Easy Study Tips!

Hello Teacups! c: Ever since I was in High school, I realised I had a true passion for something, and that something is STUDYING! call me crazy, but I love it so much, it really helps see my where my standards lie and I can't even explain the satisfaction of getting the grade you truly deserve after all of your hard work has been put in the line.

So, I will share some tips that has helped me achieved what I really wanted, and I really hope these tips help you out so much, first we'll discuss the things that you could do to help improve your knowledge, and the second part will be small tips, you'll see! (Note) These tips helped me gain the amazing grades, it all depends on the person and their style of studying, but you should try new things out anyway, maybe you'll enjoy the new technique better than the one you're using! (If you're even studying LOL)

1) Use Flashcards

As standard and cliché as this could be, It is an extremely helpful technique, and best of all? It works for it all! 

•          Formulas
•          Equations
•          Sequences
•          Mnemonics
•          etc.

There are different types of Flashcards, I prefer using the lined and plain sided card, and white cards rather than have them coloured, Where I write the question or information that I need to learn on the plain side, and on the opposite lined side, I write down the answer, definition. whatever! This is really good, simple, creative and unlimited! (unless you're on a budget XD)

2) Study Buddy

 

Unless you and your friend are gonna discuss the latest Netflix TV shows, etc. STUDY WITH A FRIEND! You can teach other things that you may not understand, you can quiz each other, and best of all, you can hold each other's phones etc. (Fewer distractions basically) Teaching someone a topic you studied is a great way for you to understand your strong and weak points, that way you can note down the things you have a hard time understand, and to double check them for better knowledge.

However, there are drawbacks to this technique that you should know, although a friend is good way to make sure your up to date with the topics, the different pacing has a huge effect on the way you study, for instance, a person who has already studied and knows the topic, may explain it in a way that you won't understand and a little complicated, this happened to me with my friend when we were studying Calculus 2's (annoying but fun) Integrals! 

3) Make Detailed Notes (that aren't too long)

 

For me, writing down the notes is one of the best steps of studying, you get the information and convert it in your own words, then transfer it to a piece of paper! (Yes I said your own words) if you are copying directly from a textbook, or the internet! no no no, you're doing it all wrong (Unless it's a math problem) The whole point of writing notes, is to help you understand the information in your own way, so why copy something directly? think of it as Plagiarism. 

Tips for notes:

•  Use Individual notebooks for each subject

•  Use black ink and your favourite colour ink for writing down the notes (it seriously helps)

•  Don't restrict yourself from copying small information here and there (don't over do it completely)

•  Take notes write after you finish class, to make it easier for you later on 

4) Make a list!

Once you have reviewed your topics, Write down the things you need to learn from that subject, and tick them off once they are completed. Many schools and universities already offer these lists (or guidelines as they like to call them) you can follow that, or make your own. Basically re-write it, decorate it if you must and hang it somewhere where you can see, or inside your binder or folder for that subject. Make sure to check it quite often. 

5) Assemble your own study schedule

This may take a few tries here and there, and definitely should be done after you start your semester, just so you can see how your days go and can make an accurate prediction of how much time to spend studying in a week, 

You can even make it for a daily use (if you have very little subjects) or a weekly schedule (ideal) or even a monthly calendar (I hopefully will make a detailed blog about this c:) 

•  Divide your studying equally

•  Make sure to study each subject at least once a week

•  Frequently check your schedule 

•  Stick with your schedule, or make certain alterations if you are not comfortable with it

•  Worst case scenario: Make up for that study period if you missed it (due to you being busy etc.)

6) Study Breaks

Fun fact: If your phone is actually absent from your presence, you tend to think about it more, so when you study leave your phone, just avoid using it too much, If you go like "I CAN'T", well actually you can, you just don't want to think you can.

Give yourself a few study breaks here and there, 15 to 20 minutes worth of relaxing is ideal for many cases, rather than go a full two hours working, you need to rest a little bit. In-between study sessions, if you don't have anything to do, go and take a nap! It helps the information remain in your mind for long-terms uses.

 For instance: If you will study for 3 hours a day, break it down to 45 minutes, and take 15 minutes or so for a break, then go back to studying for 45, break for 15, till you finish that 3 hour mark!

