Study Tips From A Third Year Student
As the first couple weeks of the semester are complete, it is time to “lock in"! The chairs in the library have began to fill up and the studying has commenced! So, this is the perfect opportunity to share our best study strategies!
Write Everything Down In A Calendar
Calendars will be your best friend. I use Google Calendar, but there are plenty of different options to find what works for you. I like Google Calendar because I can access it from multiple devices and I can colour code events for different classes. I use one colour for each course and apply that same colour to class times, assignments, exams, and any other deadlines for that class.
It’s important to block off specific times that you set aside for school work, especially nearing the end of the semester when everyone gets busy. Get comfortable blocking time off for yourself to go to the library or to work on assignments! Effectively using the calendar allows you to plan out your time and lowers the chance of forgetting about assignments or rushing through them an hour before they’re due (which we all do).
Stay Organized With An Assignment Tracker
As much as I use my calendar, I like to have another visual to see what needs to be done. For some, the calendar option might not work for you, so this is a secondary option to keep yourself organized. There are many different versions, apps, and websites that you can use as an assignment tracker. I just use a spreadsheet! It keeps everything organized by colour, course, and due date. You can customize the spreadsheet to suit your needs and what works best for you.
Study With Active Recall Using Flashcards
I find that flashcards are a very useful tool for studying. You can do this either on paper or online with websites like Quizlet. Flashcards can help with active recall, provide immediate feedback (correct or incorrect answer), are customizable, and are good for quick study sessions. The process of actually making the flashcards also helps to learn and remember the information. You can also colour code certain aspects of the flashcards, like making definitions blue. This helps by giving your brain clues for recalling the information.
Don’t Be Afraid To Visit Your Professor’s Office Hours
Office hours are there to be used! Your professors have them for a reason. This time is there for you to go and ask questions or get clarity on topics. If you’re unsure about certain topics while studying, the office hours give you a chance to talk to your professor one-on-one to make sure you understand the topics fully. Professors also tend to have suggestions for studying depending on the topic. They have experience and can offer helpful advice for their course.
Test Out The Pomodoro Timer Technique
I feel like Pomodoro timers have been a popular suggestion that truly works! The timer allows you to focus for short time periods. It makes the act of studying feel more manageable because 25 minutes feels a lot easier than 3 hours. It also helps you manage your overall time. It’s easier to ignore distractions for 25 minutes and then take a break because you know you only have to focus for a small portion of time.
King’s Has Tons Of Study Spots To Choose From… Try Them All & See What Works Best!
It is so important to choose specific locations to study. I know that laying in bed with your laptop seems appealing, but it’s not necessarily going to be successful. By going somewhere to study, you separate relaxing spaces from studying spaces and it removes distractions. There are so many places around campus to study, use them!
1. Our beautiful library! Whether you want complete silence or some background chatter, the library has plenty of options. The upper level has silent study spaces, while the main level has plenty of spaces to sit and work with peers. The library also has study rooms and noise-cancelling cubicles you can book.
2. The Student Life Centre (SLC) has lots of spaces to study as well. The main area by the cafe has plenty of comfortable places to sit and work on assignments. My personal favourite is to sit upstairs in the SLC, where you can sit right by the windows. The SLC is not a quiet place, but there are smaller rooms you can use instead.
3. There are also picnic tables outside of Dante Lenardon Hall that are perfect to study at when the weather is nice. The area is usually pretty calm (except when classes are getting out) which makes it a great place to study and get fresh air.
There you have it, the best study strategies for the semester! We hope that everyone’s school year is off to an excellent start. Happy studying, King’s students!
