how to write an essay about study habits

27 Good Study Habits of Straight-A Students

Study habits refer to the consistent practice and approach to study, on a regular basis, to enhance academic performance.

The good thing about a habit is that once you do it on a regular basis, it becomes easy. So, your job is to get into this habit early. Once you’re into the habit, university becomes easy (well, easier ).

Good study habits that I recommend include getting into the routine of heading to the library (or a similar study space) to study without distractions, chunking your studies by subject, and using spaced repetition for things that require rote memorization .

I also recommend studying with friends – such as by testing one another – whenever possible.

The integration of efficient study habits enhances academic performance and motivation to study . By developing effective study strategies adjusted to your personal learning style, you improve concentration and retention of information – and concentration, more than time spent studying, is found to be a key factor for success (Nonis & Hudson, 2010).

Good Study Habits

1. Time Management Time management refers to being able to efficiently allocate your time so you don’t run out of time, and so you have enough time to allocate to all important tasks. As a basis, you could initiate a dedicated study schedule, specifying the time slots for each subject. For instance, you might want to allot your mornings for theory-heavy subjects like Anatomy, and save the afternoons for practice-oriented subjects like Clinical Skills. Don’t forget to also block time for regular study breaks and social events. This is crucial to prevent burnout and maintain longevity – university is a marathon, not a sprint.

Read Also: 7 Things to do in your First Week of University

2. Using Active Reading Strategies This is the process of engaging with the material by asking questions and drawing connections. Instead of passively reading your texts, you can participate more actively by summarizing the information in your own words, teaching it to someone else, quizzing yourself, or creating visual aids like diagrams and mind maps. As Issa et al. (2012) found, reading relevant information daily is an effective study habit for improving grades.

3. Setting Realistic Goals This strategy involves laying out achievable objectives for each study session or topic. Setting goals not only keeps you focused, but also helps gauge your progress. For example, instead of aiming to read an entire biology textbook in two days, you might target mastering one chapter per day. I recommend setting both short-term study goals and long-term study goals using the SMART Goals method .

4. Prioritization Successful students often prioritize tasks based on their deadlines and degree of importance. You might follow the Eisenhower Box method: divide your tasks into four categories, namely, important and urgent, important but not urgent, not important but urgent, and not important and not urgent. For instance, an upcoming exam translates into an important and urgent task, hence it would be first on your list.

5. Spaced Repetition This strategy involves studying information over incremental intervals instead of cramming it in one sitting. You might review your notes on the day you learn something, then again in a couple of days, then after a week, and so forth. There are even apps like the Anki flashcards app that have a built-in spaced repetition algorithm that can space how often ideas are presented to you.

6. Creating a Suitable Environment Each individual’s ideal study environment may differ based on personal preferences . Some people need complete silence, while others work better with some background noise. If you like silence, the quite section of a library is a good place to start – I recommend making it a habit to go to the library at your university as often as possible. Conversely, if you feel background noise helps you to concentrate, consider studying at a cafe. But the key is to ensure your environment is right for you. As Ogbodo (2010, p. 229) argues: “Where to study is as important as what to study and how to go about studying.”

7. Taking Breaks Integrating regular short breaks into your study pattern can boost your productivity and mental agility because it decreases distractions during focused study time. And this is important. As Walck-Shannon, Rowell and Frey (2021) found, “students reported being distracted about 20% of their study time, and distraction while studying negatively predicted exam performance.” So, let’s avoid that – by splitting our time between strong focus, then rest. Typically, the Pomodoro technique is a popular method for this, where you study for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break. After four such cycles, you take a longer break of 15-20 minutes. During your breaks, you can engage in some light activity such as stretching or walking to invigorate yourself.

8. Maintaining Physical Health Eating well, getting regular exercise, and ensuring enough sleep are often overlooked aspects of efficient studying. Research shows that a balanced diet, physical activity, and proper sleep improve cognitive functions , including memory and concentration. You may want to establish a regular sleep schedule, incorporate a balanced diet, and schedule regular exercise sessions each week into your routine.

9. Using Technology Wisely Technology offers a range of tools that can streamline your study process. For instance, you can use apps for time management (e.g., Rescue Time), note-taking (e.g., Evernote), or spaced repetition (e.g., Anki). While these apps can be beneficial, remember to keep checks on screens’ disruptive nature and the habit of digital distraction. As practice, try turning off your phone’s notifications when you study, or set ‘Do Not Disturb’ intervals.

10. Review and Revise Sessions Regular review of study materials aids in long-term retention of information. You can allocate specific time slots each week to revisit old notes, attempt self-test papers or engage in group discussions. For instance, you might dedicate your Sunday mornings to revising everything you’ve covered during the preceding week.

11. Active Writing Transcribing information demands active engagement, thereby reinforcing your understanding and memory of the subject. You might opt to rewrite complex concepts in your own words or diagrammatically represent intricate processes. For example, instead of merely reading about the human circulatory system, consider drawing it out with brief annotations.

12. Seeking Help When Needed Understanding when to seek help is an underrated study habit. If you find yourself struggling with a subject, don’t hesitate to approach your professors, peers, or study groups for clarification. You might also seek online resources such as academic forums or educational websites. Remember, it’s better to clarify doubts initially than to have misconceptions hamper your overall learning.

13. Mindfulness and Focus Mindfulness, or present-moment awareness, can help enhance your comprehension and retention during studying. You could practice mindfulness by removing distractions, concentrating on the task at hand, and making a conscious effort to absorb the material.

14. Integrating Study with Real-Life Scenarios Applying the theoretical knowledge learned during study sessions to real-life instances can facilitate a deeper understanding. You might relate basic principles of economics to household budgeting or chemistry to cooking. This practice can help convert abstract concepts into tangible examples.

15. Regular Self-Assessment Implementing regular exams or quizzes to assess your understanding and memory can be a direct way to monitor progress. You can either use ready-made quizzes available online or design a short assessment yourself. As you answer, mark out the areas you struggled with for further review. This method will help you know where you stand in your preparation and what areas need extra effort.

16. Employing Mnemonics This involves using techniques to retain and retrieve information. The method could be as simple as creating an acronym or conjuring up a relevant mental image. For example, in recalling the taxonomical rank in biology – Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, Species – you might use the well-known mnemonic phrase: “King Phillip Came Over For Good Soup.” Examples of additional mnemonic techniques include the method of loci and memory linking .

17. Incorporating Understandable Examples Since abstract concepts can be confusing, associating them with relateable analogies can help you grasp the idea. This technique depends heavily on your creativity and could be as simple as linking a literary theme to a popular movie plot. Ensuring your examples make sense to you is vital.

18. Varying Study Methods It is beneficial to avoid monotony and experiment with multiple learning techniques. This can include oscillating between solitary studying and group study sessions, or alternating between text-based learning and audio-visual aids. For instance, following a hefty reading session, you might want to watch a related documentary or podcast on the topic. Switching up strategies not only prevents burnout but also caters to different facets of your learning style.

19. Note-Taking Strategy Effective note-taking is a skill that helps in better understanding and remembrance of knowledge. You should decide a note-taking strategy which could be outlining, mind mapping, or the Cornell method, and stick to it. For example, you might use the Cornell Method, which divides the paper into notes, cues, and a summary section for enhancing retention and review.

20. Regularity and Consistency Consistency is the cornerstone of strong study habits. Establishing a regular routine that allocates specific periods for study each day leads to better academic performance. For instance, studying for two hours per day consistently is more effective than cramming for fourteen hours once a week.

21. Engage All Senses Engaging multiple senses aids in strengthening your memory of the subject matter. This could involve reading aloud, rewriting notes, creating visual aids, or even using software to convert text to speech. The goal is to consume the information through as many sensory channels as possible to maximize retention. For example, if you’re studying foreign vocabulary, you could listen to the pronunciation, read the definition, write the word several times, and visualize an image related to it.

22. Reflective Learning Reflective learning involves regularly taking a few moments to contemplate what you’ve learned. This process ensures you understand the main concepts and helps you evaluate how effectively the learning material has been understood. For instance, after reading a section on World History, take a moment to think about what questions have been answered and what new questions have arisen in your mind about the topic.

23. Preparing for the Next Class Reviewing the material that will be covered in the next class helps make the class more productive and understandable. By having prior knowledge of the topic, you can better participate in class discussions and raise insightful queries. For example, if tomorrow’s Physics class covers Electromagnetic Waves, you might want to read the corresponding chapter tonight.

24. Constructive Procrastination While complete avoidance of procrastination is the goal, sometimes it’s unavoidable. Constructive procrastination involves doing another task that also needs to be done when you feel like procrastinating. If you find yourself unable to study Civil Law, consider switching to another pending task, such as completing your Mathematics assignment. This way, you remain productive while giving in to the urge to procrastinate.

25. Visualization Techniques Visualization involves picturing the information in your mind, which can significantly improve memory and recall. For instance, when studying Anatomy, envisioning the body parts, systems, and processes can enhance your understanding. If you’d like to explore this strategy more, read my article on the visual peg-word system for memorization .

26. Listen to Music Without Lyrics Listening to music while studying is a controversial topic. Some people think it helps them to achieve a flow state, while most research suggests that “ media multitasking ” is a distraction whether we realize it or not (Xu, Wang, & Woods, 2019). Generally, I recommend that if you do like that background nose, try to listen to music without lyrics, like lo-fi playlists from YouTube, which act as background noise and could potentially prevent your mind from wandering.

27. Study with Friends Thalluri (2016) found that “study buddy support groups” significantly support studying. Friends can keep each other accountable and help motivate one another. And, according to social learning theory , working in groups helps us to reinforce knowledge. For example, if you’re talking about the course content with friends, you’ll hear their unique perspectives, which you can critically compare to your own, which augments, supports, positively alters, and strengthens your own perspectives.

Study habits act as the building blocks of your academic journey. Efficient study habits not only ensure better academic performance but also help in gaining lifelong skills like time management, goal-setting, and self-discipline. By adopting effective study habits, you modulate your academic journey to a more favorable and fruitful path.

If you want to dive deeper into getting good study habits, I’d recommend James Clear’s Atomic Habits book – it’s an amazing book for learning to get more productive and optimize your time as a student.

Issa, A.O., Aliyu, M.B., Akangbe, R.B., and Adedeji, A.F. (2012). Reading interest and habits of the federal polytechnic students. International Journal of Learning & Development, 2 (1): 470-486.

Nonis, S. A., & Hudson, G. I. (2010). Performance of college students: Impact of study time and study habits.  Journal of education for Business ,  85 (4), 229-238.

Ogbodo, R. O. (2010). Effective Study Habits in Educational Sector: Counselling Implications.  Edo Journal of Counselling ,  3 (2), 230-242.

Thalluri, J. (2016). Who benefits most from peer support group?–First year student success for Pathology students.  Procedia-Social and Behavioral Sciences ,  228 , 39-44.

Walck-Shannon, E. M., Rowell, S. F., & Frey, R. F. (2021). To what extent do study habits relate to performance?.  CBE—Life Sciences Education ,  20 (1). doi: https://doi.org/10.1187/cbe.20-05-0091

Xu, S., Wang, Z., & Woods, K. (2019). Multitasking and dual motivational systems: A dynamic longitudinal study.  Human Communication Research ,  45 (4), 371-394. doi: https://doi.org/10.1093/hcr/hqz009

Chris Drew (PhD)

Dr. Chris Drew is the founder of the Helpful Professor. He holds a PhD in education and has published over 20 articles in scholarly journals. He is the former editor of the Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education. [Image Descriptor: Photo of Chris]

• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ 5 Top Tips for Succeeding at University
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ 50 Durable Goods Examples
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ 100 Consumer Goods Examples
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ 30 Globalization Pros and Cons

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

• Top Courses
• Online Degrees
• Find your New Career
• Join for Free

11 Good Study Habits to Develop

Good study habits include finding a quiet location to study, taking breaks, settings goals, and taking practice tests. Here's the full list, and the psychological reasons why they work.

Studying can be hard. The good news is that anybody can develop good study habits to make studying more effective, efficient, and enjoyable.

