If you get tired while studying

  • Determine the time of day that is best for you and use this time for your most difficult assignments.
  • Change subjects to break up the study session. Take regular breaks. Stand up, stretch, walk around.
  • Study in small regular blocks. To increase memory, study in small blocks of time with short breaks between sessions.
  • Go to sleep (and get up) at the same time every day. Unplug from technology at least an hour before bed. Try to get 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night.
  • Make healthy choices about diet, and exercise.

 If you study by reading

  • Repeat what you read out loud. This increases the likelihood you will record the information and be able to retrieve it later.
  • Write notes or draw mind maps. Our skill at recognition is stronger than our skill at recall. Writing and reading a list provides additional hooks to get things memorized.

 If you wait to study a few days before the test

  • Review soon after receiving new information. It is easier to review rather than forget and have to relearn. 
  • Join a study group to help hold yourself accountable for studying regularly over the entire semester.

 If you study alone

Join a study group. Reviewing and presenting information to other students will help you understand course content.