Helpful Tips to Make Studying Easier

I'm in my second year of college right now and this semester has been crazy when it comes to tests. In my one class alone (Networking 1), we have two tests every week. For the other people that are still in school, you know that studying is a major part of any class. Some people, like me for example, have a hard time doing it.

First of all, how does one study? For me, it depends on the class. If it is a math class, I usually do practice problems. Both of the English courses I have taken in college so far have not had any tests, and other classes I usually just read the material, sometimes many times over.

Seems simple. Well it can be, and it can also be a pain. Beginning the studying process for me, happens hours before I even pick up a book. If I know a test is coming up I usually study the day before the exam to make sure the material is fresh in my mind when I take it. When I wake up the day when I study, I already know when I get home from classes I am going to have to review the material. I do dread it, but this gets me prepared.

Let's say I'm studying for one of my Networking tests.

The day before the exam, I get home from class and if I haven't gotten something to eat, I eat lunch. Having a full stomach helps me a lot to focus on whatever I am reading. Me trying to study before a meal is like the sun not coming up in the morning; it's not going to happen.

For my networking class, the "book" is on a website. So after I am done eating, I first grab my water bottle, and head upstairs to my computer. The first thing I do is simply read the chapter. At the end there is a practice quiz. I take that and see what I need to review. Sometimes after I take the practice quiz I will read the chapter again. Going through something for a second time completely helps you pick up on things you didn't get the first time.

Either after or during this process I will have my notebook with me and take notes on the chapter. Writing down major ideas from the material will help you remember them for later. In addition to this, I am able to look over my notes briefly before a class or while I am eating breakfast to help refresh the information.