Study Tips To Ace This Semester | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

5 Study Tips To Ace This Semester

My best tips and tricks to get the most out of your study time.

42
5 Study Tips To Ace This Semester

Anyone who knows me will not be surprised that I chose to write an entire article about studying, because if you know me, you know I am ALWAYS studying. I am a third-year pre-medical student, so not only do I have to study, but I love to study. So, here are my best tips and tricks to get the most out of your study time.

1. Find a study location. 

Where you decide to study will set the tone for the entire time you're studying. Many people, like me, find it hard to study in their room because of distractions such as your phone or Netflix. If this is you, then try a new location next time you study. Maybe find a spot outside to enjoy nature, at a coffee shop or cafe if you can study with the subtle noise of people talking and the background music, the library if you like quiet, or even your living room for the comfort of your own space without the distractions.

2. Make a routine.

Try to do the same thing every time you study. For example, I sit down with my cup of coffee, check my email first, take out any books, paper, pens/pencils needed to study, then I usually write notes from lecture and make flash cards. This one may seem a little tedious and not necessary, but this is how you train your brain to get ready and realize "okay, it's time to focus." Focusing on what you need to get done is so much easier when you make this a routine to study.

3. Prioritize what you need to do BEFORE you start studying. 

If you're like me and take many difficult classes at a time, this makes studying so much more efficient. Write down everything you need to do and study in that particular time frame and order them by priority. Start with the most important one, then go down the list. I find this so effective because I can easily switch subjects when I complete one and it's motivating to see how much you've gotten done and how close you are to finishing.

4. Make it enjoyable. 

Studying doesn't have to be boring. You can really get creative with this and it will make you want to study more because you actually enjoy it. Some things you can do include making flashcards and making a game out of it with a group, finding videos that are entertaining (YouTube is great for this), or finding pens you really like and making your notes look pretty.

5. Figure out how you learn best. 

Everyone learns differently so it is very important to customize your studying in a way that will benefit you the most. Personally, I learn and memorize things best by writing them down. So, to study, I write and rewrite notes I take from lectures, textbooks, other peoples' notes, YouTube videos, etc. This, however, may not be the case for you and that is completely okay, you just have to find what works best for you.


Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Adulting

18 Things I Want To Do Now That I'm 18

I'm technically an adult, so I'm legally required to live a little, right?

255
Happy Birthday Cake

For the entirety of my high school career, I was always seen as the goody-two-shoes. I never got in trouble with a teacher, I kept stellar grades, and when I wasn't doing extracurricular activities, I was at home studying. Even when I did go out, it was usually with a bunch of fellow band geeks. The night would end before 11:00 PM and the only controversial activity would be a fight based on who unfairly won a round of Apples-to-Apples when someone else clearly had a better card (I promise I'm not still holding a grudge).

Now that I'm officially an adult, I want to pursue some new things. I want to experience life in a way that I never allowed myself to do prior to entering college. These are the years that I'm supposed to embark on a journey of self-discovery, so what better way to do that than to create a bucket list?

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

10 Life Lessons from Christmas Classics

The holiday classics that shaped my life

129
10 Life Lessons from Christmas Classics
Flickr

The holiday season is full of stress, debt, and forced conversation. While we rush through the month of December, it's important to take a step back and enjoy the moments before they're gone. Most families love to watch Christmas movies, but these beloved films provide more than entertainment. Here are 10 life lessons that I've learned from the holiday classics we watch every year.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

198946
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

20119
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments