Transitioning to college is a very exciting and frightening time for many incoming college freshman. Many are concerned with the work-load and the intensity of the courses. The key to succeeding in college and gliding seamlessly from high school courses to college courses is building good and effective study habits. While everyone learns at a different pace and by different means (visual stimulation, auditory stimulation, etc.), the following tips will prove applicable to anyone seeking to create new study habits or strengthen and refine old habits. These study habits are compiled by the ladies of Rho Gamma based on personal experience (some of us came across these the hard-way). Best of luck from the Ravishing Rho Gamma Chapter in all of your studying endeavors!
D Attend class EVERY DAY!
D Meet with your professors before the first day of classes each semester to determine their expectations for you as a student and discuss any questions or comments that you may have.
D Come prepared to class EVERY DAY!
D Get a head start on reading assignments. Reading assignments in college can be quite lengthy, so always stay two days ahead of the reading assignment! Break your reading assignments into fragments, as not to overwhelm yourself on one short night.
D Read the assignment (or the fragment) the whole way through. Then go back and read again, taking notes on a separate sheet of paper. Have a questions/clarifications section at the end so that you can ask meaningful questions to your professor inside and outside of class.
D Remember that studying is NOT just doing homework. Studying is staying on top of reading assignments, working problems, and taking notes EVERY NIGHT in EACH COURSE AND completing your homework assignments.
D In science and mathematics courses, aim to complete all of the questions at the end of the chapter(s) one week before the exam. This will allow you to pinpoint your weak and your strong areas, and you will have time to get assistance from your professor.
D After taking notes in lecture, that same day, re-write (flesh-out) all of your notes so that you won't forget anything.
D Study in groups effectively. Studying DOES NOT include listening to music and discussing what someone did in class. Be sure that your friends understand this, and if they don't, find another study group.
D Do not study in your bed.
D Make flashcards and note cards.
D Use whiteboards and markers when working problems.
D If you are a visual learner: draw pictures and take notes.
D If you are an auditory learner: speak aloud as you study (preferably not in a public place like the library unless you are in a private study room).
D DO NOT be afraid to ask your professors for help. Professors like to see that you are taking responsibility for your own learning.
D Re-read your notes well in advance of exams.
D Final exam weeks can be hectic. Create a study schedule one month in advance and stick to it! Studying for four or five classes a few days before the exam is not only unrealistic, but it is unhealthy for you body and mind. Become comfortable with the material and spend time revisiting old materials for comprehensive exams.
D Get plenty of rest & eat a healthy, nutritionally balanced diet. In college it is very easy to pick up bad eating and sleeping habits (and sometimes this is unavoidable), but stock your room full of healthy snacks and try to get to bed at a reasonable hour! If you follow these study habits, you will not have a reason to pull an all-nighter or eat cold pizza for breakfast!