If you are anything like me, you are trying to balance studying for exams with a social life and several extracurriculars. It can get hard to keep track of deadlines and event obligations with all the tasks you need to complete in your leadership positions as well. Acing university exams is all about organizing your classes throughout the semester. So, in this blog, I will share some college study tips to stay organized throughout the semester and hopefully make college a bit less overwhelming.
Organize Large Project Deadlines
First, you need to create a snapshot of the upcoming semester. Take a look at every class syllabus and write down major deadlines and exams. This will show you when weeks might require extra studying. It will also prepare you for any weeks that might have multiple exams or big projects due.
Understand the Class Flow
Next, you want to understand how the class structure works. Do you have homework due before every class or once a week at midnight? Understanding the weekly commitment each class will require helps set you up for success. This way you know which days might be busier during the week and also when reoccurring deadlines happen.
Create a Weekly Brain Dump
Before classes start each week, take Sunday to write out all the upcoming deadlines and tasks that need to be done. This is one of the best college study tips to use if you are constantly busy or overwhelmed. Rather than seeing an endless list of tasks, you only need to focus on the snapshot of the upcoming week. This can help you stay organized each day and throughout the week
Attend Lectures
I know this is one of the dreaded college study tips, but it really does help to attend and pay attention during lectures. Of course, this helps from a learning perspective, but in my opinion, this gives you a set block of time to focus on that class each week. Because you use the dedicated time to work on the class, you’ll have less to learn and more to review when it comes time for the exam. You have already put in the work throughout the semester by being organized and listening in class, so exam studying just means reviewing the material.
I know this is easier said than done, and it is much more enticing to just hang out with friends, but making this a non-negotiable will save you a lot of stress. To give yourself some freedom, create a rule that you can miss each class three times throughout the semester. This way if something exciting comes up, you have the flexibility to enjoy those moments.
Do Your Homework, or Work with a Partner
It is much easier to get homework from someone else or find answers online. Trust me, I did my fair share of this. But if you have the motivation to do your homework or work with a study buddy, you will be setting yourself up for success. Homework helps you understand the material, test it out, and remember it in your own way. So even spending time doing half of it will provide a lot of benefit when it comes to reviewing for the exam.
Review Material Every Week
I am not asking for much here, but at the end of the week, skim through your notes. This five-minute review session will help engrain the material you have learned throughout the semester, again making the exam week a whole lot easier. This does not need to take long or be extensive. The idea is just to remind your brain what you learned before you end up forgetting it.
Final Thoughts
University classes aren’t always easy, lectures can feel boring, and homework can feel like busy work. But if you are paying good money to attend college, you might as well try to get the most out of it with these college study tips. This advice is all about putting a little effort here and there throughout the semester so you can be prepared for exam week without cramming in a semester’s worth of material for every class. Take these college study tips in a way that works for you, but I hope even one of these tips helps make acing your exams a bit easier!
With love,
Aditi <3
Aditi Rani – Figuring Out Life in Your Twenties
*Disclaimer: This is not professional advice. Some links are affiliate. By clicking and/or purchasing, I may receive a commission. It does not alter the price or change your buyer experience.