As most of you would know by now, I've recently returned to university just this past week. With a renewed sense of motivation and a clear idea of where I want to go with this course, I've committed myself to doing my absolute best this year, and throughout the entire course. So I've decided to put together a list of the 5 study tips I find the most helpful and essential when going back to school/uni!
Get Organised
Before you even go back to study, or at least within your first week back (while you've still got a bit of free time on your hands), get yourself organised. Print out or save your timetable, factor in any other extra-curricular commitments, work etc, and put those in your timetable too. You need to know when you're free and when you're not, and it's always better to figure out the basics sooner rather than later.
Make Friends
I cannot stress enough how important it is to make friends at school/uni. Even if you're not the most social type, or you've got classes with some unsavoury characters - try to get along with them at the least. Having somebody to sit with, to work on group projects with, to ask for notes if you happen to miss a lesson (but try not to!), is so so important as it can really mean the difference between a positive study experience and good grades, or the opposite.
Do Your Homework
I don't want to sound like your mother, but I've gotta say it. Your homework could be something specifically set for you by your teacher/lecturer/tutor, working on assessment pieces, or simply revising the days lessons and content. Whatever it is, you should be doing it daily. Even 10 minutes is better than nothing, and will save you a heck of a lot of work further on down the track (you know, when you've got 100 assignments due and nothing done?)!
Show Up To Class, and Be Punctual
Again, I sound a bit like your mother. But you seriously need to be in class if you want to do well! The more 'hands-on' learning you do in person is such a great way to learn the course material and be able to ask questions right then & there if you're struggling with something. You'll also be there when your teacher's give you some sneaky hints at what you'll need to know for exams or the best way to complete your assessments & more! Not to mention, attendance is often considered as part of your overall grade!
Relax
Okay, so it might sound contradictory to the rest of my advice, but it's really not. You need to have some down time, whether it be laying in bed with some tea and netflix, or having a night out on the town with your friends (preferably not the night before class). It's important to take some time away from your studies, allow your mind to absorb the information it's learnt, relax, and return to it later. That way you're not getting overly stressed our burned out (a sure fire way to end up failing despite all of your hard work)!
I hope these tips have been helpful for you, whether you're returning to study or just looking for some general advice! What are some of your best back to school/uni study tips? Let me know in the comments below! <3
xx Chontelle Louise