Want to develop good study habits? Start small—don’t expect to do everything in this list, at least not right away; pick one or two instead. It’s also important to set realistic and achievable goals for yourself. 

Good study habits to develop

Here are 11 tips to improve your study habits:

Find a good place to study.

Minimize distractions.

Take breaks.

Space out your studying.

Set study goals for each session.

Reward yourself.

Study with a group.

Take practice tests.

Use your own words.

Ask for help.

Take care of yourself.

Let's take a closer look at how you can implement each of these habits.

1. Find a good place to study.

Finding a good location to study is one of the most important elements of studying well. Look for a quiet place with minimal distractions—someplace where you’ll be able to focus, and won’t be interrupted by loud sounds or people who constantly want your attention.

A school or public library, a coffee shop, or a quiet corner of your house can all be good places to start. 

Should I stick to one place to study?

Not necessarily. Some studies show that occasionally changing where you study can help retain information. This is because studying the same material in different locations helps your brain create multiple associations with that material, making it easier for you to remember it [ 1 ]. It can be beneficial to find three or four places you like to study and switch locations when you’re feeling stuck or need a change of pace. That said, everybody is different. Find what works best for you.

2. Minimize distractions.

Picking a good location to study can be the first step in keeping yourself focused on your work. But there are many types of distractions that can reach you no matter where you choose to work. Here are some tips on minimizing these distractions:

Turn off your wifi: If you’re working on a computer and you don’t need your wifi, try turning it off. This can keep you from inadvertently wandering into the distracting parts of the internet.

Be mindful of your phone: It’s no secret that our smartphones can be hugely distracting. Turning off your notifications, keeping your phone out of sight in your bag, or giving it to a friend to keep you from checking it too often can help you stay focused. You might also try a focus app, like Forest or Focus To-Do , that can block distracting apps and set timers for study sessions.

Study with a friend: Sometimes studying with a friend or two, whether or not you’re working on the same material, can help keep you accountable and focused. Make sure you each are on the same page about studying and keeping one another distraction-free, at least until it’s time to take a break.

Should I listen to music while I study?

Listening to music while you study has some benefits; it can boost your mood and calm anxiety or stress. But studies show that reading comprehension tends to fall when the music is too loud, fast-paced, or contains lyrics [ 2 ]. Stick with calming, wordless songs while studying, and save the upbeat numbers for breaks.

3. Take breaks.

Taking intentional breaks has been linked to better retention, increased attention, and boosts in energy. Research shows that working for around 50 minutes, then giving yourself a 15- to 20-minute break, can lead to optimum productivity [ 3 ]. Here are a few ways you can give yourself a break:

Take a short walk

Listen to a mood-boosting song

Relax with a friend

Zone out and daydream

Have a snack

Take a shower

Clean your desk or room

Not all breaks are created equal. Checking your phone or social media as a study break has actually been linked to a decrease in performance [ 4 ]. 

Build job-ready skills with a Coursera Plus subscription

• Get access to 7,000+ learning programs from world-class universities and companies, including Google, Yale, Salesforce, and more
• Try different courses and find your best fit at no additional cost
• Earn certificates for learning programs you complete
• A subscription price of $59/month, cancel anytime

4. Space out your studying.

Cramming can still help you get a good grade on a test, but studies show that you’re much more likely to forget that information as soon as the test is over. Really holding onto the material you learned (and making exam seasons less stressful) requires consistent and well-spaced study sessions.

Instead of saving your studying for before a test, briefly review material you learned once a week. If you are studying for an exam, space out your studying up to several weeks (or even months, depending on the test) leading up to the exam day. This can help you retain the information long term. 

5. Set study goals for each session.

Set study goals for each session of studying you have. These can be time-based or content-based. For example, you might aim to study for two hours, or review three chapters of your textbook—or both.

Don’t be too harsh on yourself if you didn’t get through as much as you had planned; sometimes studying can take longer than expected. Keep taking well-spaced breaks, and schedule another study session.

6. Reward yourself.

Rewarding yourself with treats—“bribing” yourself—has been linked to better self-control, and can be helpful in forming good habits [ 5 ]. Telling yourself you’ll get a small reward if you finish the section you wanted to get through, or perhaps a larger reward if you have a productive day of studying, can be good motivation to get to your goal. 

Small rewards can be a candy bar, a hot drink from your favorite coffee shop, a quick game of your choice, or a short episode of a TV show. Bigger rewards for a long day of studying or getting done with an exam can include getting your favorite meal, spending some time relaxing with friends, or making time for your favorite activity. 

7. Study with a group.

There are several benefits to forming a study group. Group members can help one another work through difficult problems, provide encouragement, hold each other accountable to studying goals, provide different perspectives, and make studying more enjoyable. Even explaining difficult concepts to others can help with comprehension and retention. 

If you have a group study session, set a goal the group will work towards and take periodic breaks as you would studying by yourself.

8. Take practice tests.

Tests and practice tests have been long seen as useful tools to help students learn and retain information. Besides revealing gaps in knowledge and reducing exam anxiety, being tested makes us retrieve information from memory—a powerful, study-backed way of holding onto information we’ve learned [ 6 ].

Don’t have a practice exam? There are several ways you can “test” yourself and gain the same benefits. Try the following methods:

Create flashcards

Write your own questions

Search for practice questions online

Have a friend quiz you

9. Use your own words.

Expressing an idea in your own words increases your understanding of a subject and helps your brain hang on to information. After you read a section of text, summarize important points by paraphrasing. 

10. Ask for help.

You might find yourself stuck on a problem or unable to understand the explanation in a textbook. Somebody who is able to walk through the issue with you might provide the fresh explanation you need. Approach your teacher or professor, teaching assistant, friend, or study group member for new ways to understand what you’re stuck on. Feel like you can benefit from being coached through a subject? Consider looking for a tutor.

And don’t forget the myriad online tools that might be at your disposal, like the Khan Academy . A quick search through Google or YouTube can also surface helpful articles or videos on subjects you’re trying to grasp.

11. Take care of yourself.

At the end of the day, your brain is an organ in your body—take care of it by taking care of yourself. Get regular exercise, eat well, don’t overdrink, get good sleep, and take care of your mental wellbeing. 

Sleep: Studies have linked sleep deprivation to decreased cognitive function, including reduced attention spans and doing worse on tests [ 7 ]. Everybody’s sleep needs are different, but people typically need between seven and eight-and-a-half hours of sleep a night. Plus, getting more sleep can make you happier and benefit your social life.

Food: Try to incorporate more fruits, vegetables, plant sources of proteins, nuts, and unsaturated oils like olive oil into your diet, all of which have been linked to better cognitive performance [ 8 ]. 

Exercise: Exercise brings oxygen to the part of your brain responsible for thought, encourages the development of new nerve cells, and boosts brain cell connections [ 8 ]. This makes for brains that are more neuroplastic and efficient—plus it brings a host of other health benefits, like lower blood pressure, reduced mental stress, and weight control.

Mental wellness: Mental health is important because it helps us deal with stress, improves our relationships with others, allows us to live more meaningfully, and be more productive in our work. Exercising, eating well, and getting good sleep can each boost our mental health. But there are other ways of fortifying mental strength, such as connecting with others, practicing gratitude, meditating, and developing a sense of meaning in life [ 9 ].

Getting started

Forming good habits can be difficult, but starting with small, achievable steps can set you up to have consistent study habits for the rest of your life. Explore more personal development courses from leading universities and institutions on Coursera. Sign up for a free 7-day trial and start learning today.

Looking to get a degree? Knowing what’s out there is a good first step. Take a look at bachelor’s and master’s degrees on Coursera .

Article sources

New York Times. " Forget What You Know About Good Study Habits , https://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/07/health/views/07mind.html." Accessed July 27, 2022.

University of Wollongong Australia. " Is it OK to listen to music while studying? , https://www.uow.edu.au/media/2019/is-it-ok-to-listen-to-music-while-studying.php." Accessed July 27, 2022.

TIME Magazine. " The Exact Perfect Amount of Time to Take a Break, According to Data , https://time.com/3518053/perfect-break/." Accessed July 27, 2022.

Bustle. " A New Study Says Scrolling Through Social Media Doesn’t Actually Give You A Mental Break , https://www.bustle.com/p/taking-a-break-by-looking-at-social-media-doesnt-help-your-mind-reset-a-new-study-says-18682642." Accessed July 27, 2022.

PsychCentral. " The Pscyhology of Rewarding Yourself with Treats , https://psychcentral.com/blog/psychology-rewarding-yourself-with-treats." Accessed July 27, 2022.

KQED. " A Better Way to Study Through Self-Testing and Distributed Practice , https://www.kqed.org/mindshift/49750/a-better-way-to-study-through-self-testing-and-distributed-practice." Accessed July 27, 2022.

Forbes. " New Studies Show What Sleep Loss Does To The Brain And Cognition , https://www.forbes.com/sites/alicegwalton/2019/11/29/new-studies-show-what-sleep-loss-does-to-the-brain-and-cognition/." Accessed July 27, 2022.

Harvard Health Publishing. " 12 ways to keep your brain young , https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/12-ways-to-keep-your-brain-young." Accessed July 27, 2022.

MedlinePlus. " How to Improve Mental Health , https://medlineplus.gov/howtoimprovementalhealth.html." Accessed July 27, 2022.

Keep reading

Coursera staff.

Editorial Team

Coursera’s editorial team is comprised of highly experienced professional editors, writers, and fact...

This content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.

Creating Positive Change: Good Study Habits Essay

Good study habits are best described as a set of tools that facilitate an increase of the amount of information learned and also make the information to be remembered for a long time. Well, I did not grow up with good study habits, I used to spend most of my free time playing video games, watching movies and listening to music, and hardly doing my homework. Despite my parents’ effort of taking me to a good school, I paid little attention to schoolwork. As a result of these, I registered very poor school grades, which in turn led to frustrations both for me and my parents. It is this experience that made me convict myself to creating a positive change towards studying my school work. I realized that developing good study habits was paramount because through them, I could gain success and satisfaction during the school years and the same could be extended to the working world.

The journey towards attaining this positive change has not been easy though. I am still working on this endeavor. The very first step I am taking is to make sure that, my home is a good place to study. For any positive results to be attained in studying at home, the home environment should be made conducive for thinking. It is now clear to me that, I can only concentrate on one thing at a time; this then means that, the home environment should be free from noise and distraction. In light of the importance of quietness and less distraction, I now design a time chart for one week in which I allocate study time late in the afternoons and early evening because at this time there is minimal activity in my house.

The second step I am taking to make this change happen is to eliminate common distractions such as television, radio, and stereo, just to mention but a few. Well, I was used to studying in a noisy environment. But at the moment, I switch off the television and reduce the volume of the radio while studying. I am optimistic that, within a short time, I will be able to study in absolute silence. Furthermore, I have arranged for phone time when I can make or receive calls to avoid disruptions during study time. In addition, I have informed my friends of the appropriate time they can visit me. Lastly, I keep all the supplies I need in the study area, for instance, pens, papers, clips, calculators, and many others.

The third important step I am taking to make this change happen is providing physical conditions in the study area that are conducive for concentration. To achieve this, I have good lighting, cool temperatures, a comfortable chair, and a table to help me be alert.

For me to have reached where I am now, it took me hard work and patience. When I was starting to cultivate this habit, I felt fatigued and was almost giving up. I even lost some of my friends. Sticking to the goal of developing good study habits in order to make a change for the better, has made me realize the importance of developing a routine and term commitment to each and every decision I make in life. It is through this experience that I also realize, good concentration doesn’t just come but it takes time and patience to shape.

In conclusion, good study habits are acquired and developed by an individual. In order to achieve this, it is equally important to set a study time for work at home, allocate a comfortable amount of work every day without being too pushy, provide a conducive studying environment free from destructions and noise, and above all have a positive attitude, commitment, and patience.

