Helpful Tips to Make Studying Easier

I'm in my second year of college right now and this semester has been crazy when it comes to tests. In my one class alone (Networking 1), we have two tests every week. For the other people that are still in school, you know that studying is a major part of any class. Some people, like me for example, have a hard time doing it.

First of all, how does one study? For me, it depends on the class. If it is a math class, I usually do practice problems. Both of the English courses I have taken in college so far have not had any tests, and other classes I usually just read the material, sometimes many times over.

Seems simple. Well it can be, and it can also be a pain. Beginning the studying process for me, happens hours before I even pick up a book. If I know a test is coming up I usually study the day before the exam to make sure the material is fresh in my mind when I take it. When I wake up the day when I study, I already know when I get home from classes I am going to have to review the material. I do dread it, but this gets me prepared.

Let's say I'm studying for one of my Networking tests.

The day before the exam, I get home from class and if I haven't gotten something to eat, I eat lunch. Having a full stomach helps me a lot to focus on whatever I am reading. Me trying to study before a meal is like the sun not coming up in the morning; it's not going to happen.

For my networking class, the "book" is on a website. So after I am done eating, I first grab my water bottle, and head upstairs to my computer. The first thing I do is simply read the chapter. At the end there is a practice quiz. I take that and see what I need to review. Sometimes after I take the practice quiz I will read the chapter again. Going through something for a second time completely helps you pick up on things you didn't get the first time.

Either after or during this process I will have my notebook with me and take notes on the chapter. Writing down major ideas from the material will help you remember them for later. In addition to this, I am able to look over my notes briefly before a class or while I am eating breakfast to help refresh the information.

I said earlier that I grab my water bottle before I study. This is for several reasons, including the obvious that I will get thirsty and need a drink. Also, when I study I take breaks. For example, I would get to a certain part in the chapter and decide to take a quick break, like checking something online or going downstairs for something. If I have my water bottle up with me then that is one less distraction. I won't say to myself that I need to go and get a drink because I have it right there. Having some snacks with you helps as well, and you should go to the bathroom before you start studying.

Math on the other hand is a hundred times easier; at least I think it is. For two out of the three math classes I have taken in college, the homework would be due the day of the test. The day before the test, my way of studying would simply be to do the homework. Since the math exam would an assortment of problems from the assignments, doing the homework is like a practice test. Doing it the day before does seem like waiting until the last minute, but it really helps you to remember the material for the test. Once you finish your homework, if you feel like you need more practice, take some other problems from the book and do those as well.

The main part when studying is to avoid distractions. Having a nice quiet room, water near and a full stomach help me in preparing for tests. If a friend asks if you want to do something, you have to say no. After the conversation, get right back in to where you left off.

Reading the material a couple times and taking notes also is extremely helpful. Combine all of these things and you should be able to study much easier.