Begin work on large projects or papers early. Breaking up big projects into a series of smaller tasks can make
the assignment less overwhelming.
Devote enough time to studying. For each hour you spend in a class, you should spend 2-3 hours studying outside
of class. Some classes may be easier or harder for you .
Take frequent study breaks. Experts say that you study more efficiently and retain more information if you take
a ten- or fifteen-minute break between hours of study.
Study every day. It becomes easier when you make it a habit. And studying every day
will help you remember
information so you won’t have to cram for tests.
Find your best time to study. Some people concentrate better in the morning, some late at night. Leave errands
and less important tasks for times when you feel less alert.
Find a good place to study. Some people prefer to study in the library or another quiet place. Others like to
study at home. If you choose home, find ways to avoid distractions, such as turning off the phone and TV, and negotiating
with the family for quiet time.
Ask for help before it’s too late. Talk to your instructor as soon as you feel you are having problems.
If you feel that a class is way over your head, you may need to start with a lower-level class. Perhaps tutoring can help
you with some of the more difficult concepts in a class.
Start a study group. Get together once or twice a week with other members of the same class to clarify information,
ask questions, and share notes and observations.
Make regular exercise a part of your routine. It will actually help to keep your stress level down and helps
you feel more alert and productive. Reward yourself for getting school projects done ! Enjoy a cup of tea, talk to a friend,
or plan an outing with family members. You deserve it.
Get organized at the beginning of the semester. Keep your syllabus or procedure sheet, handouts, and notes for
each class together in a folder or binder. Keep track of your materials.
Mark dates of tests, due dates of papers, personal obligations, etc., on your calendar at the beginning of the
semester so you can easily anticipate time crunches.
Use a daily organizer to manage your time effectively. List all errands, classes, family obligations, work hours,
etc. Schedule them according to priority. Block off time for studying each day and try not to let other obligations eat away
at that time.
Take good notes in class. Use abbreviations to save time. Use a tape recorder, if necessary, to help you fill
in information you missed (ask your instructor’s permission). At the end of each day, review and organize your notes.
These actions help you understand and remember the information.
Keep up with your reading. Buy your textbooks before classes start and begin reading. Read carefully and take
notes on your reading. The table of contents will show you where information is located within the book, and will show you
how it’s organized.
Plan to attend all of your classes. If you have to miss a class, it is your responsibility
to get notes from classmates or to makeup tests and work you misssed. Inform your instructor ahead of time if you must miss
class. Check the syllabus for special instructions regarding makeup work.
