10 Tips to be at Your Best While Studying

1. Set Aside Plenty of Time to Study

Don’t procrastinate because last-minute cramming is not an efficient way to study. Recognize the classes and material that will take longer to study, and rank the most important topics.

2. Make Study Guides out of Homework Assignments

Using the textbook is a great resource to get study material; however, don’t overlook your past assignments and quizzes. Highlight recurring and important information to add to your study guide.

3. Set Goals and Stay Motivated

To make sure you’re being productive, set goals that must be achieved before moving on to new topics. Using chapter headings and subheadings are great progress checks!

4. Organize a Time to Study with Classmates

Studying in groups is a great way to get questions answered, and to also prove your knowledge by explaining answers. However, make sure your group stays on topic!

5. Take Regular Breaks

Studying for too long can often cause frustration and negatively impact how you retain information. Take a 5-10 minute break after you accomplish a set amount of goals. Rather than just getting on your phone, try to get up from your study area and walk around.

6. Eat Nutritious Snacks

Avoid junk food, and try to eat foods that fuel your brain and body! Instead of loading up on sugar, try nuts, yogurt, fruits, or vegetables.

7. Keep Your Workspace Organized

Have enough space to layout all of your books and papers to avoid any unnecessary stress. This can also save your study time as it won’t take long to find study materials.

8. Limit Distractions

Whether you prefer complete silence, or quiet music, make sure your main focus is on the material you’re studying. Putting away your phone, and saving social media until after you’ve accomplished your study goals is the best way to stay focused.

9. Tailor Your Studying to Your Learning Style

Use your learning style to your advantage! Whether you're an auditory, visual, or hands-on learner, there are different ways to alter how you study to best retain the information.

10. Ask for Help

Make use of your teachers and classmates, and ask questions when you’re stuck. If your study habits aren’t the best, reach out to those you know that are great at the tips above!