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Ten great Study Tips

The following ten study tips can help you achieve better results, let us know what your best tips are, leave a comment!
  1. Establish a routine: `create study hours`
    There are so many great things you can do as an international student, often much more interesting than study. So to be successful you will have to establish a study routine. Plan your study hours, set aside a particular time each day for study and stick to it.
  2. Create a study environment
    This can be different for each student but most people would study best in a place away from interruptions and household noise, such as the television. Ensure there is adequate lighting and ventilation (oxygen helps keeping you awake) and a comfortable chair. Many students go to the library to study as it helps to see others concentrating and working hard.
  3. Plan ahead: work backwards from assignment dates and exams
    Plan ahead by working backwards from assignment dates and exams. If you know that your first assignment is due in two weeks, you can plan enough study time to finish your work in time. With a timetable you can plan to cover all your subjects in an organised way without becoming overwhelmed or running out of time.
  4. Stay fit: look after yourself: create happy hormones!
    Drink plenty of fluids, especially water, and eat healthy foods. Keep sugary foods to a minimum. Make sure you get enough sleep each night. Regular physical exercise creates endorphins, sometimes called the `happy hormones`. It is like a free drug, your body creates endorphins that make you feel great, boosts your energy and help you relax. True: you can get the same result by eating chocolate, but that is not very good for you and the effect does not last as long as after physical exercise!
  5. Reward yourself for studying
    Feeling guilty because you did not study enough is not great. It is much better to reward yourself after some hard core studying. Watch your favourite television program, spend time with your friends or go out to the movies.
  6. Have variety in your study program: work with friends
    Study different subjects each day. It may be an idea to study together with friends. Plan a coffee or tea break every hour and motivate each other to go back to work and do just that little bit extra. Do group work regularly and participate actively. It will be great for your English skills. Read articles one hour and write a report the next. It will keep you interested and alert.
  7. Avoid interrupting your concentration
    Some people can concentrate anywhere, but most of us are easily distracted. Be sure to have all the appropriate books and articles with you before you start a session of study to minimise distractions.
  8. Test yourself on what you have studied
    Ask your friends to quiz you on what you have learnt, use draft questions from books, past assessments or major exam papers. Go online at Kangaruni and ask other students in our forum!
  9. Don't panic at exam time
    If you have followed the tips above there should be no need to worry. You have done your best and now it is important to keep yourself calm, positive and confident. It will improve your results!
  10. Ask your teachers or fellow students for guidance
    Especially if you're having trouble understanding new concepts go to your teachers and ask for help. Another option is to ask a question in our forum and see if other students can help you out. I am sure many people will be happy to help!

 

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