Set goals
I think this is the most important study tip out there. Setting goals is a crucial element for staying driven and on track with your coursework. Every night I try to write down a bullet list of everything I want to get done, so from the moment I wake up, I can structure my day depending on how busy it is. I don’t know why, but the immense feeling of satisfaction at getting to cross off another item on your to-do list is unrivalled. Even just setting small goals, like attending my lectures or doing a clothes wash, keeps me focused and gives me something to work towards throughout the day.
Reward yourself
Speaking of setting goals, it’s also important to reward yourself once you can tick off another item on your to-do list. It might be ten minutes on TikTok for reading an academic paper or getting takeout for submitting an essay. Either way, I find the thought of a tangible goal (beyond the whole get-good-grades vibe) really motivates me to study and to be able to tick another item off my to-do list.
Keep track of assignments
Really, is there anything that makes nightmare-fuel better than the thought of realising you have an essay due the night before it’s to be submitted? The thought alone of that panic keeps me checking my calendar every few days to make sure I haven’t missed an assignment. I think keeping a note of every assignment as soon as you get them is a really great idea. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy; I just type mine into my calendar on my phone.
Overall health
The benefits of keeping healthy while at college cannot be underestimated. Tiny changes in a lifestyle can have a big overall impact – even something as simple as walking to campus instead of taking the bus. I find if I don’t exercise regularly in a week, I’ll end up feeling lethargic. Similarly, that one time I existed on cinnamon rolls for four days (not a good move granted, but when I tell you they were so good). I didn’t get a single jot of substantial work done. After the first sugar rush, I ended up just feeling lazy and tired.
Sleep
Possibly the easiest study tip out there – sleep. I find if I don’t get enough sleep, I can rarely study to my best ability. My focus and concentration are shot, and I usually end up scrolling through my phone for way longer than I actually spend studying. Getting those eight hours of zzzs is so beneficial. I always think I end up saving time by getting a night of good sleep because the next day I can study without having to take a nap.
