Now that you’ve received that precious admission letter, or are already admitted to college, the initial buzz has died down. Now comes the tough part; being able to navigate the study course comfortably and successfully.
But college is an entirely different ball game from high school. Maybe you were a natural talent in high school and could get away with some light reading or cramming. That just won’t cut it in college. Sophomores have learnt this the hard way and seniors are already comfortable in their study shoes.
Planning and learning the ropes will save you a ton of headaches and disappointments in your college journey. With effective study strategies, you’ll not only ace your exams but retain information for the long term. Follow this guide to learn ten effective study strategies if you’re just embarking on your first year of college.
- Ditch the Cramming
LOL! If you’ve been the type to pack in all-nighters and caffeine-fueled desperation, time to ditch that. Firstly, waiting until the last minute for any type of exam or midterm is a bad idea, right off the bat, so take charge of your studying.
Studies have shown the effectiveness of distributed practice, where you revisit material periodically. You will do better with longer-term retention with distributed studying, rather than taking your chances with studying.
From the get-go, getting to breaking down wider-scope material into manageable chunks. Design a weekly study schedule that allows you to revisit the material taught in class in the same week. That is a type of reinforcement learning and will build your muscle memory.
So, what if you just don’t understand the material and don’t have a tutor? Go through free sample essays and research papers written by pay for essay services on the topic. These might shine a light on what you’re missing out on
- Active Recall Is Bae
Most high schoolers just passively gloss over material without trying to understand it. That just won’t cut it in college.
Getting hands-on is the deal here. Learn to take notes in class and while studying, rephrase concepts, and use flashcards or practice questions. That struggle to retrieve information strengthens your long-term memory and solidifies information.
- Embrace the Pomodoro Power
One thing that most college freshmen deal with is the painfully long hours needed either for lessons or studying. The Pomodoro Technique is one focused way to cut down these long hours into manageable minutes.
Do intense work for 25 minutes, take a 5-minute break, and repeat and that will keep your mind fresh and prevent an information overload. This is echoed by research that has shown the value of shorter more focused study intervals.
- Find What Learning Style Works for You
High school isn’t as hands-on as college and you need to adapt quickly. Maybe you learn better by incorporating sounds or visual elements into your routine.
Maybe you’re just great at studying with mind maps, recorded lectures, video tutorials, or flashcards. Or maybe you just can’t study without reviewing your notes. Find what works for you and gives the best results, and stick to it.
- Appreciate Study Buddies
Studying alone can be great if you’re a high schooler in a small class with enough attention from your teacher. However, in college, a single class can hold hundreds of people. Then, you’ll quickly realize that studying alone is quite ineffective.
Even if you’re introverted or just aren’t a big fan of people, try your best to be in a study group. With the right group combo, you can understand difficult concepts quickly. Instead of looking for all that info on your own, you can share and assimilate knowledge, and that helps you move much faster. Groups will also break the constant monotony of being on cold, hard library floors alone.
Be careful though, some study groups can degenerate into gossip clubs and social gatherings. Remember to focus on the task at hand.
- Use Tech Tools
Many college students have found technology to be a valuable ally. In just a couple of seconds, tools such as ChatGPT and Bard can produce information rapidly. You only need to tap a button on study applications like Quizlet and Chegg Tutor to be guided to the right answer. Numerous other apps could make devoted study partners.
Even while technology is a never-ending blessing, be cautious not to become engrossed in the simplicity of finding rapid solutions. For instance, you can learn and get instruction by using ChatGPT and other generative AI technologies. But answering exam questions and other official exams with them might cause a great deal of heartache. The last thing you want to happen to you in your academic career is plagiarism.
Besides study apps, there are also time management apps such as Timely that let you practice Pomodoro. Apps like Anki can help with spaced repetition, while Forest can block any distractions during study. Use technology cautiously and it will be your best friend.
- Prioritize Like a Pro
Earlier, we spoke about managing schedules. This is a key priority for any incoming freshman and is a major reason why most students never succeed.
Assess your workload and prioritize accordingly. Allocate more time to challenging subjects or incoming exams. Break down difficult and more complex tasks into simpler ones.
- Learn the Art of College Writing
Much of the time that freshmen use to work on assignments is spent on writing and editing. You probably won’t be writing too many research papers at this point. However, it’s still pretty important to learn the different types of writing like dissertations and higher-level research papers.
You can save a ton of time by becoming a better writer; that’s time you can convert for your studies.
- Help Is Always Around the Corner
The many resources available at college are meant to support your success. However, most freshmen usually ignore these until later years. Utilize your university’s resources such as tutoring centers, academic advisors, and even your professors.
- Refresh and Rejuvenate
All the excitement of finally being in college and the competitive streak from high school can get you overworked. Sleep deprivation will kill your memory and focus, so aim for 7-8 hours of rest per night.
Avoid caffeine, soda, and energy drinks if you can. Opt for a nutritious meal or brain-boosting snacks such as berries and nuts if you can manage it. Stay fully hydrated and always carry a water bottle if you can.
Conclusion
That’s not the whole story, but it’s a great place to start if you want to kickstart your college journey on the afterburners. No need to wait two or three years to learn these tactics. Get geared with these skills and mindsets from the start and you will be equipped with the right tools for success.
As you come into college, there is no need to be worried or fearful of the new environment, routine, and process. Instead, follow these practical tips and you will be ready to rock college in your first year. Best of luck!