• Chicago (A-D)
• Chicago (N-B)

IvyPanda. (2021, December 3). Creating Positive Change: Good Study Habits. https://ivypanda.com/essays/creating-positive-change-good-study-habits/

"Creating Positive Change: Good Study Habits." IvyPanda , 3 Dec. 2021, ivypanda.com/essays/creating-positive-change-good-study-habits/.

IvyPanda . (2021) 'Creating Positive Change: Good Study Habits'. 3 December.

IvyPanda . 2021. "Creating Positive Change: Good Study Habits." December 3, 2021. https://ivypanda.com/essays/creating-positive-change-good-study-habits/.

1. IvyPanda . "Creating Positive Change: Good Study Habits." December 3, 2021. https://ivypanda.com/essays/creating-positive-change-good-study-habits/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "Creating Positive Change: Good Study Habits." December 3, 2021. https://ivypanda.com/essays/creating-positive-change-good-study-habits/.

• Measuring Beliefs About Distraction by Senn and Radomsky
• Distractions While Studying: Advantages and Disadvantages of Distraction
• Patience in The Shawshank Redemption Movie
• The Effect of Pets on Driver Distraction
• Patience as a Major Factor of Professional Success
• Noise Pollution: Urban Traffic Noise
• Mobile Phone Use and Driving: Modelling Driver Distraction Effects
• XYZ Company: Conducive Business Proposal
• Noise and Sound Pollution
• The Effects of Noise Pollution
• Homework Management and Its Benefits
• Brain-Based Learning and Its Key Principles
• Personal Learning Styles and Management Skills
• Strategies for Teaching Spelling
• “No Significant Difference” Phenomenon

Want to create or adapt books like this? Learn more about how Pressbooks supports open publishing practices.

Chapter 4: Effective Study Habits

Work smarter, not harder: effective studying techniques, developing smart study skills.

At the beginning of the semester, your workload is relatively light. This is the perfect time to brush up on your study skills and establish good habits. When the demands on your time and energy become more intense, you will have a system in place for handling them.  The goal of this section is to help you develop your own method for studying and learning efficiently.

As you work through this section, remember that every student is different. The strategies presented here are techniques that work well for many people; however, you may need to adapt them to develop a system that works well for you personally. If your friend swears by her smartphone, but you hate having to carry extra electronic gadgets around, then using a smartphone will not be the best organizational strategy for you.

Take a moment to consider what techniques have been effective (or ineffective) for you in the past. Which habits from your high school years or your work life could help you succeed now? Which habits might get in your way? What changes might you need to make?

Understanding Your Learning Preferences

To succeed in your post-secondary education—or any situation where you must master new concepts and skills—it helps to know what makes you tick. For decades, educational researchers and organizational psychologists have examined how people take in and assimilate new information, how some people learn differently than others, and what conditions make students and workers most productive. Here are just a few questions to think about:

• What times of day are you most productive?  If your energy peaks early, you might benefit from blocking out early morning time for studying or writing. If you are a night owl, set aside a few evenings a week for schoolwork.
• How much clutter can you handle in your workspace?  Some people work fine at a messy desk and know exactly where to find what they need in their stack of papers; however, most people benefit from maintaining a neat, organized space.
• How well do you juggle potential distractions in your environment?  If you can study at home without being tempted to turn on the television, check your email, fix yourself a snack, and so on, you may make home your workspace. However, if you need a less distracting environment to stay focused, you may be able to find one on campus or in your community.
• Does a little background noise help or hinder your productivity? Some people work better when listening to background music or the low hum of conversation in a coffee shop. Others need total silence.
• When you work with a partner or group, do you stay on task?  A study partner or group can sometimes be invaluable. However, working this way takes extra planning and effort, so be sure to use the time productively. If you find that group study sessions turn into social occasions, you may study better on your own.
• How do you manage stress? Accept that at certain points in the semester, you will feel stressed out. In your day-to-day routine, make time for activities that help you reduce stress, such as exercising, spending time with friends, or just scheduling downtime to relax

Video source: https://youtu.be/Bxv9lf5HjZM

Understanding your Learning Style

For the purposes of this chapter, learning style  refers to the way you prefer to take in new information, by seeing, by listening, or through some other channel. (For more information, see the section on learning styles.)

Most people have one channel that works best for them when it comes to taking in new information. Knowing yours can help you develop strategies for studying, time management, and note taking that work especially well for you.

To begin identifying your learning style, think about how you would go about the process of assembling a piece of furniture. Which of these options sounds most like you?

• You would carefully look over the diagrams in the assembly manual first so you could picture each step in the process.
• You would silently read the directions through, step by step, and then look at the diagrams afterward.
• You would read the directions aloud under your breath. Having someone explain the steps to you would also help.
• You would start putting the pieces together and figure out the process through trial and error, consulting the directions as you worked.

Now read the following explanations of each option in the list above. Again, think about whether each description sounds like you.

• If you chose 1, you may be a visual learner . You understand ideas best when they are presented in a visual format, such as a flow chart, a diagram, or text with clear headings and many photos or illustrations.
• If you chose 2, you may be a verbal learner . You understand ideas best through reading and writing about them and taking detailed notes.
• If you chose 3, you may be an auditory learner . You understand ideas best through listening. You learn well from spoken lectures or books on tape.
• If you chose 4, you may be a kinesthetic learner . You learn best through doing and prefer hands-on activities. In long lectures, fidgeting may help you focus.

Learning Style Strategies

Time Management

Getting Started: Short- and Long-Term Planning

At the beginning of the semester, establishing a daily/weekly routine for when you will study and write can be extremely beneficial. A general guideline is that for every hour spent in class, you should expect to spend another two to three hours on reading, writing, and studying for tests. Therefore, if you are taking a biology course that meets three times a week for an hour at a time, you can expect to spend six to nine hours per week on it outside of class. You will need to budget time for each class just like an employer schedules shifts at work, and you must make that study time a priority.

That may sound like a lot when taking several classes, but if you plan your time carefully, it is manageable. A typical full-time schedule of 15 credit hours translates into 30 to 45 hours per week spent on schoolwork outside of class. All in all, a full-time student would spend about as much time on school each week as an employee spends on work. Balancing school and a job can be more challenging, but still doable.

In addition to setting aside regular work periods, you will need to plan ahead to handle more intense demands, such as studying for exams and writing major papers. At the beginning of the semester, go through your course syllabi and mark all major due dates and exam dates on a calendar. Use a format that you check regularly, such as your smartphone or the calendar feature in your email. (In  Section 1.3 Becoming a Successful Writer , you will learn strategies for planning major writing assignments so you can complete them on time.)

PRO TIP:  The two- to three-hour rule may sound intimidating. However, keep in mind that this is only a rule of thumb. Realistically, some courses will be more challenging than others, and the demands will ebb and flow throughout the semester. You may have trouble-free weeks and stressful weeks. When you schedule your classes, try to balance introductory-level classes with more advanced classes so that your work load stays manageable.

Self-Practice Exercise

Now that you have learned some time management basics, it is time to apply those skills. For this exercise, you will develop a weekly schedule and a semester calendar.

• Working  with  your  class   schedule,   map   out   a   week-‐long  schedule  of  study  time.  Try  to  apply  the  two   to   three-hour   rule.   Be   sure   to   include   any   other   nonnegotiable   responsibilities,   such   as   a   job   or   child   care   duties.
• Use  your  course   syllabi   to   record   exam   dates   and   due   dates   for   major   assignments   in   a   calendar   (paper   or  electronic).   Use   a   star,   highlighting,   or   other   special   marking   to   set   off   any   days   or   weeks   that   look   especially  demanding.

Staying Consistent: Time Management Dos and Do Not’s

Setting up a schedule is easy. Sticking with it, however, may be challenging. A schedule that looked great on paper may prove to be unrealistic. Sometimes, despite students’ best intentions, they end up procrastinating or pulling all-nighters to finish a paper or study for an exam.

Keep in mind, however, that your weekly schedule and semester calendar are time management tools. Like any tool, their effectiveness depends on the user: you. If you leave a tool sitting in the box unused (e.g., you set up your schedule and then forget about it), it will not help you complete the task. And if, for some reason, a particular tool or strategy is not getting the job done, you need to figure out why and maybe try using something else.

With that in mind, read the list of time management dos and don’ts. Keep this list handy as a reference you can use throughout the semester to troubleshoot if you feel like your schoolwork is getting off track.

• Do set aside time to review your schedule and calendar regularly and update or adjust them as needed.
• Do be realistic when you schedule study time. Do not plan to write your paper on Friday night when everyone else is out socializing. When Friday comes, you might end up abandoning your plans and hanging out with your friends instead.
• Do be honest with yourself about where your time goes. Do not fritter away your study time on distractions like email and social networking sites.
• Do accept that occasionally your work may get a little off track. No one is perfect.
• Do accept that sometimes you may not have time for all the fun things you would like to do.
• Do recognize times when you feel overextended. Sometimes you may just need to get through an especially demanding week. However, if you feel exhausted and overworked all the time, you may need to scale back on some of your commitments.
• Do make a plan for handling high-stress periods, such as final exam week. Try to reduce your other commitments during those periods—for instance, by scheduling time off from your job. Build in some time for relaxing activities, too.
• Do be kind to yourself – many students balance school and other important responsibilities (work, family, friends, etc.).  There will be times where you will have to prioritize where your time goes, and that’s okay.

Try Not To:

• Procrastinate on challenging assignments. Instead, break them into smaller, manageable tasks that can be accomplished one at a time.  An assignment calculator can be a useful tool for helping to get yourself organized.
• Fall into the trap of “all or nothing” thinking. (e.g. “There is no way I can fit in a three-hour study session today, so I will just wait until the weekend.”) Extended periods of free time are hard to come by, so find ways to use small blocks of time productively. For instance, if you have a free half hour between classes, use it to preview a chapter or brainstorm ideas for an essay.

One of the best things you can do for yourself as a student is realize that we  all procrastinate at some point.  Knowing your procrastination style can help you to recognize and change bad habits.  Look at the chart below and see if you can identify your procrastination style (you might use more than one!):

The  key  to  managing  your  time  effectively  is  consistency.  Completing  the  following  tasks  will  help  you  stay  on  track  throughout  the  semester.

• Establish  regular  times  to  “check  in”  with  yourself  to  identify  and  prioritize  tasks  and  plan  how  to  accomplish  them.  Many  people  find  it  is  best  to  set  aside  a  few  minutes  for  this  each  day  and  to  take  some  time  to  plan  at  the  beginning  of  each  week.
• For  the  next  two  weeks,  focus  on  consistently  using  whatever  time  management  system  you  have  set  up.  Check  in  with  yourself  daily  and  weekly,  stick  to  your  schedule,  and  take  note  of  anything  that  interferes.  At  the  end  of  the  two  weeks,  review  your  schedule  and  determine  whether  you  need  to  adjust  it.

studying & Note-Taking Methods

Summarizing  is one of the most effective means of studying and making sure that you’ve learned the concept/skill.  Can you go through the steps mentally?  Can you describe or explain it to someone else in your own words?   This is the process of summarizing and synthesizing information.

When summarizing material from a source, you zero in on the main points and restate them concisely in your own words. This technique is appropriate when only the major ideas are relevant to your paper or when you need to simplify complex information into a few key points for your readers. To create a summary, consider the following points:

• Review the source material as you summarize it.
• Identify the main idea and restate it as concisely as you can—preferably in one sentence. Depending on your purpose, you may also add another sentence or two condensing any important details or examples.
• Check your summary to make sure it is accurate and complete.
• Make a careful record of where you found the information because you will need to include the reference and citation if you choose to use the information in an essay. It is much easier to do this when you are creating the summary and taking notes than having to go back and hunt for the information later. Guessing where you think you got it from is not good enough.

Summaries and Abstracts

When you read many academic journal articles, you will notice there is an abstract before the article starts: this is a summary of the article’s contents. Be careful when you are summarizing an article to not depend too much on the abstract as it is already a condensed version of the content. The author of the abstract identified the main points from his or her perspective; these may not match your own purpose or your own idea of what is important. What may also happen if you try to summarize the abstract is you will probably end up replacing some words with synonyms and not changing the overall ideas into your own words because the ideas are already summarized, and it is difficult to make them more generalized. You have to read the entire source or section of the source and determine for yourself what the key and supporting ideas are.

