Study Tips
Study from the start…
Time in College flies by between classes, continuous assessments, clubs and societies activities and the constant partying it’s May before you know it. The best thing you can do for yourself right now is start studying! I’m not talking endless hours in the library (leave that for the April Panic), you are here to learn so make it easy for yourself. Here are some tips to make your life easier when it comes to exams;
- Allow 20min for each lecture you attend to rewrite your notes each week. It may not take this long but it’s the best way of double checking you didn’t miss anything, looking up anything you didn’t understand and to translate your own shorthand, though your messy notes make sense when you take them by summer you may not remember what your shorthand means.
- Always start with the subject you find most difficult, you will be more motivated to move onto the material you enjoy. If you are falling behind in a subject get a grind or ask a classmate to study with you.
- Compare notes with your classmates, they may have picked up on something you didn’t or have a different way of looking at things that may help you understand a concept. Group learning is the best way to learn and it’s also a great way to get to know your classmates.
- Go over past papers! The format of your exam will not change unless the lecturer tells you it will. If you can do the past papers you will be able to do the exam you are set. Practise makes perfect!
- Take a break! We learn best in 40-50 min segments. Taking short breaks is good for your brain but five hours of How I Met You Mother isn’t. Change your environment to relax, take a walk, make a cup of tea and avoid Facebook.
If you need any extra help you can get student tips off skillscentre.ucc.ie .
