College years are meant to be some of the best years of your life. Dorm parties, football games, and clubs are only part of the experience you'll find on campus. What happens when studying gets in the way of fun? Stress doesn't always have to become a factor in preparing for assignments and exams. In fact, there are easy techniques that any student could follow to achieve success.
1. Use a calender
Write down all important dates that appear on the academic calander. Tests, assignments, and other events can go in here as well. This is the starting point of becoming organized throughout the school year. Always keep it in a place where it's going to get looked at every day such as your purse or bag. A helpful tip is to color-code each category of dates. For instance, put everything for math in green and all science in blue. It stands out more, and you'll have no excuses for missing homework. You may even want to write your class schedule in the front, and include your work schedule on the month pages.
2. Create a study area
Every student needs an area where they can go and study school work. It's not the best idea to study in front of the television or with loud music. Also, avoid too comfortable of sitting position. This may lead to drowsiness and less studying. Every 15 minutes of an hour take a break and walk away. Separate yourself from the task of studying and go get a snack. When the fifteen minutes are up, return to your schoolwork refreshed and ready to learn. Make sure your study area is clean and free of clutter. It must have good light and a good table. Studying on beds will cause you to be drowsy, so try to avoid this.
3. Color Code or Highlight
When buying school supplies, color coordinate for your classes. If you have a green notebook, look for a green folder and binder. This is a great idea for all your papers to end up in the same place. When highlighting material, always put main points in a bright color. Minor points can go in another color not as bright. Also, only highlight needed information. If you highlight your entire book, you've defeated the purpose of it. Within your notes, put stars by the test material in a pen or highlighted color. This is an excellent tool I use because it helps review for an exam.
4. Keep everything together
Always date your notes and keep them in order. Never, EVER throw them away until you're completely done with the class. Keep all tests, quizzes, and assignments you receive back from your teacher. It's important all these go in your folder or binder until the final exam. Always remember that the first test will appear on the final exam. Some teachers may even give you extra points for taking notes, so write done everything they say. Take notes on every video they show in class because it will reappear in test form.
5. Keep necessary items easy to access
A pencil pouch is always a necessary organizer in a book bag or binder. It's good to keep at least 3 each black and blue pens, and 4 pencils in your pencil pouch. Also, keep two of the standard five color highlighters. One eraser and white out should be kept in your pouch as well, and this completes the items. Items that can be can be loose in your bag are calculators, compasses, protractors, and other necessary office supply items. I carry a mini stapler and carry my mini staples in a ziploc bag. This is a good idea in case the staples open in your bag.
6. Get assistance if needed
All campuses have labs you'll be able to go to if you're struggling in class. Don't wait until midterm or closer until the end of the semester to get help from the teacher. Meet friends at the beginning of the semester and form a study group. This way you always have someone to compare notes with, prepare for tests with, and become friends with throughout the semester. Don't let one bad test get you down. If you get one bad test, go get help.