PRO TIP: A summary or abstract of a reading passage is one-tenth to one-quarter the length of the original passage, written in your own words. The criteria for a summary are that it:

• Is similar to an outline but in complete sentences and can stand as an independent piece of writing
• Includes only the main points and key details
• Is valuable because it is the surest way to measure your understanding
• Helps you remember because you must attend carefully to what you read, organize your thoughts, and write them out to make it meaningful to you (This is absolutely necessary when you cannot mark a book because it belongs to someone else.)
• Challenges you to be concise in your writing while providing balanced coverage of the main points.
• Challenges you to paraphrase or use your own words and avoid using too many quotations.
• Is important to remain objective because you are giving the author’s views not your own.

Article:  Assessing the Efficacy of Low – Carbohydrate Diets

Adrienne Howell, Ph.D. (2010)

Over the past few years, a number of clinical studies have explored whether high-protein, low-carbohydrate diets are more effective for weight loss than other frequently recommended diet plans, such as diets that drastically curtail fat intake (Pritikin) or that emphasize consuming lean meats, grains, vegetables, and a moderate amount of unsaturated fats (the Mediterranean diet). A 2009 study found that obese teenagers who followed a low-carbohydrate diet lost an average of 15.6 kilograms over a six-month period, whereas teenagers following a low-fat diet or a Mediterranean diet lost an average of 11.1 kilograms and 9.3 kilograms respectively. Two 2010 studies that measured weight loss for obese adults following these same three diet plans found similar results. Over three months, subjects on the low-carbohydrate diet plan lost anywhere from four to six kilograms more than subjects who followed other diet plans.

In three recent studies, researchers compared outcomes for obese subjects who followed either a low-carbohydrate diet, a low-fat diet, or a Mediterranean diet and found that subjects following a low-carbohydrate diet lost more weight in the same time (Howell, 2010).

What Is aNNOTATION?

Most students already know how to annotate.  When you make notes in the margins and highlight your textbooks, you are annotating that source.

When you take notes in the margins of your readings, highlight key ideas, underline passages, etc, you are  annotating a source.  Annotations are a valuable research tool because they allow you to capture your first ideas and impressions of a text, as well as enable you to find key information again quickly without having to re-read the entire text.

When annotating, you should be looking for several things:

• Key ideas, terms, and concepts
• Words or concepts that you don’t understand yet
• Points that are being made with which you (dis)agree
• Pieces of evidence that would be useful for your own paper
• Inconsistent information with what you have read elsewhere
• Parts of the text you may wish to return to later in the research process

PRO TIP: LEARN TO USE YOUR HIGHLIGHTER PROPERLY!

Many students – if not most – do not use highlighters effectively.   Highlighting is a  visual cue that is intended to help you recall or find information quickly.  If you are the person who highlights 3/4 of the page or chapter, you are not using the tool effectively.

When studying, you should have multiple colours of highlighter with you and designate certain colours for certain things.  For example:

DEFINITIONS MAIN IDEAS UNCLEAR CONCEPTS KEY EVIDENCE OR POINTS

This strategy has a few benefits:

• It forces you to slow down to switch colours, giving you more time to process what you’re reading
• It makes you read actively in order to determine how the information should be classified (for example: is this a definition or a  main idea ?)
• It creates a study system for you that is consistent and easier to follow

Video source: https://youtu.be/eVajQPuRmk8

• Read  the  following  passage  and  use  a  note-‐taking  method  to  identify  the  main  points.
• Compose  a  sentence  summarizing  the  paragraph’s  main  points.

Several  factors  about  the  environment  influence  our  behaviour.  First,  temperature  can  influence  us  greatly.  We  seem  to  feel  best when  the  temperature  is  in  the  high  teens  to  low  20s.  If  it  is  too  hot  or  cold,  we  have  trouble  concentrating.  Lighting  also  influences how  we  function.  A  dark  lecture  hall  may  interfere  with  the  lecture,  or  a  bright  nightclub  might  spoil  romantic  conversation.  Finally, our  behaviour  is  affected  by  colour.  Some  colours  make  us  feel  a  peaceful  while  others  are  exciting.  If  you  wanted  a  quiet  room  in which  to  study,  for  example,  you  would  not  paint  it  bright  orange  or  red.

Collaboration:  Please  share  with  a  classmate  and  compare  your  answers.  

Here  are  possible  answers:  

Key  points:  

Environmental  factors  influence  behaviour:

• Temperature:  extremes  make  focus  difficult
• Lighting:  inappropriate  lighting  is  disorientating
• Colour:  colour  affects  relaxation

Summary  sentence:   Three  environmental  influences  that  impact  human  behaviour  include  temperature,  as  extreme  fluctuations  make it  difficult  to  focus;  lighting,  which  can  affect  our  ability  to  engage  with  different  environments;  and  colour,  which  affects  our  mood.

Passage  taken  from:  Ueland,  B.  (2006).  Becoming  a  Master  Student.  Boston,  MA  :  Houghton  Mifflin  College  Div.,  p.  121.

• Read  the  passage.   
• Highlight  or  underline  necessary  information  (hint:  there  are  five  important  ideas).   
• Write  your  summary.    

Most people drink orange juice and eat oranges because they are said to be rich in vitamin C. There are also other foods that are rich in vitamin C. It is found in citrus fruits and vegetables such as broccoli, spinach, cabbage, cauliflower, and carrots.

Vitamin C is important to our health. Do you really know how essential this nutrient is to our health and well-being? Our body needs to heal itself. Vitamin C can repair and prevent damage to the cells in our body and heal wounds. It also keeps our teeth and gums healthy. That is not all. It protects our body from infections such as colds and flu and also helps us to get better faster when we have these infections. That is why a lot of people drink orange juice and take vitamin C tablets every day. This wonderful vitamin is also good for our heart. It protects the linings of the arteries, which are the blood vessels that carry oxygenated blood. In other words, it offers protection against heart disease.

If we do not get enough vitamin C, which means we are not eating enough food that contains this vitamin, it can lead to serious diseases. Lack of vitamin C can lead to scurvy, which causes swollen gums, cheeks, fingers, hands, toes, and feet. In serious conditions, it can lead to bleeding from wounds, loss of teeth, and opening up of wounds. Therefore, make sure you have enough vitamin C in your diet.

Exercise  taken  from:   http://www.scribd.com/doc/98238709/Form-‐Three-‐Summary-‐Writing-‐Exercise

Annotating, note making, or note taking is a matter of personal preference in terms of style. The most important thing is to do something . Again we stress that reading is like a dialogue with an author. The author wrote this material. Pretend you are actually talking to the author.

• Do not let an idea pass without noting it.
• Do not let an ambiguity go by without questioning it.
• Do not let a term slip away if context does not help you understand it; look it up!
• Engage and you will both understand and remember.

PRO TIP: Put small checks in pencil where you would normally underline. When you finish a section, look back and see what you really need to mark. (If you check over 50 percent of the page, you probably are marking to go back and learn later versus thinking about what is really important to learn now!)

Use consistent symbols to visually help you identify what is happening on the page:

• Circle central themes or write at the beginning of the section if it is not directly stated.
• [Bracket] main points.
• Underline key words or phrases for significant details.
• Put numbers 1, 2, 3 for items listed.
• Put square brackets or highlights for key terms when the definition follows.
• Use stars (*), question marks (?), or diagrams in the margins to show relevance.
• Use key word outlines in the margins for highlighting.
• Write questions in the margin that test your memory of what is written right there.
• Use blank spaces indicating the number of ideas to be remembered, forcing you to test yourself versus just rereading.

General Note-Taking Guidelines

• Before class, quickly review your notes from the previous class and the assigned reading. Fixing key terms and concepts in your mind will help you stay focused and pick out the important points during the lecture.
• Come prepared with paper, pens, highlighters, textbooks, and any important handouts.
• Come to class with a positive attitude and a readiness to learn. During class, make a point of concentrating. Ask questions if you need to. Be an active participant.
• During class, capture important ideas as concisely as you can. Use words or phrases instead of full sentences, and abbreviate when possible.
• Visually organize your notes into main topics, subtopics, and supporting points, and show the relationships between ideas. Leave space if necessary so you can add more details under important topics or subtopics.
• If your professor gives you permission to do so, you could consider taking pictures of the notes on the board with a mobile device or audio recording the lecture.
• Ideas that the instructor repeats frequently or points out as key ideas
• Ideas the instructor lists on a whiteboard or transparency
• Details, facts, explanations, and lists that develop main points
• Review your notes regularly throughout the semester, not just before exams.

Organizing Ideas in Your Notes

A good note-taking system needs to help you differentiate among major points, related subtopics, and supporting details. It visually represents the connections between ideas. Finally, to be effective, your note-taking system must allow you to record and organize information fairly quickly. Although some students like to create detailed, formal outlines or concept maps when they read, these may not be good strategies for class notes because spoken lectures may not allow time for to create them.

Instead, focus on recording content simply and quickly to create organized, legible notes. Try one of the following techniques.

Modified Outline Format

A modified outline format uses indented spacing to show the hierarchy of ideas without including roman numerals, lettering, and so forth. Just use a dash or bullet to signify each new point unless your instructor specifically presents a numbered list of items.

The first example shows Crystal’s notes from a developmental psychology class about an important theorist in this field. Notice how the line for the main topic is all the way to the left. Subtopics are indented, and supporting details are indented one level further. Crystal also used abbreviations for terms like development  and  example .

If you are a visual learner, you may prefer to use a more graphic format for notes, such as a mind map. The next example shows how Crystal’s lecture notes could be set up differently. Although the format is different, the content and organization are the same.

If the content of a lecture falls into a predictable, well organized pattern, you might choose to use a chart or table to record your notes. This system works best when you already know, either before class or at the beginning of class, which categories you should include. The next figure shows how this system might be used.

The Cornell Note-Taking System

In addition to the general techniques already described, you might find it useful to practise a specific strategy known as the Cornell note-taking system. This popular format makes it easy not only to organize information clearly but also to note key terms and summarize content.

To use the Cornell system, begin by setting up the page with these components:

• The course name and lecture date at the top of the page
• A narrow column (about two inches) at the left side of the page
• A wide column (about five to six inches) on the right side of the page
• A space of a few lines marked off at the bottom of the page

During the lecture, you record notes in the wide column. You can do so using the traditional modified outline format or a more visual format if you prefer.

Then, as soon as possible after the lecture, review your notes and identify key terms. Jot these down in the narrow left-hand column. You can use this column as a study aid by covering the notes on the right-hand side, reviewing the key terms, and trying to recall as much as you can about them so that you can mentally restate the main points of the lecture. Uncover the notes on the right to check your understanding. Finally, use the space at the bottom of the page to summarize each page of notes in a few sentences.

Over  the  next  few  weeks,  establish  a  note-‐taking  system  that  works  for  you.

• If  you  are  not  already  doing  so,  try  using  one  of  the  aforementioned  techniques.  (Remember  that  the  Cornell  system  can  be  combined  with  other  note-‐taking  formats.)
• It  can  take  some  trial  and  error  to  find  a  note-‐taking  system  that  works  for  you.  If  you  find  that  you  are  struggling  to  keep  up  with  lectures,  consider  whether  you  need  to  switch  to  a  different  format  or  be  more  careful  about  distinguishing  key  concepts  from  unimportant  details.
• If  you  find  that  you  are  having  trouble  taking  notes  effectively,  set  up  an  appointment  with  your  school’s  academic  resource  centre.

Using Online Study Tools

1. guided study session videos.

One excellent tool to help with accountability is guided study session videos.  Much like guided meditation, these videos can help you stay on track and give you some accountability.  It’s like a study partner that can’t distract you!

