University can be an extremely fun and fabulous place to be, but sometimes it can also feel overwhelming. Making the transition from high school to university means that you will need to become an independent learner. You might encounter setbacks along the way, or even experience burnout. You might be wondering why the hours of effort you put in don’t translate to an improvement in your grades.
The truth is, sometimes studying harder and for longer hours doesn’t always make you a more effective learner. Burying yourself under piles of books all day lowers your productivity, and leads you to you miss out on meals or catch-ups with friends. While everyone has their own learning style, the trick is to be smart about studying. Being diligent is certainly important, but the combination of diligence and efficiency will bring you closer to your goals.
Below are some tips to help you study smarter!
Read critically and selectively
Many people will dive into the reading list their lecturers hand them, devouring every single word for fear of missing an important detail. However, this is highly inefficient. Rather, you should think critically about the relevance of the reading for your subject, and skim the introduction or abstract to gain a broad understanding of the text first. This helps you to better understand its context and content. Once you’ve done that, read the most important sections closely. This saves you significant time along your study journey.
Take notes efficiently
Don’t try to copy the textbook or your lecturer’s slides word for word. This is an extremely slow and inefficient way of note-taking, and also doesn’t aid your understanding. It would be better if you try to paraphrase the sentence into your own words. Learning the art of summarising is extremely helpful both at university and at work, and you will find it so much easier to keep up during lectures. Highlighting important concepts and underlining buzz words also you to remember key ideas, setting you up well for when it comes to revision time.
Be organised
Have folders (whether physical or digital) for different subjects, and create study plans to help you stay on track. Creating your own academic calendar helps you to keep on top of looming deadlines and exams. This also helps with prioritising and time-management, so you know which tasks to complete first.
Reach out
Many teachers hold consultations or office hours weekly, so make sure to visit them if you’re ever unsure about anything or even just want to ask for tips on how to do well in the subject. They are always happy to help out, and will be glad to see you taking initiative. It also helps to form a study group or find a buddy to study together, where you can test each other’s knowledge and socialise while studying.
Studying smarter will help you build a more effective study habit, setting you up for success. Try out tips out!
