How do I build more effective study strategies for university?

Are you struggling to find strategies that work best for you during your studies?

Are your friend's learning strategies not giving you higher grades?

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Don't worry! I got you. When I was studying at university, I found the following steps most effective in building up my own learning strategies. They helped me better understand course material and improved my grades.

There were so many new things to get to know, but looking back, understanding my own personality was significant. Knowing yourself better allows you to tailor your approach to match your unique strengths, weaknesses, and preferences, and it's ALWAYS a useful tool.

Consider experimenting with these things:

• Reflect on yourself by making notes about your likes and dislikes, and the most enjoyable ways for you to memorize new things.

• 100 student reflection questions can lead to self-discovery. Asking questions like, "What are my strengths and weaknesses?" will help you gather more information about your study needs.

As I discovered more about my personality during my studies, I felt the need to define both my short-term and long-term academic goals.

In my case, the short-term goals involved achieving better grades in business management. I planned to achieve this by creating flashcards and practicing for 10 minutes every day over the next 3 months.

Check out how to set and achieve SMART goals.

• Specific

• Measurable

• Achievable

• Relevant

• Time bound

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During my preparations for the exams in my second semester, as anxiety set in at the university, I had to realize that taking care of my mind was as important as pampering my body. So I can't emphasize this enough, but you actually NEED:

• A break from screens and social media. It refreshes your mind, helping you focus on what matters most to you.

• Brain games like crossword puzzles. Regular engagement in activities that challenge memory recall can contribute to better information retention during study sessions.

• Attendance at cultural events with your classmates like theatre performances, and art exhibits. It helps you recharge, positively impacting both your well-being and academic performance.

• Mindful meditation: It involves training the mind to focus on the present moment, enhancing concentration and attention, which are crucial for effective studying.

• Develop a weekly schedule that includes dedicated time for classes, study sessions, and other commitments. Use a free digital planner app like Google Calendar or ClickUp.

• Use different resources like attending workshops or joining study groups for inspiration and guidance.

• Recognize the importance of breaks and adequate sleep. For instance, follow the Pomodoro Technique. Study for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break.

Remember, effective learning strategies are often unique to each person. It's crucial to experiment with different techniques and customize your approach based on what works best for YOU.