Video source: https://youtu.be/reRYtjr1BNo

2. The Pomodoro Technique

Much like a Guided Study Session, the Pomodoro Study Session plays ambient noise and displays a timer.  Every 25 minutes, you take a break from whatever you’re doing.  During this time you can stretch, check your phone, etc.  Here’s a neat  Harry Potter themed one!

Video source: https://youtu.be/SkmH9CsMqOo

3. Browser Lockdown Tools

Are you the person who is always getting distracted while studying?  You might consider a  website blocker (list of some available here) that will prohibit you from accessing certain sites for a certain length of time.  You tell it your guilty procrastination sites (Reddit? Instagram? Discord?) and how long you want them locked.

And maybe leave your phone/tablet in another room… 😏

4. Find a Notetaking Program/System

There are a variety of free notetaking systems and programs available.  Many students prefer the ease of a program like  Google Docs , but there are others such as  Evernote , and OneNote .

5. Looking into Assistive Technology

Assistive technology has been used by students with disabilities for a long time; however, these tools are equally valuable for all students!  Not all of them are free, but they can be a game changer for some people:

Digital Highlighters:  these cool gadgets allow you to scan hardcopy texts with a pen and it will transfer the text into a digital format on your computer/tablet.  Some popular options are Scanmarker and IrisPen

Text-to-Speech Pens/Reader Pens: Similar to digital highlighters, these pens also have the ability to read the text that you scan out loud.  Some of them also feature dictionaries built into the pen.  They are often a tool of choice for students who are learning English as an additional language and for those with dyslexia, AD(H)D, etc.  The most popular option is the C-Pen

Digital Notebooks and Smart Pens:  Digital notebooks are an excellent hybrid of physical note taking with technological storage.  One of the more popular options is the Rocektbook , which is reusable and allows you to write notes and scan them to a notetaking program using a phone app.  Smart Pens, like the LiveScribe Pen allow you to record audio, take pictures, and transfer handwritten notes to a note taking program.

Text-to-Speech Readers: this type of technology has become more popular in recent years.  These programs read digital texts aloud to you, and many are available online for free, but you may wish to start with one like NaturalReader to see if it’s helpful.

Speech-to-Text Programs:   the opposite of a text-to-speech reader and exactly what it sounds like, Speech-to-Text programs allow you to dictate to the computer using a microphone and what you say will be converted into text.  This website has a list of popular free programs, broken down by OS.

Using Available ACADEMIC Support Resources

One reason students sometimes find post-secondary courses overwhelming is that they do not know about, or are reluctant to use, the resources available to them. There is help available; your student fees help pay for resources that can help in many ways, such as a health centre or tutoring service. If you need help, consider asking for help from any of the following:

• Your instructor:  If you are making an honest effort but still struggling with a particular course, set a time to meet with your instructor and discuss what you can do to improve. He or she may be able to shed light on a confusing concept or give you strategies to catch up.
• Your academic advisor or program coordinator: Many institutions assign students an academic advisor or program coordinator who can help you choose courses and ensure that you fulfill degree and major requirements.
• The academic resource centre:  These centres offer a variety of services, which may range from general coaching in study skills to tutoring for specific courses. Find out what is offered at your school and use the services that you need.
• The writing centre ( Sheridan Tutoring Services ): These centres employ tutors to help you manage your writing assignments. They will not write or edit your paper for you, but they can help you through the stages of the writing process. (In some schools, the writing centre is part of the academic resource centre.)
• The career resource centre:  Visit the career resource centre for guidance in choosing a career path, developing a resumé, and finding and applying for jobs.
• Sheridan Counselling services : Sheridan offers counselling services on campus for free. Use these services if you need help coping with a difficult personal situation or managing depression, anxiety, or other problems.

Students sometimes neglect to use available resources due to limited time, unwillingness to admit there is a problem, or embarrassment about needing to ask for help. Unfortunately, ignoring a problem usually makes it harder to cope with later on. Waiting until the end of the semester may also mean fewer resources are available, since many other students are also seeking last minute help.

Writing for Academic and Professional Contexts: An Introduction Copyright © 2023 by Sheridan College is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

Share This Book

Study habits

Study is an important part of your university life. Learning how to manage your study and developing good study habits will help you study effectively and maximise your learning at University.

What you will learn

• techniques for developing good study habits
• strategies to help manage your time effectively

Image: Planner by Marijana1 Pixabay

Start planning

The key to keeping on track of your studies is to organise yourself - carefully organising your study time so you can juggle family and other personal commitments. This means getting into the habit of planning! Planning is the basis of good time management. It allows you to track what you are doing, monitor what you have already done and how much time you have available to you. Whether it’s short-term or long-term planning, creating a plan will give you guidance and direction, allowing you to manage your time more effectively.

Semester plan

At the start of the semester, begin planning how you are going to manage your study load with your other commitments. This will give you an overview of your commitments for the whole semester. Consider the following:

• Check the University calendar - it shows semester breaks, study weeks, tuition-free weeks, exam dates etc.
• Use your unit outlines - this will give you a general overview of the whole semester, including assessment due dates.
• Plan your timetable - use the Curtin timetable to plan a potential timetable for your different combinations of units. Record dates for lectures, tutorials, tests, assignment submissions and other significant events.

Using planners such as the above can help you record important dates so you are prepared for what lies ahead. If there are any serious clash of commitments, you will be able to see it and negotiate with your tutors.

Weekly plan

Once you have noted down the key dates for the semester, start planning for each week. Your lectures and tutorial times for the various subjects are usually scheduled at the same time each week so try and develop a weekly study routine. Your weekly plan should include both study and personal activities, for example:

• Lectures and tutorials
• Pre-reading material
• Work and family commitments
• Health and well-being activities (sports, gym, yoga etc)

Keeping a daily plan of all your activities can help you work towards completing your tasks within a set time frame. For example, “Complete introduction to essay “ - by planning for this task you will hold yourself accountable and make use of your time effectively. You may also want to consider giving yourself a little reward for having accomplished the task.

You can use a diary, to do list or other forms of electronic planners to schedule your daily activities.

Planning and organising your study load is important, but it is also important to get the balance right so that you can go from the planning stage and move into actually getting started!

Having goals is a good way to motivate yourself and get you started. When setting goals, consider breaking down your work into achievable goals rather than being overly ambitious. The video below shows you how to use the SMART goals method to create clear and achievable goals that you can actually work with.

Tips for setting goals:

• set clearly defined goals - set specific goals so you are clear about exactly what you want to achieve
• keep them realistic so the goals are purposeful and achievable
• break the goal down into smaller goals (mini-goals), then breaking down the mini-goals into tasks
• set a time frame for achieving these goals - set a start and end date
• adjust your expectations - if you are feeling unwell on the day, you may need to modify your schedule accordingly. Do not feel guilty!

And remember to reward yourself when you successfully complete a task (call a friend, check your emails or get a snack).

The activity below will show you how to tackle your assignment by breaking down your goal (of completing an assignment) into mini-goals, and into achievable tasks.

In the activity place the mini tasks for writing an assignment in the correct order.

Manage your time

Time management is an essential skill for studying at University. Students who manage their time well often perform better in their first year of University (Kitsantas et.al., 2008). Finding ways of managing your time can help you cope with the pressure of studying, ensuring you do the right work at the right time.

Time management is all about self management - managing you and what you choose to do in an allocated space that we call time. Managing you and your time is all about:

• being aware that time is limited - you cannot get back time that has passed
• organising your goals, plans and schedules to effectively use time, and
• monitoring your use of time and adjusting to the distractions and changing priorities.

The key to managing your time rests on valuing what you do, prioritising and organising your activities.

When you value what you are doing you will commit to it - you will dedicate more time to it and less time to what is less important to you. Ask yourself “Is this work (study or degree) important to me?” If the answer is “Yes”, then it deserves your full attention and commitment. Focusing on high value activities will ensure you do not mis-locate your time.

To reconnect with your values, try this:

• list 3 main reasons why you decided to undertake university study - stick it on your wall so it is a visible reminder to you
• list your core values e.g. career, family, health - reflecting on this regularly can help you prioritise what’s important and what’s not
• visualise your future life with the degree - this visualisation could motivate you to achieve your goal

Prioritising

Working out your priorities can help you manage your study, work and life as this ensures that you get the important things done first whilst still having time for the little things you would still like to do. For example, you may have a couple of exams coming up and may need to prioritise subjects that are more challenging for you and allocate time on these first. But how do you decide on what the most important task is when everything feels important?

There are a number of techniques to help you prioritise but always find the one that best suits you.

• Priority matrix (Stephen Covey)
• Pareto Principle
• Focus on the most important tasks (MITs)

The key to keeping on track of your studies is to organise yourself - carefully organising your study time so you can juggle family and other personal commitments. Here are some tips on how to get organised:

• Write notes or a to-do-list - tick each task off as you complete them, but remember to keep it manageable!
• Use diaries, timetables and calendars - write down all your commitments (assignment due dates, work, sports, social events etc.)
• Create a time audit to track your time. There are many apps and study techniques to help you stay on track, e.g. the Pomodoro Technique , which uses a timer to break down work into 25 minute intervals with short breaks in-between.

Note: Get into the habit of referring back to these at the end of each week to track your progress and see if you need to make some adjustments.

Useful resources for managing your time:

• Improve your time management techniques
• T he Pomodoro technique

Know yourself

Knowing who you are and what you are like is a critical part of managing yourself and the time that you have. Are you organised or rigid? Flexible or disorganised? Do you have a short or long concentration span? It is important to consider what works well for you in regard to how you manage your study load with time to rest and play. Get to know yourself and your habits and monitor your behaviour and actions so you can turn these into your patterns of study.

Find your learning style

We all learn differently - some learn by looking (visual learners), by hearing or listening (auditory learners) or by touching and doing (kinaesthetic learners). Try to identify your preferred learning style so that you can find techniques to help you study effectively. And remember, your learning style may change over time.

You may want to check out the various questionnaires available to help you identify your main learning style:

• Honey and Mumford Learning Styles Questionnaire
• Index of Learning Styles Questionnaire (North Carolina State University)
• What’s Your Learning Style Quiz (Matrix Education)

Know your peak times

People work best at different times of the day so try and find your ‘Einstein window’ - the time of day that you function the best (mental peak) and where you feel energised and productive. For some, it may be the mornings whilst for others it may be during the night, so get to know your peak time and schedule your study time accordingly. It is better to perform your most challenging work (e.g understanding abstract material) at your peak time as this is when you are most alert and efficient. The least challenging tasks can be done when you are not functioning at your peak level.

Find your safe (happy) place

Finding places to study (on campus, at home, park etc) that suit your personality and learning style is important. Choose spaces that make you feel comfortable, focused and productive so that you can study effectively. If a space no longer suits you, switch it up for another working space.

Understand your concentration levels

Good concentration is essential when studying as it allows you to optimise your study time and avoid time wasting. However as our concentration span varies (depending on the person and the task) it is useful to understand your level of concentration.

Some tips to help you develop good concentration:

• have a plan so you know exactly what you have to do
• practise mindfulness - actively engage in what your are studying (e.g take notes while reading)
• eliminate disruptions and interruptions that you know will cause you to lose focus
• take short breaks to refresh yourself and get back on track
• adopt a healthy lifestyle through eating and sleeping well, and exercising.

Practise self-reflection and mindfulness

Get into the habit of practising self-reflection! Reviewing and reflecting on your day, week or activities can help you monitor your progress and keep you on track and make a conscious choice of whether you are committed to carrying it out. Ask yourself:

• Did I get the set tasks done? If not, why?
• What went well? Why?
• What did not go well? Why?
• How can I do this better next time?

Once you have made a conscious, deliberate choice that you are committed to doing something, you will give yourself the best chance of doing well. And remember, discussing and sharing your experiences with others (peers, tutors) can help you gain a different perspective.

Being mindful is another useful technique for developing good study habits. Try focusing on the present moment, totally engaged with the task that you are working on. This way, you will be able to work more efficiently and productively.

Check out some of the useful resources available to help you develop mindfulness.

