Studying can be draining. Sometimes we just need a few study tips to help us get through the stressful times in school. Even if you think you have a great routine or method, there is always room for improvement. Take a look at these simple and effective study tips, and let me know which ones you want to try!
Here are my 12 favorite study tips for improving exam scores and overall grades!
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1) Add a little caffeine to your study session
This may be a no brainer, but if you don’t already consume much caffeine, it may help you study more than you think! Stay away from energy drinks, though. Coffee and caffeinated teas are both great options to test out.
2) Keep a planner
Planners really work for me and many of my peers, so it may work for you! Try out different styles of planners, too. I personally love large calendar-style planners because they work for me. Planners come in all shapes and sizes- big, medium, and small!
3) Connect with your peers and share notes
One thing that I learned from college is the importance of connecting with others. You can learn so much from other perspectives and outlooks. You can share notes, find study buddies, and even establish a trusted group for those dreaded group projects.
4) Form study groups
Connecting with your peers can help you form study groups. This can be very encouraging and motivating because you will be surrounded with like-minded, focused people. It also makes studying way more fun.
5) Ask your professor engaging questions about the material
Your professors can help you more than you may think. It’s always easy to go to class, take notes, and study for the exams. Instead of taking the information and leaving, try coming up with a few questions to ask your professor during or after class. You will be surprised by how much more you will actually remember for the test.
6) Add an extra hour or two to your sleep routine
Every professor I’ve ever had has told me that you retain information while you sleep. Take a look at your sleep schedule and make sure you are getting the proper amounts of rest each night! It is also important to have a proper morning routine to prepare you for the day.
7) Get in the gym
Take some time to focus on you and take your mind off of studying. Exercise is a great stress reliever!
8) Use a whiteboard
Sometimes studying is more fun with a whiteboard! It also helps to visualize the information you’re studying. SO many of my peers use whiteboards in the library to study before a big test.
9) Write out the difficult concepts multiple times until you remember
Since I was in kindergarten, I have always studied by writing out terms and concepts over and over and over on scratch paper. It helps me connect the material with both my hand and my brain. I still to this day use this method to study. Give it a try- you never know!
10) Find videos on the subject matter, and speed it up by 1.5x, or slow it down
Depending on how you learn, this method may work for you! Videos are great because they offer a different perspective on the subject matter. I love listening to others explain things with their own personal touch.
11) Turn off your phone
Phones are a big distraction. Period.
12) Create personalized study guides
Making your own study guides are great for remembering the information! Formulate the material in a way that works for you and your brain. You will never go back to any other study guides!
