Helpful Homework Tips for College Students

Any college student will tell you that the only downside to learning is the homework. Sometimes the homework can get overwhelming, to the point that you stress out and don't do it to your full potential. I am in my second year, and I have learned with trial in error the main points that can and will help make doing your homework a lot easier, and will help with your grade too.

First and foremost, organization is essential. Organize all your papers for one class in one folder, and have separate folders for each class. There are also folder books that have six or more folders in one, these work just as well. This will help in having all your important papers together, and will not cause you to mix up or loose any of them. When you keep them separate you also can gain access to them easier during class and you don't have to go through eight classes worth of papers. Organize your notebooks, as well as folders have a separate notebook for each class, for the same reasons as folders.

Have a student planner, or date book. This is helpful because you can write down your assignments and when they are due, so you will never forget. Keep this organized as well, and make sure to review it several times a day to remind you of what you have to do. Make sure that when your teacher tells you that something is due, write it down immediately, college professors don't like repeating themselves, and they don't feel that adults need it written down on the board either.

If a teacher gives you an assignment and you don't understand it, ask questions until you do. Teachers are there to teach, but also are there to help you understand the material. If you don't feel comfortable asking in front of the rest of the class, stay after, or email him/her. This can be the most important thing you can do because you will grasp the concept much more and will be able to easily do the assignment. If you have a problem WHILE you're doing your assignment, call him. Most professors will give you their number just for this exact reason.

Take notes, and lots of them. During class teachers will lecture and sometimes have a slide, projection or movie of notes. Not only copy the notes she/he has, but also take notes on what the teacher says. Most times there will be points that won't be in the notes, which the teacher explains in depth. Keep your notes organized and neat. I don't know how many times I went back to check something and I couldn't even read my only writing. Slow down when you take them, if you can't write fast enough, tell your teacher.

Bring a recorder to class, if you want to go back on the lecture. I have done this with many of my classes because you can go back to the class discussion as well, and listen to the points made. It is also easier to have a recorder, and then take notes on your own time, so you write them proficiently.

Read your book, and read it twice. I know it high school you could get away with not reading your assigned reading, but I have also learned that in college, it is a dumb idea. If you don't read it, you will miss key points not lectured in class, causing you to basically miss out. Another good idea is to take notes while you read too, so the information is taken down right away. This is a good thing to do if your teacher likes to give you pop quizzes.

A major question is, when should I start studying for a test? The answer is this: as soon as there is something to study. Let's say you start a new chapter on Monday, start studying on Monday. Look over the notes you took, or read the pages of the chapter you read. Don't wait until the night before; the information doesn't have enough time to sink into your memory otherwise. Don't make the excuse that you don't have time because you only need 10-15 minutes to do this.

Ask for help from another student, teacher or tutor. You can't get an answer right on your homework if you don't understand it. Also, don't tell yourself it won't hurt you to get one or two wrong, because on a test it will. A lot of teachers will take their test questions off of the previous assignments.

The final and probably the most important thing to remember is to manage your time. Allow time every night to study all of the days work, and review the lesson. You need to be able to finish all your homework on time, and still have more time for other classes, and for studying. Good organization skills and good time management skills are essential when going to college.

Use post it notes religiously. If you need to remember something important, write it down on a post it note, and stick the post it note where it will be seen later. This is easy because they are mobile, and will stick to whatever you stick them too. I like to stick post it notes on my book that I have an assignment in that night, so when I empty my school bag it is right there. Make sure you buy bright post it notes, so they are easily seen.

All of these things have helped me in getting good grades, before these I would struggle. I may look like a teacher's pet or an overachiever but I am the one who walks away with the good grades. You have to have an upbeat attitude about your school work because it is human nature not to do well in this you don't like. Make learning fun, and enjoy what you have to do to learn the material properly.