Studying
Essentials
FUNDAMENTALS OF STUDYING
1. Try to connect what you are learning to your life. Try to establish a good reason or set of
reasons for you to learn what you are studying.
2. Set specific long-term and short-term goals.
Short-term: Spend 2 hours this week in the Writing Center to work on rough draft for
English class.
Long-term: Complete ENGL 101 with a minimum of a B.
3. Break up an assignment or study period into smaller segments (e.g. 50 minutes of study / 10
minute break). Reward yourself during your breaks (10 minute phone call to a friend; 10
minutes of Facebook).
4. Know when and where to effectively study:
a. Study in environment free of televisions, stereos, phones, roommates (if they are noisy) use earplugs if necessary.
b. Library and/or study hall may be best place to avoid distractions and/or temptations.
c. Avoid studying in bed. Sit upright and ensure you have good lighting.
d. Study when you are most alert and energetic. Consider your energy levels and the
“type” of studying you must do (e.g. math problems or history reading).
e. Try to be consistent with your studying.
5. Rule of Thumb: 2 hours of study for every hour of class (e.g. 15 credit hours/week = 30
hours/week of studying). No magic formula – you must understand your own abilities and
the academic demands placed on you.
WHAT TO DO IN STUDY HALL WHEN
YOU DON’T HAVE ANYTHING TO DO….
1. Read over the notes you took in class.
 Refer to the text material for clarification of any notes you do not understand.
2. Read ahead in your textbook.
 Review your syllabus for required reading for the semester and read ahead.
 Take notes from what you read.
3. Create a study aid.
 Make an outline from your notes of just the main ideas.
 Make a timeline of important dates or the order of events.
 Make flashcards for studying vocabulary, events, or important dates.