Here are 5 study tips that will help you improve the effectiveness of your studying!

1. Study in groups. After you take notes in class, discuss them with other students. You will gain more understanding of the notes by recalling the information and clarifying them as you compare them with fellow students. Also this is a great instrument in helping you memorize information as you hear the content repeated by yourself and others in this social setting.

2. When you read text, read it aloud, write it down, or make up little songs or rhymes with the information. Try to use as many learning styles as possible. By using something verbal, visual and something more hands on, you will be taking much more of the facts in than just simply reading in your head.

3. Make flashcard. Flashcard has been proven to be one of the most effective study strategies for memorizing. They are best in quick periods of time, very cost-effective, and light and convenient. They can be used as a handy note-taking strategy, as a matching game and have picture and illustrations. You can use them while on the run and they can be great for focusing on more difficult topics by setting aside the ones you know.

4. Where you study also makes a huge difference in your efficiency. What area works best for you?

• A coffee shop provides a constant background noise, relaxed atmosphere, wifi, and coffee. It is a great place to meet in small groups or with another person. You can be unknown and unbothered.
• Common rooms and study spots around campus supply great spots that are quiet and there for the purpose of studying. They are convenient to meet with other students because usually everyone already there. Examples are the help labs, computer labs, CAC, IB and OM. However for solo work, there is the chance that other students and friends can be too distracting.
• Your bedroom or house is a very convenient spot because it often fits your schedule the most. As well you have all your study materials right on hand without having to bring them anywhere. Home supplies a very comfortable environment, however if it’s too comfy this is not always a positive. Home also has the biggest negative of having the most distractions.
• The library offers a quiet atmosphere, wifi, and professional help when needed. Or even better if you can find an empty classroom which provides the most seclusion and quiet.
• A great tip for studying in loud places if you get distracted by noise is use earplugs! In loud places it helps to concentrate you on studying and the material in front of you.

5. Make effective study habits including

• Taking responsibility for yourself by recognizing your need to make decisions on priorities, time, and resources.
• Centering yourself around your ideals and principles. Don’t let other people influence your opinion on what’s important.
• Putting your priorities first
• Discovering what makes you productive! Studying in the morning, afternoon, or evening? Where to study?
• Understanding others. If you have an issue with an instructor, maybe you are questioning a grade or an assignment deadline, put yourself in the instructors place.
• Looking for better solution! If you don’t understand some material, don’t just re-read it, try something else. Talk to your prof, a tutor, a class mate, etc. Your results will not change if your study method does not.