Study Tips

Midterms are quickly approaching and that means it’s time to hunker down and review what we’ve learned so far this semester. It can seem overwhelming, but studying doesn’t have to be difficult. Here are some tips to make studying for those exams a little easier:

1. Pick your perfect study space – Everyone studies differently, so everyone will have a different ideal environment for studying. While some may be perfectly fine studying in their dorm room, others may need a quieter or more isolated environment. The JCSU library has both individual and group study rooms that offer a quiet and comfortable place to study.
2. Choose the right snacks – Studying requires energy, and energy comes from food. But that doesn’t mean it’s time to buy all the chips you can carry from the bookstore and drink enough Red Bull to give you wings. Healthy snacks will give you that boost you need to stay awake and study efficiently. Consider “brain foods” like nuts, berries, apples, broccoli, and dark chocolate.
3. Get comfortable – But not too You want to be able to study long enough to retain the information you need, and that requires you to sit still for long periods of time. You may think studying in your bed is a good idea because but it only makes it easier for you to fall asleep while studying (it also makes it harder for you to get a good night’s sleep later).
4. Take detailed notes – This part is ongoing, and is one of the most important parts of studying. While reading from the textbook can be helpful, consolidating the information in your own words is the best way to learn. Take notes in class, and rewrite them after class to keep them organized. Get with a classmate and compare notes to make sure you have all of the information needed.
5. Don’t stress! – One of the most common college experiences is the dreaded all-nighter; studying through the night into the wee hours of the morning before catching a quick nap before your exam. While it may seem like studying right before the test is the best option, your brain actually needs rest at that point. Start studying now and continue every day until the exam, then review all of your notes the evening before your test. It’s best to turn in early and get a good night’s sleeps so your brain is well rested and ready to focus, making it much easier to recall the information during the test and saving you from a lot of stress.

And remember, studying doesn’t have to be boring. Get together with a group of friends and quiz each other, or reward yourself with a piece of candy every time you get an answer right. Good luck!