• Mindfulness resources (Curtin University)

Access information on Curtin’s mindfulness programs, community, therapists and more.

Ask for help

Get into the habit of seeking assistance when you are struggling with your studies. It is best to ask for help as soon as possible instead of wasting too much time trying to solve the problem yourself. Consider consulting your tutor and lecturer in the first instance but also remember that your classmates and friends may also be a great source of help.

You will also want to take advantage of the academic support programs that are offered by the university. For example, the Library offers online programs and workshops to help you develop your academic research and study skills.

And remember, it is important to take responsibility for yourself and your own learning!

Test yourself

• All Electronics
• Accessories
• Home Theater
• Modems & Routers
• All Console Gaming
• Xbox Series X

• Alternative

How to Develop Effective Study Habits: Tips and Techniques for Students

Yoodley is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Effective study habits are essential for students to achieve academic success. By developing good study habits, students can improve their understanding of the material, retain information more effectively, and perform better on exams. In this article, we will explore the importance of good study habits, discuss ways to identify and develop effective study patterns, and provide strategies for overcoming common study challenges.

Understanding the Importance of Good Study Habits

Good study habits play a crucial role in shaping academic performance. Research shows that students who develop effective study habits tend to achieve higher grades and feel more confident in their abilities. Moreover, these habits have a positive impact not just on academic performance but also on mental health.

When it comes to academic success, developing effective study habits allows students to optimize their learning potential. By establishing a routine that maximizes their concentration and focus, students can improve their understanding of complex concepts, enhance their critical thinking skills, and boost their overall academic performance.

However, the benefits of good study habits extend beyond just academic achievement. They also have a profound impact on mental well-being. By organizing their study time effectively and reducing stress levels, students can create a balanced approach to learning that supports their mental health. This, in turn, leads to increased motivation, reduced anxiety, and improved overall well-being.

The Impact of Study Habits on Academic Performance

Developing effective study habits is essential for academic success. When students establish a routine that prioritizes their studies, they create an environment that is conducive to learning. By dedicating specific time slots for studying, students can focus their attention solely on their academic tasks, allowing them to absorb information more effectively.

Furthermore, good study habits enable students to develop efficient learning strategies. They can employ various techniques, such as summarizing information, creating flashcards, or engaging in active recall to enhance their understanding and retention of the material. By consistently practicing these strategies, students can improve their critical thinking skills and problem-solving abilities, which are essential for success in any academic discipline.

In addition to optimizing learning potential, good study habits also contribute to better time management. Students who develop effective study routines are more likely to prioritize their tasks and avoid procrastination. This enables them to complete assignments and prepare for exams well in advance, reducing the stress associated with last-minute cramming. By managing their time effectively, students can maintain a healthy work-life balance, allowing them to engage in extracurricular activities and pursue personal interests.

How Study Habits Affect Your Mental Health

While the impact of good study habits on academic performance is undeniable, their influence on mental health should not be overlooked. The demands of academic life can often be overwhelming, leading to increased stress and anxiety among students. However, by developing effective study habits, students can mitigate these negative effects and promote their mental well-being.

One way in which good study habits support mental health is by reducing stress levels. When students establish a structured study routine, they can allocate specific time slots for each subject or task. This helps to create a sense of control and organization, reducing the feeling of being overwhelmed by a mountain of work. By breaking down their study sessions into manageable chunks, students can approach their workload with a calm and focused mindset, minimizing stress and anxiety.

In addition, good study habits promote self-care and self-reflection. By dedicating time to study, students are also setting aside time for themselves. This allows them to engage in activities that promote relaxation and rejuvenation, such as exercise, hobbies, or spending time with loved ones. Taking breaks and engaging in self-care activities not only helps to recharge the mind but also prevents burnout and promotes overall well-being.

Furthermore, good study habits foster a positive mindset and increased motivation. When students establish a routine and see the positive results of their efforts, they are more likely to feel motivated and confident in their abilities. This sense of accomplishment and self-efficacy can have a significant impact on mental health, as it boosts self-esteem and reduces feelings of self-doubt or imposter syndrome.

Identifying Your Current Study Habits

Before you can develop effective study habits, it is important to evaluate your current approach to studying. Taking the time to analyze your study patterns will help you identify both the effective and ineffective habits you currently possess.

Recognizing Effective and Ineffective Study Patterns

Reflect on your study habits and identify the techniques that have worked well for you in the past. These might include methods such as creating detailed study notes, using mnemonic devices, or participating in study groups. On the flip side, also recognize the habits that may hinder your progress, such as procrastination or cramming before exams.

Assessing Your Study Environment

Another important aspect of identifying your study habits includes evaluating your study environment. Is your study area free from distractions? Is it adequately lit and comfortable? Creating an environment conducive to learning can greatly enhance your focus and concentration, ultimately leading to better study habits.

Strategies for Developing Effective Study Habits

Now that you have identified your current study habits, it’s time to develop new strategies that will help you improve your study skills and achieve better results. Here are some techniques to consider:

Setting Realistic Study Goals

Setting clear, achievable study goals is essential for effective learning. Break down larger tasks into smaller, manageable goals to maintain your motivation and track your progress. By setting realistic goals, you can stay focused and avoid feeling overwhelmed.

Creating a Consistent Study Schedule

Consistency is key when developing good study habits. Establish a regular study schedule that works best for you, taking into account your energy levels and personal preferences. Create a routine and stick to it, allowing yourself ample time to review materials, complete assignments, and prepare for exams.

Implementing Active Learning Techniques

Active learning techniques engage you in the learning process and help you retain information more effectively. Rather than passively reading or reviewing notes, try methods such as summarizing key points, teaching the material to someone else, or creating flashcards. It’s vital to upgrade your hands-on skills by learning how to write a nursing essay . These techniques promote active thinking and enhance understanding.

Overcoming Common Study Challenges

Even with effective study habits, students may encounter common challenges that can hinder their progress. By recognizing and addressing these challenges, you can optimize your study habits and stay on track.

Dealing with Procrastination and Distractions

Procrastination and distractions are common roadblocks to effective studying. To overcome procrastination, break tasks into smaller, manageable chunks and reward yourself for completing each part. Minimize distractions by turning off your phone, blocking distracting websites, and finding a quiet study space.

Managing Study-Related Stress and Anxiety

Stress and anxiety can adversely affect your study habits and overall well-being. Practice stress management techniques such as deep breathing exercises, mindfulness, or physical activity to relieve tension. Taking regular breaks, getting enough sleep, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can also help manage study-related stress.

Maintaining Your Improved Study Habits

Once you have developed effective study habits, it is important to maintain them and regularly review your study plan for continuous improvement.

Regularly Reviewing and Adjusting Your Study Plan

Periodically evaluate your study habits to ensure they are still effective for you. Assess your study goals, schedules, and techniques, and make adjustments as necessary. Adapting to your evolving needs will help you stay motivated and continue achieving academic success.

Celebrating Small Wins to Stay Motivated

Recognize and celebrate your achievements, no matter how small. Acknowledging your progress and rewarding yourself for reaching milestones can boost motivation and reinforce your commitment to maintaining effective study habits.

In conclusion, developing effective study habits is a valuable skill that can significantly impact your academic performance and overall well-being. By understanding the importance of good study habits, identifying your current habits, and adopting effective strategies, you can overcome common study challenges and set yourself up for success. Remember to maintain your improved study habits and regularly review your study plan to ensure ongoing growth and achievement.

LEAVE A REPLY Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Top Features to Include in a Super App

What is Augmented Reality Marketing?

The Phenomenon of WoW Raid Carries Bridging the Gap Between Aspirations...

Choosing The Right Esport for You

A Guide on How to Resolve a Frozen Windows Laptop

• Terms & Conditions
• Cookie Policy
• Privacy Policy

15 Study Habits for College Success

Starting your college work is an exciting period packed with opportunities for intellectual curiosity, academic success, and personal improvement. The key to succeeding in college is to establish productive study habits that will enable you to overcome obstacles, do well on assignments, and get the most out of your educational experience.

We’ll dig into the world of study habits and provide you with priceless advice and useful tips for streamlining your educational process. The study habits covered here will provide you the ability to realize all of your goals and succeed academically, regardless of whether you’re a first-year student just getting started or an experienced student trying to improve your strategy.

You’ll find a wide variety of study techniques specifically chosen to meet different facets of the college experience inside these pages. From setting goals to time management, active learning techniques to self-care, each habit is meant to equip you with the abilities you need for success.

We’ll go through not only the fundamentals of taking notes but also how to use technology deftly, locate resources, and strike a healthy balance between work and home life. You’ll enhance your academic performance and gain crucial life skills like organization, discipline, and critical thinking by cultivating these study habits. These behaviors will act as the cornerstones of a successful college experience and lay the groundwork for ongoing learning.

As you begin your life-changing adventure, keep in mind that creating excellent study habits is a process that calls for commitment, flexibility, and introspection. Embrace the thrill of learning, develop a development mentality, and be open to experimenting with novel approaches that fit your learning preferences.

Let’s now explore the realm of productive study techniques and realize your full academic potential. Prepare yourself for a voyage that will influence not just your college career but also your future success.

1. Define Specific Goals

Setting definite, defined goals is essential for successful college studies. Establish your goals for each study session or semester. To stay focused and efficiently measure progress, divide bigger goals into more manageable, smaller tasks. You can stay motivated, organize your efforts, and accomplish your goals if you have a clear sense of direction.

2. Establish a Specialized Study Area

Having a designated study environment is crucial for productivity and focus. Locate a place that is calm and well-lit so you can study without interruptions. To guarantee quick access when needed, arrange your study resources, including books, notes, and reference materials. Your study area should be relaxing, intimate, and distraction-free from things like noise, mess, or interruptions.

3. Set Goals for Time Management

The secret to succeeding in college is efficient time management. Create a time management plan that fits your schedule and study preferences. Make a study schedule using calendars, planners, or mobile applications, allotting enough time for each course and assignment. To avoid burnout and preserve productivity, don’t forget to take pauses. You may maximize your study times and balance your school work and personal obligations by using time management skills.

4. Adopt Active Learning Strategies

Long-term retention is frequently not achieved by passive reading. Utilize active learning strategies to interact with the subject. Participate in group conversations, explain concepts to others, summarize materials, or provide visual aids like mind maps or flashcards. You may improve knowledge and memory by actively engaging with the subject. Try out various active learning techniques to see which one suits you the best.

5. Make Use of Available Resources

Colleges provide a multitude of services to help you succeed academically. To improve your comprehension of difficult subjects, use libraries, writing centers, tutoring programs, and internet resources. Form study groups and collaborate with your classmates to reinforce your lessons and discuss ideas. Be proactive in utilizing the resources at your disposal to augment your studies and increase your knowledge, and ask for help when necessary.

6. Become Proficient at Taking Notes

Create a strategy for taking notes that works for your learning style. Organize your notes, underline important ideas, and shorten text using symbols or abbreviations. Regularly go over and edit your notes to ensure understanding and draw connections between various ideas. Try out several note-taking techniques, such as the Cornell method or the outlining approach, to see which one suits you the best.

7. Make Smart Use of Technology

Utilize technological resources in your study regimen to improve learning. Use note-taking software, productivity tools, online databases for research, and instructional websites to organize your study and gain quick access to information. To ensure that technology helps you with your studies rather than getting in the way of your productivity and attention, be aware of distractions and establish boundaries.

8. Adopt a Healthier Way of Life

For college studying to be as effective as possible, a healthy lifestyle is essential. Get enough rest, eat healthful foods, and work out frequently to increase focus and memory. Reduce anxiety and improve attention by using stress-reduction strategies like deep breathing exercises, meditation, or engaging in hobbies. Setting the basis for academic achievement, and balancing academics with self-care provides a good attitude and general well-being.

9. Examine Yourself

Self-evaluation is crucial for determining your level of comprehension and locating knowledge gaps. Review previous assignments or examinations, practice answering sample questions, and take practice exams. With this strategy, you become accustomed to the exam structure, gain confidence, and solidify your knowledge. You may pinpoint areas that need more focus and change your study techniques by routinely assessing yourself.

