Seven tips to succeed in the classroom
By Karla Goodhart
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Learn Study Skill Basics
There are endless websites devoted to the latest dorm and fashion trends, list upon list of advice and suggestions designed to grab your attention — and your money. But the real college experience begins when you enter the classroom.
Whether you’re a freshman or a returning student, back to school means developing or refreshing your study skills. Here’s some study-smart tips from The Princeton Review to keep you unfazed by your assignments.
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Vary Your Study Space
Whether you live at home or on campus, studying in solitary confinement in your room isn’t always the best idea. A quiet study space is necessary, but switching up your environment can help you better retain information. Vary your study time by taking advantage of the library, a coffee shop or even another room in your home or dorm.
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Stick to a Routine
Back to school is chock full of schedules to adhere to, and creating a routine time to study is paramount among these. Setting aside a regular time to study will keep you on track — with your homework and your social life.
Adapt your study schedule to your class day, pinpoint the time and place each day you’ll hit the books and stick to it.
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Create a Distraction-Free Zone
In today’s hyper-connected life, disconnecting has become harder to achieve. But studying demands your full attention and focus, and that devotion will pay off. So, find a location that has the least environmental distractions as possible. Then turn off the phone. Access your laptop only for necessary research. Going offline for your study hours will benefit not only your grades but also your mental health.
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Study More, Cram Less
Embarking on an all-nighter cramming for a test might help you recall key terms and answers to likely questions, but attempting to absorb a large amount of information in a short period of time will fail you in the long run. Cramming will tax your brain and exhaust you, making you less alert for exams and increasing the potential for mistakes. Instead, study a little each day well in advance and make sure you comprehend and extract value from the material.
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Develop Healthy Study Habits
Use your classroom time wisely. Ask questions, take notes and create assignment- and test-tracking planners. Develop a simple system to organize materials for each class. Don’t let a bad grade affect your attitude. One rough class doesn’t have to define your GPA. Check your progress regularly and find a tutor if you discover you’re falling behind.
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Make Friends in Every Class
Besides the obvious social benefits, making friends in each class can act as a lifeline if you’re late, miss a class or have a question you can’t figure out yourself. Studying alone has its place, but making these contacts will have the effect of creating a ready-made study group come exam time.
