by Todd Pheifer

Created on: August 31, 2008

Succeeding in college has much to do with developing and maintaining good study habits. Some students are very smart and can get by without a great deal of preparation or review. However, most students are not that way and they must put effort into their scholastics. In order to do this, they must be intentional about their habits. If they are not intentional, they can easily be swept into the college lifestyle, which can include very late nights, parties, cramming for tests, junk food, and alcohol. Therefore, students must have a plan if they want to do well in school. Here are a few thoughts on how to develop good study habits for college.

START EARLY

One of the key steps for developing good study habits is to start early. Many people have good intentions when it comes to academic pursuits, but distractions and procrastination can get the best of them over time. Therefore, a student should put everything on the calendar the moment they get their syllabi. Then, they should intentionally schedule sessions leading up to key dates, such as tests and projects. This way, they will avoid the "cramming" that is so often associated with students who do not plan well.

FIND A QUIET SPACE

Too often students think they can study anywhere. They even try to convince themselves that they study better when they have some noise in the background, like a television or some music. Unfortunately, the human brain does not really "multi-task", despite the fact that society talks like we are capable of such things. Instead, outside distractions can cause a lack of concentration. If the student is not able to concentrate, they will struggle more with retention and understanding.

GET HELP

Pride can be one of the most devastating attributes of a college student. It is hard to ask for help because one has to admit that they can't do something themselves. Study skills are very important but getting help is also crucial. Therefore, students should be quick to get help from classmates, tutors, or instructors if they know that they are not grasping the material. If they remain prideful, they may find themselves in an academic hole when it comes time to be tested.

Students can certainly have fun in college, but they also have to remember that they are there to learn. Therefore, setting up good habits early can be the difference in being successful academically. If a student meets their academic goals, they are more likely to succeed in other area of their life.

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