1. Organize Your Study Space
By organizing your study materials, you’ll both be more likely to study and reduce your distractions. If you have your books, notes, pen, and anything else you’ll need ready to go, you can stay focused more easily. If you’re doing an at-home study session, you can set it up before you do other tasks or chores, and it’ll be ready for you when you get back.Snacks are also encouraged to help keep your energy up!
2. Avoid Distractions
Find a place to study that’s free from distractions. There are plenty of places designed for study at South University’s campuses, along with our libraries. Local libraries often have areas for quiet study as well. If you’re studying at home, try to set aside space and time for you to study. Try to reduce interruptions from housemates or children. You can also create a study playlist of instrumental, white noise, or nature sounds to help you focus.3.Schedule Your Studies
When it comes to taking time to study, it can be difficult to find a good time to do it. Take note of your schedule and when you might have some free time you can dedicate to studying. You may have to reduce your time spent on other activities in order to get your studying in. Don’t forget to factor in the times when you feel most mentally alert. Studying when you’re tired may mean you don’t retain the information.4. Plan Ahead and Study Early
You may think that you can put off studying until it’s closer to the exam. But doing that means you run the risk of not being able to reach an instructor, classmate, or tutor when you need them. There are also plenty of surprises that can interrupt your studies: heavy traffic, your computer or internet connection stops working, illness, or a family member needs your attention. Any number of situations can arise that need your attention. By getting ahead on your studies, these events don’t have to add stress. To avoid deadlines and tests surprising you, save important course dates in your calendar and set deadlines ahead of those dates.5. Shorter Study Sessions
It may be tempting to do all your studying in a single session, but these cram sessions are not effective. Instead, study for 20 to 30 minutes and then take a five-minute break. During your break, remember to stretch, give your brain a rest, and maybe have a snack or drink. Repeat this process for 1 to 2 hours a day. This technique is known as the Pomodoro Technique and is useful for completing other tasks as well. Use a timer to help stay focused. If you’re tempted to check your phone or computer during your study session, there are plenty of apps and programs that can help keep you focused.7. Ask for Help
South University offers many resources for our students, including tutoring, the library, the writing center, your instructors, your program director, and so much more. Our staff and faculty want our students to succeed, so they want you to ask questions! It can be difficult to admit you don’t know something, but questions for the foundation of learning.
If you need some additional help creating a schedule or developing your study skills, Admissions Representatives and Academic Counselors are also available to offer their insight and assistance.
8. Make Your Study Habits Routine
Consistency is crucial to make changes into habits. Start by doing your schoolwork at the same time and place to help build up your studying habits. Remember to set reminders for yourself—whether on a physical calendar or using your phone—so you don’t fall behind. Creating a new routine isn’t easy; it can take months for everything to settle. If you find that your routine isn’t working, you can always change it and try something new. And don’t feel guilty if you’re not perfectly consistent. Recommit to your routine the next day and keep moving forward.
If you want to learn more about South University and our programs, be sure to request information today!
