5 College Study Tips
Vanderbilt is a great place but can be difficult at times, just like any other university. I am now a junior and have learned valuable study tips throughout my time at Vanderbilt. Here are my top 5 study tips for an incoming freshman:
- Get a planner. In high school, I wrote everything down on my phone but in college, that just doesn’t cut it. Invest in a planner so you never forget when assignments are due and when you have to take an exam.
- Study with friends only after you feel like you know the material yourself. I have found study groups to be extremely beneficial because my friends always point out new material that I accidentally skipped over or do not know that well. However, study groups are only successful if everyone comes in with their own set of knowledge. If no one has studied on their own yet, study groups can just be a distraction.
- You don’t have to study in the library. A lot of my friends feel like they are only productive in the library. While they may be more productive in the library, that does not mean that it is the only place that they should study. It is very difficult to stay in the same place all day long so I recommend trying to review notes in a coffee shop, your room, or somewhere else for a change of scenery when you feel burnt out.
- Go to office hours. My dad told me that professors like when you come into their office hours and are very willing to help. I didn’t believe him until I tried it out but he was definitely right! There is no sense in struggling with difficult concepts when your professors are there to help you during office hours.
- Don’t be afraid to take a break. College can be a very stressful time. Of course, you should study hard, but don’t make yourself more stressed than you need to be! No one can study for 12 hours straight and be productive so take breaks when you need them!