Starting university can be overwhelming, but you can excel with study strategies that work best for you! With some essential tips, first-year students can learn how to manage their studies effectively.

Active learning techniques

Actively engage with your coursework. This can be done through summarizing content in your own words, creating mind maps, or teaching the material to someone else.

Practicing retrieval can help strengthen your memory and understanding. You can regularly test yourself on course material through different mediums, such as flashcards, practice problems, and self-quizzes.

Time Management

Plan your study time by creating a study schedule. Divide your study time into chunks for different subjects and tasks while taking breaks. Remember, consistent short study sessions can often be more effective than cramming at the last minute.

Prioritize tasks by identifying the most important, difficult, or urgent tasks and focus on working on those first.

With tools such as a to-do list, a planner, a calendar, or notification reminders, keeping up with deadlines can be more organized and clear.

University Resources

There are many campus resources available to aid students. Course Study Halls can be helpful if you want to study alone but have peers and leaders available for help. PASS, found through the Student Learning Center, can be a great place to have lectures or concepts further explained or reiterated by upperclassmen. With a wide variety outside of these examples, many resources are open for students to further their understanding of the material and their studying material.

Utilize professor and teacher assistant office hours to gain clarification, a deeper understanding of course material, and any additional insight or advice they can provide regarding assessments or projects.

Note-taking skills

Notes are the backbone of studying. Using note-taking techniques like the Cornell method or even rewriting your lecture notes after class, you can elevate your notes and make them more efficient.

Regularly review your notes so you don't forget what you’re learning. Ideally, 24 to a few hours before your lectures, reading over your notes can solidify prior knowledge, allowing you to go into your lectures prepared and refreshed. Consistent review can reinforce learning and retention.