It’s often difficult starting university, living away from home and having to pick up new study habits now that mom and dad are not at home reminding you to study. Even coming back to school after a prolonged period of time (Christmas Break) and getting back into the habit of having to study is not fun. Whether you’re in your first or last year as a student nobody enjoys spending all their time studying. Here are some tips to help get you through:
1. LOCATION
It is important to understand what type of student you are. Do you like complete silence when you study or do you need some background noise to pass the time. If you’re like me and love to talk, you should probably find an area in the school that gives you that option. The Matheson Learning Commons (Brock’s biggest library) has different levels to fit your noise preference. The first floor acts as a lounge area, and allows students to talk and study as a group. This level is probably where you will find the most amount of noise. If you’re the opposite of me you’ll want to hide out in the 9th or 10th floor that permit no talking.
2. PRIZES
You should reward yourself for studying! On your way to the library grab a pack of Smarties and treat yourself to one with every page you get through. If you don’t have chocolate cravings like myself, find rewards that fit your needs…a 5 minute Facebook break for every chapter read or a TV episode for every lecture you get through. This is an easy was to keep you motivated to study longer but not go crazy while in the process.
3. STUDY GROUPS
Study groups allow you to have open discussions about the topics you talk about in class. Often others will interpret the lecture differently than you originally did and studying with them gives you the added bonus of learning more than what you wrote down in class. Also teaching others is the best way to learn yourself.
4. REVIEW YOUR NOTES
An easy way to pass time between your classes it to review your notes. Instead of waiting until the last minute to head to class, walk over early and review the lecture from your previous class. It’s a great way to start studying early and will prepare you for the upcoming class or any assignments that may be due soon.
