Top 7 Study Tips for First Year College Students

How to Succeed in College

It is a significant milestone for every student to step into college. Much more than a change in study level, the experience is accompanied by multiplying responsibilities. Now the question arises – how to make yourself successful in college? Is there any way to get good results in studies, stay away from stress and lay a strong foundation for your career?

1. Understand the difference between studying and just reading

Often students think that reading a book is studying, but real studying happens when you understand the information, think about it and repeat it.

For example, suppose you read a chapter, but forgot it all after a week. The reason for this is that you just read it, did not understand it deeply.

1. Learn to study well

You can adopt these methods for good studies:

• Ask yourself questions and try to answer them
• Make notes
• Understand the subject visually by making charts, maps or diagrams
• Explain to your friends on the topics learned in class

2. Avoid last minute studies

Many students study on the last day and think that they will pass. You may pass some times, but this method will only harm you in the long run.

If you really want to learn something, then start preparing on time. Give priority to day-to-day studies and do not leave any subject for the last moment.

You can make a study plan in which it is decided for each day what to study, for how long to study and when to revise.

3. Find your own way of studying

Every student has a different learning style. Some study alone, some study in groups. Some study by making notes, while some like to listen to audio.

That is why it is important that you find your own way. Try different methods for a few days and then adopt the one that works best for you.

For example:

• If you understand better by listening, then listen to audio lectures
• If you remember by repeating again and again, then make flash cards
• If you remember something by connecting it to a story, then give the topic the form of a story

4. Adopt the study cycle

The study cycle is a method by which you can study in a phased manner and understand it in a better way.

It has four main steps:

1. First: Look at the topic once before the class
2. Second: Understand carefully in the class and make notes
3. Third: After the class, revise the topic studied the same day
4. Fourth: Read it again at the end of the week and test yourself

This will strengthen your grip on any subject.

5. Keep the study time short but effective

It is very difficult to sit and study for 4-5 hours at a stretch and it also causes fatigue.

Instead, keep a study session of 40-45 minutes, then take a short break of 10-15 minutes. This helps in maintaining concentration and also improves understanding.

This will not only help you study for longer periods of time but will also help you understand the topics in depth.

6. Do not be afraid of problems, consider them an opportunity to learn

Many times while studying, such questions or topics come up which you do not understand. In such a situation, there is no need to panic or get irritated.

Make these difficult questions a means of learning. Catch the topic which you get wrong repeatedly and practice it again and again.

This is the process which will strengthen your grip.

7. Study by making yourself a teacher

When you explain a subject to someone else, you also understand it deeply yourself.

An explanation of your class could repeat the topics gone over. Explain your own logic behind why something is correct, and how you came to that decision.

This method also increases your thinking ability and gives you confidence.

8. Be active in class and ask questions

Just sitting and being quiet in class is not enough. Ask the professor questions on the topic that you do not understand.

This will not only clear your doubts, but the professor will also get an idea of ​​your dedication. Apart from this, your participation in class will also increase.

9. Do everything on time

The habit of being late in college often causes harm. Assignments, projects and presentations – it is important to do everything on time.

For this, you can make a planner or calendar in which you note the deadline of every work. This will ensure that you do not forget things and will be able to complete them on time.

10. Take care of health

Health is also important along with studies. If you are not getting enough sleep or are not eating food on time, then you will not feel like studying.

Take 7-8 hours of sleep every day, eat nutritious food and also take out time for some exercise or walk.

11. Be self-dependent but don’t be afraid to take help

College means taking your own decisions and being responsible. But that doesn’t mean you won’t take help from anyone.

If a subject seems difficult, ask for help from friends, professors or seniors. This will solve your problem and also give you new information.

12. Stop comparing yourself

Every student has a different speed. Some learn quickly, some slowly. But that doesn’t mean you are weak.

Compare yourself to your old self. Are you getting better than before? If yes, then you are on the right track.

Conclusion

Success in college and life is not achieved overnight. It is a process in which you move forward by learning a little bit every day, improving yourself. If you use your time properly, study wisely and maintain patience – then there is no reason to be late that you cannot become a successful college student. Start today, believe in yourself, and keep moving forward towards your goals. Success will surely kiss your feet.