The New Year is upon us, which for many students means the prospect of exams and the chance to move on after college. For others 2016 will bring more of the same as they knuckle down to their studies – but why do things in the same old way? Whether or not you have made any New Year’s Resolutions, you can always seek to improve yourself and make the New Year one of successful study. Rather than sleep-walking through 2016, why not take advantage of the new start and use some of our study tips to make sure you work better this year, and hopefully achieve your goals.
You need to know where you are going and how you are progressing in order to make the most of your studies – how else will you be able to tell if you are working towards your goals in the most efficient manner? Have a think about what you want to achieve with your studies – and more importantly plot how you might be able to get there. Check your progress so far this year and see which areas you need to focus more on over the next few months.
It is one thing to set goals but you also need to work out how to achieve them. Instead of panicking and leaving things until the last minute, set out a study plan now. How often will you sit down and study? Knowing how you work will help with this – are you a morning person, do you find it easier to hit the books after you have been out for a run, or do you work better with someone else? Knowing how you learn will mean that you can set your plan for maximum results. Don’t forget to take account of other commitments – such as managing a job alongside your studies!
Finding a quiet place to study is not always easy – especially if you are surrounded by parents and noisy brothers and sisters. Try to make your room an oasis of calm while you get down to your studies – alternatively you might want to go somewhere else to get some work done, like the library!
Don’t forget to factor breaks into your plans too. Make sure you allow yourself some time to relax, socialise, and see family and friends. Take regular breaks during your studies too – you need time to reset your brain so that it doesn’t get too tired.
You college may have some extra aids to help you in your studies – they are designed to help you, so make sure to use them. These may include library courses, study workshops, or other facilities and initiatives. You don’t need to go it alone all the time! Of course, you might also want to work with a friend to help keep you motivated, but be careful who you choose – pick that person who works hard and will help rather than distract you!
If you made New Year’s resolutions you may already be trying to be a better person or get healthy, but don’t overlook how things like sleep and diet can affect you. Make sure you are getting enough sleep and that you are eating properly. Like anything else, you need fuel to keep going, so make sure you get the best you can. In fact, studies say that you may actually study better if you stay in bed longer!
Are you the sort of person who talks themselves out of doing things? Telling yourself you can’t do something or that it is too hard is only setting yourself up to fail before you even get started. Instead, try to be positive, Tell yourself that you are capable, wonderful, or whatever other positive affirmations you want. Self-belief can get you a long way!
Studying needn’t be boring – try to make it as fun as you can (even if that sounds like an impossibility). Set yourself tests, make flash cards, and put on some music to help you relax while you study. Whatever it is to add a little spice to your study time – if you can make your studies enjoyable and learn to love learning, then it won’t seem like such a chore!