10. Seek harmony

Maintaining a balanced life is as vital as investing time in academics. Make time for self-care activities, hobbies, and social interactions with friends. Achieving a balance between work and play enhances concentration, creativity, and general well-being. Aim for a balanced approach that fosters both your academic aspirations and personal development.

11. Welcome Active Review Sessions

Periodic review sessions may be a great addition to your study schedule in addition to regular studying. Set aside time specifically for reviewing previously learned information so that concepts are reinforced and long-term retention is achieved. Use active review strategies like concept mapping, self-quizzing, and speaking concepts out loud to oneself. This proactive approach aids in consolidating information, filling in any gaps, and preserving a thorough comprehension of the subject.

12. Create Effective Study Strategies for Different Subjects

Study methods may need to differ depending on the subject. Practical experiments and practice tasks are crucial for topics like math and physics. In contrast, reading and critical analysis may be required more for disciplines like literature or history. Make sure your study methods are specific to the needs of each topic by using methods that are in line with the content’s style to improve understanding and mastery.

13. Encourage productive study groups

Working with classmates in a study group can improve your learning. Participating in class discussions and exchanging ideas with your peers exposes you to many viewpoints and enables a deeper examination of challenging subjects. Each participant in study groups may share their knowledge, dispel ambiguities, and offer helpful support. To make the most of your collective study sessions, though, make sure that your study group remains concentrated and productive by setting clear objectives and a well-organized schedule.

14. Make Use of Visualization Techniques

Visualization is a potent memory aid. When learning intricate procedures or linked ideas, visualize the knowledge using diagrams or mental representations. Consider how the parts fit together or the order of the actions. As an alternative, you may create diagrams or employ digital technologies to make these graphical representations more concrete. You may improve your memory and comprehension of complex information by using your visual memory.

15. Prioritize Self-Care and Stress Reduction Techniques

College life may be taxing, so it’s important to give these practices a top priority. Recognize the symptoms of burnout or excessive stress, then contact counseling services or support groups that your college offers for assistance. To retain attention and achieve academic achievement, it is crucial to look after your mental and emotional health.

All in all, you can improve your college learning by putting these extra study habits into practice. Always remember to customize these techniques to fit your learning preferences and style. Try out various methods, hone your study strategies over time, and keep an open mind to new ideas. You’ll be prepared to succeed academically and maximize your college experience with commitment, consistency, and a development mentality.

Success in college depends on developing efficient study techniques. You can make the most of your learning process by establishing clear goals, creating a comfortable study environment, controlling your time wisely, participating in active learning, employing available resources, embracing a healthy lifestyle, practicing efficient note-taking, utilizing technology, self-assessing, and looking for balance. Keep in mind that developing these habits requires commitment, self-control, and customization to your situation. Accept them as lifetime abilities that will help you with your college academics as well as set you up for future challenges and personal development. We wish you success in your academic aspirations!

Related Posts

WAIT! Do you need help with your essay?

Enter your email to get 15% off your first order.

The discount is in your inbox.

Home — Essay Samples — Education — College Students — 8 Effective Study Habits for College Students

8 Effective Study Habits for College Students

• Categories: College Students Habits

About this sample

Words: 1010 |

Published: Jul 17, 2018

Words: 1010 | Pages: 2 | 6 min read

Cite this Essay

Let us write you an essay from scratch

• 450+ experts on 30 subjects ready to help
• Custom essay delivered in as few as 3 hours

Get high-quality help

Verified writer

• Expert in: Education Life

+ 120 experts online

By clicking “Check Writers’ Offers”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy . We’ll occasionally send you promo and account related email

No need to pay just yet!

Related Essays

4 pages / 1677 words

2 pages / 1093 words

1 pages / 631 words

1 pages / 602 words

Remember! This is just a sample.

You can get your custom paper by one of our expert writers.

121 writers online

Still can’t find what you need?

Browse our vast selection of original essay samples, each expertly formatted and styled

Childhood During my early years, I had the opportunity to explore and discover the world around me. As a child, I was filled with curiosity and wonder, always eager to learn and try new things. Whether it was exploring the [...]

Social media has become an integral part of the lives of high school students, shaping their experiences and interactions in various ways. This essay aims to explore the impact of social media on the lives of high school [...]

College education has become an essential part of modern society. It provides individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in their chosen careers and contribute to the growth and development of society. [...]

In 2016, Brittany Stinson, a high school senior, achieved widespread recognition when her college application essay gained viral fame. Her essay, which was accepted by multiple Ivy League universities, captured the attention of [...]

Now that you passed high school, applied to your abroad-university, packed your luggage and set your foot into your university student accommodation, you are about to meet various types of roommates that every international [...]

College, a place where you can meet many amazing people, gain knowledge, and be exposed to a multifarious amount of opportunities in not only your academic life but also your personal life. This argumentative essay will [...]

Related Topics

By clicking “Send”, you agree to our Terms of service and Privacy statement . We will occasionally send you account related emails.

Where do you want us to send this sample?

By clicking “Continue”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy.

Be careful. This essay is not unique

This essay was donated by a student and is likely to have been used and submitted before

Download this Sample

Free samples may contain mistakes and not unique parts

Sorry, we could not paraphrase this essay. Our professional writers can rewrite it and get you a unique paper.

Please check your inbox.

We can write you a custom essay that will follow your exact instructions and meet the deadlines. Let's fix your grades together!

Get Your Personalized Essay in 3 Hours or Less!

We use cookies to personalyze your web-site experience. By continuing we’ll assume you board with our cookie policy .

• Instructions Followed To The Letter
• Deadlines Met At Every Stage
• Unique And Plagiarism Free

• Undergraduate
• High School
• Architecture
• American History
• Asian History
• Antique Literature
• American Literature
• Asian Literature
• Classic English Literature
• World Literature
• Creative Writing
• Linguistics
• Criminal Justice
• Legal Issues
• Anthropology
• Archaeology
• Political Science
• World Affairs
• African-American Studies
• East European Studies
• Latin-American Studies
• Native-American Studies
• West European Studies
• Family and Consumer Science
• Social Issues
• Women and Gender Studies
• Social Work
• Natural Sciences
• Pharmacology
• Earth science
• Agriculture
• Agricultural Studies
• Computer Science
• IT Management
• Mathematics
• Investments
• Engineering and Technology
• Engineering
• Aeronautics
• Medicine and Health
• Alternative Medicine
• Communications and Media
• Advertising
• Communication Strategies
• Public Relations
• Educational Theories
• Teacher's Career
• Chicago/Turabian
• Company Analysis
• Education Theories
• Shakespeare
• Canadian Studies
• Food Safety
• Relation of Global Warming and Extreme Weather Condition
• Movie Review
• Admission Essay
• Annotated Bibliography
• Application Essay
• Article Critique
• Article Review
• Article Writing
• Book Review
• Business Plan
• Business Proposal
• Capstone Project
• Cover Letter
• Creative Essay
• Dissertation
• Dissertation - Abstract
• Dissertation - Conclusion
• Dissertation - Discussion
• Dissertation - Hypothesis
• Dissertation - Introduction
• Dissertation - Literature
• Dissertation - Methodology
• Dissertation - Results
• GCSE Coursework
• Grant Proposal
• Marketing Plan
• Multiple Choice Quiz
• Personal Statement
• Power Point Presentation
• Power Point Presentation With Speaker Notes
• Questionnaire
• Reaction Paper
• Research Paper
• Research Proposal
• SWOT analysis
• Thesis Paper
• Online Quiz
• Literature Review
• Movie Analysis
• Statistics problem
• Math Problem
• All papers examples
• How It Works
• Money Back Policy
• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy
• We Are Hiring

Better Study Habits, Essay Example

Pages: 3

Words: 811

Hire a Writer for Custom Essay

Use 10% Off Discount: "custom10" in 1 Click 👇

You are free to use it as an inspiration or a source for your own work.

Fig 1 :  Mindmap for process of research strategy for better study habits

Introduction

The  challenge is to examine my current practices of studying and look  towards developing a strategy that will improve my study habits.  Although, I believe I am reasonably well disciplined in that regard, there is always room for improvement.  My mind mapping approach identifies the logical and structured way in order to approach the problem.  Figure 1 above, identifies the logical components, and my approach to the work. (Time Management Guide, 2005)

Assessment of existing habits

In order to understand and document my existing study habits.  I propose to complete two diagrams.  The first of these will be a workflow diagram, thereby pictorially illustrating my existing approach to studying.  Secondly, a process map illustrating the processes that I undertake in my current study profile.  Having completed that exercise, I will brainstorm and produce another mind map that illustrates my planned for future study proposals.  The resulting difference between the future state requirements, and the current state requirements is that of a gap analysis.  The gap analysis will be that transitionary steps that I will need to take in order to reach my goal of an improved studying regime. (QMT, 2009)

In order to document my current study habits.  I will look at collecting the following information:

Workflow – this will mean gathering information that describes how I currently complete my studying.  For example: draw up a list of required reading material, go to the library, research request to texts, locate the books, find study area, sit down and study books, you’ll observe here that I’ve listed a set of sequential steps.  Each of these will take time and effort and illustrate how I currently approach my study timetable. This type of visual representation is performed by iconic drawing and provides the reader with an understanding of the flow of work.

Process Mapping – this builds upon the workflow diagram concept, but described more accurately, the processes involved in my current studying activities.  By understanding my current state activities.  It will help me to determine my future state requirements, and how appropriate streamlining and improvements can be made.  For example, if we consider the sequential steps listed in the workflow illustration, we might decide to make some improvements.  Instead of taking time to go to the library and find books.  We may decide that it is quicker to complete the research online and use services like Questia or Google books to obtain e-book’s that can be downloaded for our research.  When considering these changes, it will be important to evaluate the information.  This means, considering the example above, integrity of the online data information sources, what help services might be available; as contrasted to having library assistance.

Resolving the problems

It is the gap analysis that will enable me to complete the necessary transformation steps in order to improve my study habits.  In attainment of this goal, I will be looking towards solving the following problem:

• streamlining existing processs of work, and eliminating any redundant habits, i.e., those habits that are not productive and do not actively contribution to to my study process;
• improving timescales and speeding up the way I approach my studying without degenerating quality or content of my studies;
• any general efficiency steps that might improve my overall objectivity and approach to studying.

Finally I will convert this to an implementation plan for actioning.  My implementation plan will be relatively simple and really be a timeline diagram that illustrates the actions or steps that need to be taken, the milestones or dates that these need to be completed and the logic of the sequential steps that this will take.  An example of this is illustrated in figure 2 below.  I have adopted this approach in order to keep this both simple and straightforward i.e., easy to understand and implement. (Harris, 2002)

Fig 2 :  Timeline plan illustrating sequences involved

In the above diagram you’ll observe a logical flow of sequencing, from left to right.  Each one of these blocks of activities will contain subordinate tasks.  To manage the work task level.  It is now a simple case of expanding the timeline diagram into that of the Gantt chart and assigning resource effort to complete the individual tasks.

Works Cited

Harris, R. (2002, 1 5). Problem Solviong techniques . Retrieved 2 12, 2010, from Virtual Salt: http://www.virtualsalt.com/crebook4.htm

QMT. (2009, 2). Process Mapping.co.uk . Retrieved 2 12, 2010, from Process Mapping: http://www.process-mapping.co.uk/

Time Management Guide. (2005). Retrieved 2 12, 2010, from Time Management Guide.com: http://www.time-management-guide.com/mind-mapping.html

Stuck with your Essay?

Get in touch with one of our experts for instant help!

Tax Cuts and Reviving the Economy, Essay Example

Bottlenecks, Setups, and Make-to-Orders, Essay Example

Time is precious

don’t waste it!

Plagiarism-free guarantee

Privacy guarantee

Secure checkout

Money back guarantee

Related Essay Samples & Examples

Voting as a civic responsibility, essay example.

