by Karen E Bucklew

Created on: July 01, 2008   Last Updated: June 02, 2010

The first year of college can be challenging. A student must learn how to study a number of subjects at once. The first day of classes professors usually hand out a syllabus. This is the key to your study path. Your study path is dependent upon how many courses you're going to attempt.

A student needs to be prepared to be organized from day one. A spiral binder is necessary to keep track of all the notes that will be written. A student should also purchase a daily planner. Take the time to fill in all the important due dates and use your planner daily. Study the notes that were written daily. Some students find it helpful to type out the notes that were written. Programs such as Microsoft one note can be helpful. Some professors allow laptops to be used in class for taking notes.

It is important to study in small chunks. Trying to cram is never a good habit to develop. Daily small study sessions will prove to more helpful. Group study can sometimes be very effective. Inquire to see if tutor programs are available on campus. Some colleges provide free tutoring and peer review groups. Use all the resources that are available on your campus.

While studying a subject, if you come across material that is hard to understand, take down some questions to ask in the next class. This practice will be helpful in keeping on track and you can find clarity on something that is difficult early on in your study. Professors usually appreciate the student that is prepared for class. Having all the necessary materials with you and your questions ready can help give a student a feeling of readiness.

Become familiar with the subjects that are being studied. Be sure to read your textbook and highlight parts that are important. This is also a good place to take down questions. Seeking online help on a subject can sometimes be helpful as well. When taking the time to reading the material try to avoid unnecessary distractions. Find a comfortable reading environment. Avoid trying to study when you are tired.

The law of diminishing effect is often compared to study habits. This is when a student tries to study longer thinking that he can get more from the study session. When in reality he is wearing down his brain and taking in less than he would have if he had stopped after a small time of useful study time.
So, with all of the options available to have an effective study habit it is important to remember:

1. Be prepared
2. Be organized
3. Study in small study sessions
4. Avoid Cramming
5. Avoid studying when you're tired
6. Seek out resources available on campus
7. Join group study
8. Review material daily
9. Ask questions

These tips may be helpful, but a student in college has to be willing to put forth the effort to study. Unlike high school, your professor will not help you stay on task; this is the job of the student. College has to be looked at as a job. Your job is to perform your tasks with your best foot forward.

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