Studying seems like a lot of work to do, and it is a lot of work to do if you don't do it the right way. Below, I share some tips on how to study effectively and make studying less of a torturing session for you (because you might have to deal with it for another several years to come)
1. Set up your study space
Your study space should be comfortable, distraction-free and above all, organized. A messy desk distracts you and decreases the efficiency of your studying. It's also a good idea to decorate your desk with nice office supplies or motivational quotes, but be sure to keep it as organized as you can.
2. Pick your best time to study
Some people work better in the morning, some work better at night. However, keep in mind that you should not stay up too late at night studying. You might get tired and a lack of sleep decreases your efficiency for the following day.
Instead of staying up, forcing your brain to absorb the information it's too tired to process, try to cover only the main points, go to bed and get up early the next day. Because your mind is fresh in the morning, it works more effectively and you'll remember things more quickly.
3. Break it up
Another great way to study is to break it up. I've been doing this and it seems to be very effective for me. So instead of forcing yourself to study for long hours, you should break it up into 30-minute or 1-hour study periods, depending on your preferences, with a short break between each two. That way, you're not overworking yourself and you'll study more effectively. Keep studying like this everyday, and you'll avoid the traditional stressing-out session the night before a test. Way to make studying less of a torture, right?
4. Make a to-do list
You also want to keep track of your time so you know how much time you have and try to fit studying into your schedule. Another advantage with the to-do list is that once you sit down at your desk, you already know what you have to do. You won't waste time making a list of things to do in your mind, which might take a half hour, or get distracted by other things. And hey, doesn't checking boxes off your to do list feel amazing?
5. Sweat a little
A little exercising before books is good for you. You want to clear your mind before you sit down to soak it in words and formulas. It is said that exercising, especially cardiovascular exercises, helps to boost your IQ. Now, doesn't that sound helpful when it comes to studying?
6. Use apps for studying
Instagram doesn't solve math problems (unless you DM your friends and ask for help), but that doesn't mean there aren't other apps out there that do. Apps like Quizlet or Khan Academy are very useful for studying, and since some cannot resist the temptation to touch their phones, they might as well use it for something related to their homework. See [insert link] for a list of useful apps for studying.
7. Stay motivated
You want to know why you're studying and what you're studying for, so that when things get tough (which they do pretty often), you don't give up easily. Pin some motivational quotes (from khangal_weheartit), write down your mission statements, review your goals, etc., whatever you need to do to keep yourself in the game.
8. Summarize what you've learned
It's always a good idea to summarize your notes, as you don't want to look all over your notes to find the points every time you study for an exam. Also, summarizing gets you to silently repeat what you've just learned, which helps you remember things more quickly. That is not to mention, summarizing is a great skill to have. So take out a few minutes everyday to summarize what you've learned. It's totally worth the time and the effort.
9. Join a study group or ask a friend to help you out
Study groups are great places to share your ideas. Plus, studying with friends is more fun than studying alone, isn't it?
10. Teach yourself
Don't rely too much on school. Teach yourself! You're talented, and you sure can explain things to yourself better than anyone else. If you can't, it's never illegal to ask your friends or teachers for help. You usually remember things you learn by yourself longer, since you are interested in such things. What great benefits, right?
There you have it, my 10 tips for studying more effectively. Good luck with this journey!
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