While everyone studies differently, it can be useful to discover new study methods or implement small new tricks in your habits.
Studying properly starts by staying on top of your classes all semester long – not just in the first week and on revision week. Gradual learning is the most effective way to learn. Go to your classes, do your assigned readings and prepare your tutorials. You do not need to spend a lot of money buying textbooks: most books are in the library, so you can just pop there between classes and get these readings over with. Tutorial exercises are often similar to exam exercises, so you will get used to the format.
Outlines are a great way to clarify your thoughts. Just take one of your topics and mark down the most important points/sections concisely. When you are revising, simply make sure that you know everything on your outline. For an alternative format, use mind maps: start from the topic name and go as far as possible with what you remember, it will highlight how much you know. I use the app “Simple Mind,” (you can use it on mobile and on your computer).
While most people do them closer to exams, starting your flashcards early can be quite useful: even if you end up redoing them afterwards because it helps you memorize them quicker, you won’t lose time looking for information that is missing from your notes. You can simply buy a stack of cards and make them the “old-fashioned” way or make them online on Quizlet. With an account, you can access your flashcards everywhere, including on the mobile app. You might even find them already done by someone else.
Time-management apps can help you if you lack concentration. I use the Pomodoro Technique where a timer manages my time between work and shorter or longer breaks – and the Forest app where I kill a tree if I use my phone while working which is very dissuading.
Finally, just remember: do whatever works for you and it should be ok. Good luck!
By Sophie Dagens
