Studying smarter, not harder is very important for university students, as it emphasises quality over quantity, and also fosters effective learning techniques. This will help to prevent burnout and a feeling of being overwhelmed by what you need to achieve. Smart studying also encourages better time management and prioritisation, cultivates critical thinking and problem solving, all of which are essential for academic success and your future career.
And make sure it works for you. Making a schedule can help most students feel like they are in control of their time, and what they need to achieve in that time. Get a planner or find an online alternative, and write down your important deadlines. By working out when your deadlines are and how much work each of them will take, you will be able to divide your workload into manageable blocks and work out when you can fit your other commitments, such as work and socialising (which are both very important!), around your studies.
If you also have to sit tests, it can be useful to make a note of their dates, and then work out when you want to revise for them, so that this time does not get sacrificed in place of other study commitments.
When you are in class, take as many notes as is useful for you. Some teachers might allow you to access the presentation or class resources through your university portal, which can help to expand your notes if needed. Engaging with the class, writing down any questions you might have, and speaking to your peers are all useful ways to make the most out of your learning time.
After a lecture or class, read through your notes again. Revisiting the information you jotted down can help to store the information in your long-term memory. Make sure you also revisit your notes when revising and preparing for an assignment, as it can refresh your memory, which will no doubt have plenty of other things it is trying to remember.
Organise your notes in a way that works best for you. People have different learning styles, with the most common ones being Visual, Auditory, Reading/Writing and Kinesthetic. Organising your notes in a way that makes sense to you might make the information easier to process, as well as being more useful when you come to revisit your notes.
For some people, reading or writing their notes out again, and reading information around the topic helps them to process the information. For others, they need to interact with the information in a more physical way, for example incorporating body movements. Some learners like to learn by hearing, so speaking about the topic, reading information aloud and having conversations with your classmates or teachers can help. Others learn best when the information is presented in a visual way, for instance in graphs or charts, using pictures or videos, or creating a powerpoint to work through can be the best approach.
Testing yourself is a great way to see where there are gaps in your knowledge, which will allow you to focus your time and energy on filling those gaps. It can also identify the bits of information you have processed and stored well, which can be a real confidence booster.
You can use practice papers and online test resources, but you could also write your own questions and flashcards, which will let you try a variety of question formats. Being tested by your friends and classmates could also be useful, as they might ask questions in a different way, making you see things differently.
Everyone is familiar with the phrase: ‘tidy desk, tidy mind’, but how many people actually practise what they preach? Having a tidy and welcoming desk or study space can be a real boost when it comes to making time to revise or complete assignments. Having a cluttered and messy desk can be off putting, and might even add to any stress you are feeling. Take some time to look at your study area and work out what sort of layout would work best for you.
However, you should remember that a tidy desk doesn’t necessarily mean an empty desk. If there are knick-knacks and things that inspire you and make you feel at home, display those with pride.
Interested in working alongside your studies, but want some advice? Take a look at our Top Part-Time Jobs for International Students article for tips.
You can still have a social life and study – get together with your friends and a pizza, and share ideas or test each other. You might get a new perspective on a topic, or work out a better way to approach an assignment. Online groups can work for this too, and if you are studying entirely online, these might be organised or encouraged by your teachers.
Whilst it can be helpful to study with other people, you also need to remember to take breaks and spend time with people doing other things. An overworked brain is no use to anyone, so try to work effectively and take time away from your studies too.
Hard work will take you far, but a positive attitude will make the process much smoother and more enjoyable. Studying a subject you are passionate about, working with people you enjoy being around, and having good teachers are all ways to have a positive study experience. However, we aren’t always in control of all of these elements. Try and approach your studies with a positive outlook, and when things get tough, see it as a good opportunity to challenge yourself and communicate with your peers and teachers.
Struggling with homesickness? Take a look at our culture shock article for tips on how to cope with being away from home.
If you’re under pressure in an exam, don’t second-guess yourself. In most cases, the first answer you think of will be the right one. If you’re really not sure, make a note of it and move on – you can always come back later if you have time. If you’ve followed all of the above tips, it’s likely that you are well prepared for any exams or assignments, so feel confident in yourself and your knowledge.
Question your teachers and classmates before an exam, make sure you know exactly what will be covered and what type of questions you should expect. Your teachers may have some practice papers you can try first, and your classmates might have a different perspective on things that help you to see things in a different way. This is also a good opportunity to revisit your notes and ask any questions you might have forgotten you had.
Eat well. Good brain food includes oily fish, nuts, blueberries and avocados (among many others). A healthy balanced diet is incredibly important for all sorts, including memory, brain function and immunity. Get enough sleep, and plan in some active time to keep fit. Oxygen also helps your memory and concentration, so take a break and get some fresh air, even if it’s a quick walk. Many people have their best ideas away from their desk, so if you’re really stuck for words just get outside and run around the park.
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