Cougar Mentor Program

Student Success Tips
 

Study Strategies
Time Management

• Learn to say no. Saying no to partying, movies, etc., does not make you a terrible person.

• Do not study for than two hours at a time. Your brain really does shut down and any studying you do after that point is just a waste of time.

• Try to study during daylight hours. Natural light really is more conducive to learning.

Use two schedules:

1. Create an hour-by-hour weekly schedule. Using your class schedules as a guide, block out specific times each day for study and all other activities. Rule of Thumb: schedule one and a half hours of study for each hour of class.

2. Create a semester schedule showing midterms, finals, due dates, and other important events. Review both schedules every week and allow more study time as needed. A good schedule keeps you from wandering off course.

• Prioritize: Make a daily list of what you need to study, prioritize,
  and set times for each item, and stick to it.

• Use the 30-3-2 Schedule:

  1. Study for 30 minutes.

  2. Take a three-minute break, let the break be a time to think about other things;

  3. Upon returning, take an extra two minutes to mentally review what you have just read and do a quick preview of what is coming up next.

Study, Study, Study

• Attend as many academic support activities and workshops as possible. They are usually free and are always helpful.

• STUDY! This may be a case of stating the obvious but you would be surprised how many students don’t bother.

• Contrary to popular opinion, studying with soothing music in the background can enhance your concentration.

• Floral scented candles and mixed floral potpourri facilitate learning. Strange but true…

• Studying on a soft chair or on a cushy bed may not be the best strategy. Active learning may require walking around the room or sitting on the edge of the chair.

• Study space: Your regular study space should be as quiet and comfortable as possible and large enough to have easy access to everything you need for studying (ex. text and reference books, paper, pencils, rulers, etc.)

  • Libraries, study lounges, or private rooms are ideal.

  • Get rid of clutter. Clear the desk or table of all materials not related to the current project.

• Tutoring is not a negative thing! Get help early before the academic damage is irreversible. Many schools offer free tutoring in a variety of subjects.