online discussion boards or when your lecturer or tutor is available in person.

Stay Connected

Being connected to other students and building a support network can really help when it comes to refreshing your course content. Look out for sessions with other students where you can connect and meet, join study groups and participate in university activities. Your networking group should ideally consist of students who are both currently studying your course, as well as those who have already finished those units; this will help you gain a wide range of information and experience.

By having people with whom you can collaborate and share experiences with, you can enhance your understanding of the course material, as well as meet people who may become life-long friends and potential future colleagues.

Adjusting to university is a process, particularly when you are far away from family, friends and your comforts. When it comes to study, be proactive, stay organised, seek help and enjoy the journey.

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