Studying at university can be a challenging and rewarding experience. However, the workload and expectations can be overwhelming for some students, especially those who are just starting their academic journey. The workload is heavier, the classes are larger, and the expectations are higher. To help university students make the most of their studies, we’ve put together some useful tips that can help them succeed.
Create a schedule and stick to it
One of the most important things for university students is to create a study schedule and stick to it. This can help you stay organised and ensure that you have enough time to complete your assignments, readings, and other tasks. Having a schedule or a timetable will ensure that you don’t do any last-minute cramming which can elevate stress level quite significantly. This can lead to a decrease in productivity, so be careful.
You can use a planner or an online calendar to plan your study sessions, and make sure to include time for breaks. Believe it or not, breaks are just as important! They help to avoid burnout and maintain productivity. Studies have shown that taking short breaks can actually improve concentration and productivity. So, take a 5-10 minute break every hour or so to stretch, walk around, or do something that relaxes you.
Find a suitable study space
Finding a suitable study space is crucial for effective studying at university. This can be a library, a quiet room at home, or a coffee shop that. Everyone is different in terms of preference. Some may prefer a busier atmosphere or have back-ground noise, whilst others may prefer total silence. Do try to avoid studying in areas where there are too many distractions such as television, social media, or noisy roommates. It is also helpful to have a designated study space that you use only for studying to create a habit and optimise productivity.
Use active learning techniques
Active learning techniques such as taking notes, summarising, and reviewing materials can help you retain information better than passive techniques such as reading or listening. When you actively engage with the material, you are more likely to remember it, understand it, and apply it later. Additionally, practice questions and group discussions can help you reinforce the material and clarify any misunderstandings.
It’s also important to identify what type of learner you are. There are three main ways that we can retain information; Visual, Auditory and Kinaesthetic-Learning. Visual Learners are those that need to see pictures and graphs to visualise. Auditory Learners are those who need to hear the information. Kinaesthetic Learners are those who need to engage in an activity in order to grasp a concept. If you can identify which category you fall under, this will improve your studying techniques immensely.
Prioritise assignments
When you have multiple assignments due, it can be tempting to prioritise the ones that are due soonest or seem easiest. However, it’s important to prioritise assignments based on their importance and difficulty level. Make a list of all your assignments, set deadlines, and order them accordingly. This will help you avoid last-minute panic and ensure that you submit high-quality work.
Seek help when needed
Don’t be afraid to seek help when you need it. This can be from your professors, tutors, or classmates. If you are struggling with a particular topic or assignment, ask for clarification or guidance. If you need more time to complete an assignment or are experiencing personal issues that are affecting your studies, reach out to your professor to discuss options for support.
Take care of your physical and mental health
Taking care of your physical and mental health is essential for academic success and will help greatly with studying at university. Make sure to get enough sleep, exercise regularly, and eat a healthy diet. Taking care of your mental health is also important. Try to reduce stress by practicing relaxation techniques such as meditation or deep breathing exercises. Additionally, seek help if you are experiencing mental health issues such as anxiety or depression. Read our blog on mental health and wellbeing for more information on this topic.
