Studying
Reflect
Think about these questions before moving forward. You can even write them down in a notebook or type them up.
What are some study strategies I swear by?
Do I study efficiently?
How do I define “efficiently?”
Do I participate in class? How?
What types of academic assignments do I enjoy/excel at?
And most importantly before moving forward: am I reading this and learning out of obligation or willingness?
What is academic wellness?
Academic wellness is the ability to manage academic workloads, use available resources, and challenge yourself, all while minimizing stress. It sounds like a lot, but we promise it’s easy to navigate and not pointless. Learning and implementing active study strategies and other elements of academic wellness actually do help you get higher scores on exams, and they can be fun.
There are various types of learners — visual, auditory, reading, and kinesthetic. To find out which you are, take this quiz! Below are some study strategies for each learner type.
The Pomodoro method was devised by a stressed out college student as a way to manage your time well. Check out the graphic below to learn more.
Learning Difficulties
Some students have learning difficulties, which may make it more challenging to grasp certain material. Some common learning difficulties include dyslexia (have difficulty reading), dyscalculia (have difficulty doing math), dysgraphia (have difficulty writing), attention deficit hyperactive disorder and attention deficit disorder (have difficulty with focus), and dyspraxia (have difficulty with fine/gross motor skills).
Time Management Tips
Besides basic organization, playing some music, and eliminating distractions, here are a few tips that will help you become even more productive.
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As tedious as it may sound, this “time audit” doesn’t take too long. Set aside 10 minutes at the beginning of each day to determine which activities on your to-do list are “timesucks,” which are too complex to finish in a day, and which have the greatest returns. This will help you figure out exactly where your time is going and optimize personal time management.
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Importance over urgency — that’s your motto! Each day, begin by eliminating small to-dos. Then identify the three or four most important tasks and do those first to get the essentials out of the way. Use an Eisenhower matrix or similar tool to sort your daily activities; one is linked at the bottom of the page.
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Pick up one task and work on it till completion. Many people believe that multitasking is a way to blast through your tasks and be doubly efficient. However, it can hinder focus and productivity, which means you’ll start many tasks and finish very few. Think of it like spreading a fixed amount of butter (your attention/focus) on five slices of bread (tasks) at once; at one point, the butter is going to run out and none of the slices will be fully buttered.
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Time management is just about work as it is about taking breaks and allowing your mind to recuperate. Try the Pomodoro Technique, a method that was devised by a stressed-out college student. Divide your work into 25-minute intervals, each separated by a five-minute break — this way, you won’t feel burnt out too easily.
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The toughest one for many of us — don’t be afraid to say no to an opportunity/assignment when you’re feeling overwhelmed. In an academic setting, you could ask for an extension on an assignment/assessment. Explain to your teacher/mentor how you’re feeling, and it is likely they will allow you to take some extra time.
Student-Created Resources
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A Weekly Planner
Keep your busy life organized using this student-designed planner!
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Flashcards
This simple template is all you need to make awesome, effective flashcards!
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Eisenhower Matrix
A clean and simple template to prioritize your tasks, this Eisenhower matrix has explanations for each quadrant and ample room to write out your to-dos.
Online Alternatives
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MyStudyLife
A free digital academic planner for all your needs! Get organized using the intuitively designed site and app.
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Quizlet
A fan favorite, Quizlet is one of the easiest platforms to make flashcards on. Create an account and get started today by clicking the button.
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Pomofocus
You’ve learned about the Pomodoro method. Here’s an online timer you can use when working on academic assignments to ensure you stay on track and efficient.