I don’t know about you but since grade school I was taught the “right” way to study. That consisted of learning how to take notes correctly, dedicating myself to the material, memorizing as much as possible, and studying on end until I knew everything necessary to pass. Over the years I have learned that the “right” way to study was wrong. These habits were not helping me gain knowledge about the given topic but rather stressing me out and teaching me that memorization is the key to success. However, memorization does not ensure that you will retain anything you learned during that study session.
Good study habits are essential to succeeding in college. Whether you are just starting your college path or you are looking for that crucial senior year productivity boost, like me, these study tips will help you get the most out of your classes and the material.
Taking Notes
How you study and learn information starts with how you take notes during class. Technology has made the process of taking notes easier for many students and you will often see many students bring their laptops to class. If this is how you prefer to take notes, great! If not, great! You need to know what is best for you and what will benefit you and your learning. However, if you are the type of person that is easily distracted I advise you to really consider your note taking methods. The temptation of the internet is all too real when sitting in a two-hour class.
Picking your Studying Location
Although some people swear by Smith Library, it does not mean that is the place for you. HPU offers a variety of locations on campus to study and do homework, either alone or with friends. This also means that you do not need to study in the same location every day. Sometimes, alternating your study space can be more effective than staying in the same location day after day.
Study Groups
They may not be my personal favorite, but never underestimate the power of your peers and having a study group. This will be beneficial when you are working through a difficult set of problems or a class assignment that your peers may understand a little better. Learning from your teacher is one thing, but learning from your peers can also expand your knowledge and help you understand the material to a greater degree.
Flash Cards are a College Student’s Best Friend
Sometimes the best habits are the ones we’ve used forever, or in my case, hated forever. Flash cards are oldies but goodies. Is it known that writing notes and definitions by hand, sometimes more than once, will help you remember that information, and flash cards are a great way to do this. Although they are time consuming, they never fail me on the day of the test.
Take a Break
Through all the studying you need to remember to stop, take a break, and maybe even take a nap. A tired mind is a slow mind and that will not help raise your test scores. Regardless of how much or how hard you study the material, if you are not getting enough sleep it will not benefit you at all. Believe me, coffee will only hold you over for so long.
Another important part of studying and getting the most out of the university is taking advantage of the academic resources provided to you. HPU takes pride in the campus and the students and will go above and beyond to present you with the best opportunities to make you and your time here extraordinary. If there is anything from this post that you actually listen to, make this be one of those things. You can thank me later.
Internships
If you haven’t done this already, keep in mind that internships are an incredible experience that you should take advantage of. Practical experiences will always look good on a résumé and will help you get a foot in the door when graduation comes and you are looking for a job. An internship will also allow you to apply what you are learning in the classroom to the real world and give you a better understanding of the path that you are on.
Your advisor is here to help you
As a first-year student, HPU will place you with a student success coach. Your coach will advise you and help you get through your first year of college. Come sophomore year, you will be given a new advisor that is matched with you based on your area of interest and your major. These advisors will help you plan your schedule and adjust to living in a new community.
Library and Research Facilities
As an HPU student, you should take advantage of the facilities that HPU has so kindly provided us over the years. If you need some tutoring or supplemental instruction outside of the classroom, ask your teacher or your advisor, and those options will be made available to you. Do not be afraid to ask for help or admit that you need tutoring. It does not mean you are not smart at all! It simply means you want to gain a better understanding of the course and get the most out of it as possible.
Writing Center
The Writing Center here at HPU provides all students writing assistance regardless of year or the writing process the student is in. The writing center staff are available on weekdays only, at a variety of campus locations. The staff members at the writing center, however, will not edit a students’ paper, but instead work with the student to help them develop their paper and improve their writing methods for the future.
Being in my third and final year here at HPU, I would love to tell you all that I have utilized everything our campus has to offer. However, that would be a lie, and I’m not trying to lie to you today. I am also not trying to mislead you at all. What I am saying is all true and you should take advantage of all of the resources on campus if you feel you could benefit from the information they will provide. There have been multiple occasions I have looked back on and realized I should have talked to my advisor or met with my professor to clarify information. I want each of you to feel that you are getting the most out of this university and are prepared by the time you are in my shoes and getting ready to graduate.