Ultimate Guide to Studying

Many students get through high school without knowing how to study well. When it comes to college, how you study actually matters. With bigger courseloads and the added responsibility of living on your own, developing good study habits is the key to academic success in college. 

With over 25 years on college campuses, Collegeboxes has seen what works (and what doesn’t) when it comes to study tips. We’ve put together this ultimate study guide to help you stay on track and thrive in college!

1. Study like a Pro

Develop a Routine

The simplest way to get better at studying is to do it more consistently. This doesn’t mean you have to study tirelessly, every single day. College isn’t just about school; it’s also about socializing and growing as a person! You’ll likely have other things to do besides study, and that’s okay. Time management skills will help you stay organized and prioritize your time.  

To create a study routine, take a look at your weekly schedule and determine the best time slots for hitting the books. Keep in mind your favorite time of day and places to study. Then write down your study schedule in your planner or calendar and stick with it!

Use Resources 

Most universities have tutoring, writing centers, and library databases available. Look on your school’s website or contact your academic advisor for information about your school’s resources. 

Additionally, professors’ office hours are a great way to understand course material and succeed in your classes. Many students don’t take advantage of office hours and miss out on the opportunity to ask questions and get to know their professors. Professors typically include their office hours and contact information in the syllabus. 

Struggling in a class at some point in college is normal, and you should always ask for help. Reach out to professors and academic advisors as soon as possible, so you can improve and pass the course. 

Take Breaks

Locking yourself in a room for hours without any distractions isn’t the best strategy for studying. Scientific data shows that taking breaks reduces stress, and enhances memory, energy, and concentration. However, scrolling through social media doesn’t give your brain a real break. Instead, take 5-20 minutes to stretch, breathe, take a walk, listen to music, eat a snack, or call a loved one.

Prioritize Sleep and Fuel

Your health is vital to your academic performance. While sleep and healthy eating may seem unrelated to your grades, both make studying more impactful. 

There’s truly nothing better for the mind than a good night’s rest. Unfortunately, most adults, including college students, are sleep-deprived. Sleep experts say that healthy sleep can improve memory, learning, and focus. Conversely, sleep deprivation can lead to difficulty recalling information, increased mistakes, and feelings of irritability. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night, and try to stick with a regular sleep schedule.

Eating healthy can also be challenging during college. That’s why we’re not telling you to give up quick dorm room snacks completely. Instead, try introducing some “brain foods” into your diet where you can. 

Study Methods 

There are tons of learning strategies out there to improve focus and retention. Here are a few of our favorites to up your studying game: 

• The Pomodoro Technique: This focus strategy uses time management to improve your workflow. Set a timer for 25 minutes to work on your task, then take a 5 minute break. Repeat until your task is completed.
• Active Recall: This study method helps you remember information better. Regularly stop and quiz yourself, or explain what you’ve learned to others. Flashcards are a simple but effective form of active recall. 
• Cornell Note-Taking: Effective studying starts with good note-taking. This method gives you a better understanding of the material and produces digestible notes to study with. If you find it difficult to take Cornell Notes during class, you can also summarize your notes after class. 

For more study tips, check out these 6 Study Tips for College Students!

2. Where to Study

Your study environment has a bigger impact than you might think. Research has concluded that our surroundings affect how we learn. For example, even changing the room where you study can increase retention. This is the perfect excuse to check out different spots around your campus and town!

Libraries

Libraries offer a quiet, yet community-oriented space to study. You’ll also get access to library materials and the convenience of being on campus. Additionally, many libraries have private study rooms, which are great for study groups.

Outdoors 

Nature gives us more energy, reduces stress, and boosts mood and creativity. That’s what makes a public park or beach one of the best places to study. You can also look for green spaces around your campus. Be prepared with a towel to sit on and an internet hotspot on your phone.

Coffee Shops & Bookstores 

The right amount of caffeine improves your studying, making coffee shops an ideal place to hit the books! Studies have proven that around 200 milligrams of caffeine helps the brain identify words quicker and aids problem-solving. If libraries are too quiet, and cafes are too busy, then a bookstore may be the perfect study spot for you. Bookstores often have coffee shops with seating areas inside. Both of these options usually have power outlets and free Wi-Fi. 

Empty Classrooms

A classroom offers plenty of space, an area for people to present, desks, and of course, reliable Wi-Fi. During the week, classrooms at universities are rarely used every hour of the day. Classrooms often have schedules posted by the door, or you can ask a professor about the room’s availability.

For more public places to study, check out the 5 Best Public Places to Study!

3. When to Study 

There’s no universal best time to study, it’s truly dependent on you and when you feel most alert. We all run on a Circadian rhythm, the 24-hour cycle that includes our physical, mental, and behavioral changes. This is what divides people into being “early birds” versus “night owls.” 

During the Day

For some students, studying during the day is the most productive. Here are some tips for studying during the day: 

• Study between classes or extracurriculars if you have a gap in your schedule. 
• Study outside (if the weather permits).
• Schedule your study group, since day time works best for group meetings.

For more daytime studying tips, check out College Study Tips | Studying During the Day!

Late Night Studying

For those of us who feel the most energized at night, it’s a great time to get some studying done. Here’s a few tips to make the most out of late night studying:

• Plan where you’re going to study and for how long, since there’s less options available at night.
• Try your library and restaurants, like diners, that are open late.
• Study in a well-lit space. 
• Don’t forget to prioritize sleep and avoid pulling all-nighters.

For more late-night study tips, check out How to Study at Night!

5. Studying for Finals

As the end of the semester approaches, it’s time to turn your attention to your final exams. But don’t panic; If you make a solid plan for yourself you’ll give yourself a great shot at succeeding. 

Know What to Expect

Find out what’s going to be on your exams from the syllabus and your professors. The goal is to narrow down the important information so you don’t waste time studying anything that isn’t relevant. 

Prioritize and Plan

Think about which of your courses need more attention, so you can prioritize effectively as finals week approaches. After you know what’s going to be on your exams, and you’ve decided which courses need more attention, you can develop a study schedule. Give yourself at least 2 or 3 weeks to prepare for exams. Assign windows of time throughout your days to study specific content. A useful schedule not only keeps things organized, but also holds you accountable.

For more finals week tips, check out 8 Study Tips to Help You Plan for Finals Week!

Collegeboxes: Your Campus and Moving Resource

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