7) Turn it into a game

The Bloody F? Well, this may not work for all the subjects, but one where you tend to memorise things a lot, and it gets so irritating, flashcards are good, but you have to look through each one and one gets lost! ugh, what can you do?

think of it as a video game, take papers or a notebook, place 3 or 4 things to do in each page, like answer a question, or connect the correct definitions, or fill in the missing blanks! be creative! try to vary each page to make them unique, and pretend like each page is a level LOL, I know this sounds stupid, but the more imaginative you can be, the better! it seriously motivates you to study, I only did this twice, for history and chemistry, right now i'm not taking any memory subjects so I can't really use it all that well, but maybe you can!

Here a few ideas to put in:

•  Fill In The Blanks

•  Re Write the Correct Word

•  Re-arrange the following sentences 

•  Connect the dots with each corresponding phrase

•  Answering Questions

•  Multiple Choices

8) Create a Study Space!

When doing so, you're allowing yourself to fully commit to the place you want to study in, making it comfortable and cozy, whether it's your desk, floor, dining table, kitchen! Wherever you find the most relaxing, lay down a blanket, with fluffy cushions and light up a scented candle. Wonders!

Top it off with a comfortable pyjama and all the supplies next to you (including snacks!) you'll feel more than comforted with the outcome! I don't actually do this anymore because of the following reason:

9) Alternatively, Go Out and Study

Yes, I pretty much prefer going out and studying rather than stay at home, it just makes me feel a little bit more concentrated and minimises the distractions for me (what? many people are coming in and out, how are you not distracted?) actually, Looking at people coming in and out of the café or whatever, it actually allows your brain to kind of get used to it and then it'll become a part of your study environment

Where can I study?

•  Library (best option, however in Kuwait, we don't have study libraries so .. aww)

•  Any welcoming Café

•  Park 

•  Someone Else's House (What a waste? You have the motivation a lot more TRY IT)

10) Vlog about topics, then watch them later!

Ok, this is a interesting one, you can study the topic, then record yourself explaining it to yourself (no one will watch!) and you can wait a few weeks till your exams start then watch them to help you regain that memory! What do you need? A Camera! (you can use your phone, or laptop) 

This method is a lot more effective than writing notes and reading them, don't get me wrong! Notes are amazing! except they are time consuming, especially if you're gonna re write them for your own benefit, videos just make life much easier, and you can ask yourself the questions in the videos, solve them, then check the answer, OR! Try a Draw My Life technique, although this is definitely time consuming, so i don't really recommend it, but if you can think of something along those lines then by all means do.

This seriously helps your memory and you should definitely give it a shot! 

And now, I'll talk about the little tips you should follow, they are not as detailed as the major ones, but still a few good facts to know.

1) Don't Fret on minimising distractions:

They're only time consuming, and you can easily go somewhere else that don't have those distractions, like i've mentioned before, a library or a coffeeshop.

2) Drink Plenty of Water

Drinking water not only is good for studying, but is good for your body too! drink water before, during and after you've studied!

3) Take Naps

Taking naps seriously improves your memory, a good 30 minute sleep between study sessions can boost up your knowledge.

4) Start Early

Don't procrastinate, it won't gain you any benefit at all! start fairly early, and divide your work evenly, and make sure you familiarise yourself with the subject before you go further, now I don't mean study everything the first week! just make sure you know what topics will be discussed so that you can check them out.

5) Stay Positive

Having a positive attitude towards studying really makes you interested, if you stay negative about it, it really won't get you anywhere, do work frequently and finish all assigned tasks on time (fancy for homework) and even if you say "Oh, I sure as heck won't get an A, or a B!" Stop that laziness! and do something about it!!!!

6) Give yourself a break

Yes, studying to some of us may be fun, while others find it a nuisance, still it's good to have a break like 2 days or so of not studying, you're rewarding yourself for putting on an effort, but if you hardly study, then these days are pointless.

7) Study for all your exams, quizzes etc.

If you're updated that you have a test coming up, don't panic! review the topics coming in the test. Start a week before the test, an hour worth of hard work every single day is an excellent way to start!

8) Reward yourself! 

If you seriously can't stand studying! finish a chapter or two from your subject, and watch a video, or eat your favourite snack, to kind of get the motivation rolling. 

9) Attend every class

It is legit the most annoying thing when someone asks me for my notes, so you shouldn't either! attend every class and in case you missed any, go to the professor to find out what you have missed.

10) Be Fully Committed!

By being fully committed, you're taking time and energy in studying you must make sure it's one of your top priorities, if you can't simply do that, why on earth are you even in School? Or University? (not saying you should drop out) but you're a student for a reason, it's your job to make sure you keep your standards high and get the very best grade you can.

I have recently received my grades, and I must say and I am pretty impressed with what I've done, and why is that? it's because of these tips ^ So it's time to give it a shot you guys!