Pages: 1

Words: 287

Utilitarianism and Its Applications, Essay Example

Words: 356

The Age-Related Changes of the Older Person, Essay Example

Pages: 2

Words: 448

The Problems ESOL Teachers Face, Essay Example

Pages: 8

Words: 2293

Should English Be the Primary Language? Essay Example

Pages: 4

Words: 999

The Term “Social Construction of Reality”, Essay Example

Words: 371

• Human Editing
• Free AI Essay Writer
• AI Outline Generator
• AI Paragraph Generator
• Paragraph Expander
• Essay Expander
• Literature Review Generator
• Research Paper Generator
• Thesis Generator
• Paraphrasing tool
• AI Rewording Tool
• AI Sentence Rewriter
• AI Rephraser
• AI Paragraph Rewriter
• Summarizing Tool
• AI Content Shortener
• Plagiarism Checker
• AI Detector
• AI Essay Checker
• Citation Generator
• Reference Finder
• Book Citation Generator
• Legal Citation Generator
• Journal Citation Generator
• Reference Citation Generator
• Scientific Citation Generator
• Source Citation Generator
• Website Citation Generator
• URL Citation Generator
• Proofreading Service
• Editing Service
• AI Writing Guides
• AI Detection Guides
• Citation Guides
• Grammar Guides
• Paraphrasing Guides
• Plagiarism Guides
• Summary Writing Guides
• STEM Guides
• Humanities Guides
• Language Learning Guides
• Coding Guides
• Top Lists and Recommendations
• AI Detectors
• AI Writing Services
• Coding Homework Help
• Citation Generators
• Editing Websites
• Essay Writing Websites
• Language Learning Websites
• Math Solvers
• Paraphrasers
• Plagiarism Checkers
• Reference Finders
• Spell Checkers
• Summarizers
• Tutoring Websites

Most Popular

13 days ago

Plagiarism vs Copyright

10 days ago

How to Cite Personal Communication in APA

Teachmeforfree review, how to cite a dissertation, how to cite page numbers in apa, poor study habits essay sample, example.

Studying is an art. Many students do not know how to do it properly though. It seems as if they are always behind schedule when it comes to handing in homework, or preparing for a test. If they knew how to increase the effectiveness of their studying habits, they would feel less stressed and more on top of their deadlines. In order to educate students on how to study well, the following paragraphs will discuss five poor study habits that lead students into trouble, and how to tackle these defects.

Procrastination is perhaps the most dangerous habit students develop. They put off their assignments until it is almost impossible to do well on them. According to the University of the People, “There are many anti-procrastination strategies you can adopt, from better time management to being more organized, following to-do-lists, to asking someone to check up on your progress” (“5 Bad Study Habits To Drop And 4 Good Ones To Keep”). However, to not procrastinate is more of a personal choice. Inner motivation is more important than outer motivation.

Following motivation, each person studies better in certain places. Libraries, cafes, studying rooms in schools, and more, are often referred to as conductive places to dive into your assignments. The University of the People states that, “Rule of thumb: If you fall asleep when you read in a place (say, the couch or your bed), this isn’t the best studying place for you. The same goes for a place with a lot of distractions, like the beach” (“5 Bad Study Habits To Drop And 4 Good Ones To Keep”). The best thing to do is to practice studying in various locales and see what works best for your brain. You will never know for sure where you study best until you try out many different locations.

Along the same lines with atmosphere, you should you know how to get rid of distractions when studying. There is nothing worse than something breaking your flow when you working on your assignments. According to Oxford Learning, “Study distractions can either be internal or external. Internal study distractions include physiological needs and emotional thoughts. External study distractions include technology and people” (“Homework & Study Distraction Tips From The Experts”). This means students need to have peace inside and out. When you study, you need to get into a certain mindframe and space that is conducive to studying.

As a backing for your studying, you should take neat notes. A lot of students mess around when taking down notes. But, the key is taking accurate, readable, and comprehensive notes in order to make your studying and completing assignments easier (Garcia, Lori). With great notes, you can recall information from class in a cinch and memorize data your brain needs to use for tests. Also, taking good notes during class keeps you focused on the learning process rather than on your friend’s jokes, for instance. Having a good attention during class can change your grade.

You may have fantastic notes, by maybe you are studying with the wrong people. You could be hanging out with friends that distract you, or who are not as serious as you are in studies. You should pick co-studiers who are about at the same grade level or higher in class. There is no need to be rude and say to someone, “your grade is a C, so I can’t study with you,” but do your best to choose wisely. It might even be wise to choose to study with someone you do not know personally, but is from your same class, or studies the same subject.

Getting studying done is notoriously difficult for students. But if they remember to not procrastinate, find the best place to study, throw out distractions, take clear and comprehensive notes, and do their work with appropriate people, they can achieve the grades they desire.

Works Cited

“5 Bad Study Habits To Drop And 4 Good Ones To Keep.” University of the People, 5 Aug. 2018, www.uopeople.edu/blog/5-bad-study-habits-drop-4-good-ones-keep/.

“Homework & Study Distraction Tips From The Experts.” Oxford Learning, 13 Oct. 2017, www.oxfordlearning.com/study-without-getting-distracted-tips/.

Garcia, Lori. “10 Bad Study Habits and How to Fix Them.” Babble, Babble, 22 Mar. 2017, www.babble.com/kid/10-bad-study-habits-and-how-to-fix-them/.

Follow us on Reddit for more insights and updates.

Comments (0)

Welcome to A*Help comments!

We’re all about debate and discussion at A*Help.

We value the diverse opinions of users, so you may find points of view that you don’t agree with. And that’s cool. However, there are certain things we’re not OK with: attempts to manipulate our data in any way, for example, or the posting of discriminative, offensive, hateful, or disparaging material.

Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

More from Expository Essay Examples and Samples

Nov 23 2023

Why Is Of Mice And Men Banned

Nov 07 2023

Pride and Prejudice Themes

May 10 2023

Remote Collaboration and Evidence Based Care Essay Sample, Example

Related writing guides, writing an expository essay.

Remember Me

Is English your native language ? Yes No

What is your profession ? Student Teacher Writer Other

Forgotten Password?

Username or Email

Essay on My Habits

Students are often asked to write an essay on My Habits in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on My Habits

Introduction.

Habits are routine behaviors that we perform regularly. They can be good, like brushing our teeth, or bad, like biting our nails. I have several habits that shape my daily life.

Good Habits

I have a few good habits. I wake up early in the morning, which helps me start my day positively. I also love reading books, which improves my knowledge and imagination.

Everyone has some bad habits, and so do I. Sometimes, I procrastinate on my homework, which isn’t good for my studies. I am trying to overcome this habit.

Habits play a crucial role in our lives. They shape our health, productivity, and happiness. It’s important to cultivate good habits and get rid of the bad ones.

250 Words Essay on My Habits

Habits are the building blocks of our character, shaping our daily routines and, ultimately, our lives. They can be powerful tools for self-improvement, or they can act as obstacles that hinder our progress. As a college student, my habits have evolved over time, reflecting the complexity of my academic and personal journey.

Academic Habits

My academic habits are a blend of discipline, curiosity, and resilience. I have a strict study schedule, dedicating specific hours each day to each subject. This routine has helped me maintain a consistent academic performance. However, it’s not just about rote learning; I also cultivate the habit of critical thinking. I constantly question, analyze, and synthesize information, a habit that has deepened my understanding of the subjects.

Physical Habits

Physical habits play a crucial role in my well-being. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep are non-negotiable aspects of my daily routine. These habits not only keep me physically fit but also boost my mental agility, enhancing my overall academic performance.

Social Habits

My social habits are about maintaining a balance between solitude and companionship. While I value my alone time for introspection and self-growth, I also understand the importance of social interactions. Engaging in meaningful conversations, participating in group activities, and volunteering are habits that have enriched my college experience.

In conclusion, my habits are a reflection of my commitment to personal growth and academic excellence. They are the outcome of conscious choices, driven by the desire to make the most of my college years. As I continue to evolve, I am certain that my habits will, too, adapt to serve my changing needs and aspirations.

500 Words Essay on My Habits

Introduction to my habits.

Habits, the regular tendencies or practices that one engages in, are often seen as a reflection of one’s character. They serve as a mirror, reflecting our personality, values, and lifestyle. As a college student, I have cultivated a set of habits that I believe contribute significantly to my personal and academic growth.

Embracing the Morning

I am an ardent believer in the power of mornings. I have made it a habit to rise early, usually around 5 a.m. This practice provides me with a quiet, uninterrupted space to plan my day, meditate, and engage in a brief exercise routine. The tranquility of the morning hours helps me to start my day with a clear mind and a calm spirit.

Continuous Learning

The habit of continuous learning is another cornerstone of my lifestyle. I dedicate a portion of my day to reading, be it academic literature, novels, or news articles. This habit not only broadens my knowledge but also helps me to develop critical thinking skills, fostering a deeper understanding of the world around me and my place within it.

Self-Care and Wellness

In the hustle and bustle of college life, self-care is a habit that is often overlooked but is of paramount importance. I make it a point to engage in activities that nourish my body, mind, and spirit. This includes a balanced diet, regular exercise, and sufficient sleep. Additionally, I engage in mindfulness practices such as meditation and yoga, which help to maintain my mental well-being.

Time Management

Time is a precious resource, and managing it effectively is a habit I have deliberately cultivated. I use various tools and techniques, such as to-do lists and time blocking, to ensure that I make the most of my day. This habit has increased my productivity and reduced stress, allowing me to balance my academic responsibilities with leisure and relaxation.

Reflection and Gratitude

Each day, before I retire to bed, I spend a few moments reflecting on the day’s events. I consider the lessons learned, the achievements made, and the challenges faced. This habit of reflection helps me to grow and evolve continually. Alongside reflection, I practice gratitude, acknowledging the positive aspects of my life. This habit has cultivated a positive outlook and has significantly improved my overall happiness and satisfaction.

In conclusion, my habits serve as the framework for my daily life. They are the building blocks that shape my character, influence my actions, and guide my journey towards personal and academic growth. While these habits have been beneficial, I am aware of the need for flexibility and adaptation, as change is a constant part of life. As I continue to grow and evolve, I am open to cultivating new habits that contribute positively to my life’s journey.

That’s it! I hope the essay helped you.

If you’re looking for more, here are essays on other interesting topics:

• Essay on Health and Food Habits
• Essay on Food Habits
• Essay on Habits

Apart from these, you can look at all the essays by clicking here .

Happy studying!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• SUGGESTED TOPICS
• The Magazine
• Newsletters
• Managing Yourself
• Managing Teams
• Work-life Balance
• The Big Idea
• Data & Visuals
• Reading Lists
• Case Selections
• HBR Learning
• Topic Feeds
• Account Settings
• Email Preferences

A (Very) Simple Way to Improve Your Writing

• Mark Rennella

It’s called the “one-idea rule” — and any level of writer can use it.

The “one idea” rule is a simple concept that can help you sharpen your writing, persuade others by presenting your argument in a clear, concise, and engaging way. What exactly does the rule say?

• Every component of a successful piece of writing should express only one idea.
• In persuasive writing, your “one idea” is often the argument or belief you are presenting to the reader. Once you identify what that argument is, the “one-idea rule” can help you develop, revise, and connect the various components of your writing.
• For instance, let’s say you’re writing an essay. There are three components you will be working with throughout your piece: the title, the paragraphs, and the sentences.
• Each of these parts should be dedicated to just one idea. The ideas are not identical, of course, but they’re all related. If done correctly, the smaller ideas (in sentences) all build (in paragraphs) to support the main point (suggested in the title).

Where your work meets your life. See more from Ascend here .

Most advice about writing looks like a long laundry list of “do’s and don’ts.” These lists can be helpful from time to time, but they’re hard to remember … and, therefore, hard to depend on when you’re having trouble putting your thoughts to paper. During my time in academia, teaching composition at the undergraduate and graduate levels, I saw many people struggle with this.

• MR Mark Rennella is Associate Editor at HBP and has published two books, Entrepreneurs, Managers, and Leaders and The Boston Cosmopolitans .  

Partner Center