Studying: Some Do's and Don'ts

DO keep a planner. I prefer a small notebook type because it can travel everywhere with me, but some people prefer to use the computer. Either way, you need somewhere to write down assignments and other important dates, and a planner is a great way to keep everything together so you can refer to it anytime.

DON'T let your planner go empty. In order for your planner to work for you, you need to take the time to write your assignments in it. Even if it is overwhelming to see all the work you can't possibly finish, you can't hide from it forever.

DO keep track of completed assignments. Cross it completely out, check it off, or put an X by it when you finish. No assignment or task is too small. If you need to e-mail your professor, write it in, then check it off when you are finished. Checking off assignments will become one of your favorite things to do if it isn't already.

DO organize your schedule. If you know you have read 200 pages by Monday, why not spend an hour a day chipping away at it rather than five hours the night before your quiz. If you have two midterms the same day, you need to start studying a little earlier, probably a week in advance.

DO be realistic about your schedule. If you have six classes and an eight hour shift at work, realize that you probably won't complete a week's worth of calculus homework when you get home. On the other hand, don't waste an entire Friday just because you don't have class or work.

DO break up reading into manageable chunks: For most people with most text books, reading takes a long time. Avoid becoming overwhelmed by reading a small amount each day.

DON'T read in bed. For the average college student with the average text book, falling asleep is not uncommon. Don't be fooled and don't think that it won't happen to you.

DON'T study with that friend you know you shouldn't. You have this friend and you know that you won't get anything done together (that is usually part of the appeal). Study interrupted for a couple of hours so that you can hang out with them later.

DO study with the girl who asks all the good questions, or the guy that sets the curve for all the tests. Talking through confusing concepts with a competent peer is good for both of you. You benefit from their knowledge, and enhance their understanding of the concept through teaching it to you.

DO have several study places both on and off campus, and at least one at home. You don't always have to study at the library and it's a good idea to change up your study routine

DON'T think that your mere presence in class or lecture is enough. Learning is an active process, so in order to benefit from class time, you need to be engaged in the lecture, paying attention, and taking notes. Talking, doodling, playing solitaire, or sleeping is not going to improve your grade. Taking advantage of class time as study time only frees up more of your time for other things outside of class.

DO finish assigned reading the class before it is discussed. Having a prior knowledge of the lecture material before class helps you understand the concepts better. If you were confused about something, you know which material to focus on when it comes up in lecture. Also, you don't have to rush to write down every note if you you can refer back to the book for things that are repeated.

DO intersperse different types of work or work from different classes. When you're stuck on your fluid mechanics homework, switch over to some easier reading for twenty minutes. This way you are giving your brain time to subconsciously reconsider a tricky problem without breaking your studying groove.