Conquering College: Pro Tips from an 18-Credit Hour Student
Feeling overwhelmed by a mountain of textbooks and a seemingly endless class load? Fear not, fellow academic weapons! As a seasoned 18-credit hour student, I'm here to share tried and true strategies that have kept me focused, studious, and (dare I say) thriving.
Harness the Pomodoro Power: This is not just a random thing you learn for student success – it's a study technique that will change your life. Through 25 minutes of focused studying, followed by a well-deserved 5-minute break. This method keeps your mind sharp, prevents endless procrastination, and even allows for guilt-free social media scrolling during breaks.
Befriend the Study Room: Library study rooms are your best friend. Think of them as your academic sanctuaries, offering a quiet, high Wi-Fi working area to have laser focus on the material. It’s more than just a room! Utilize whiteboards for brainstorming sessions, and most have group study rooms to have a study party with your closest (or smartest) friends! Pro tip: Study buddies are great, not only for accountability; but it’s proven that explaining concepts and ideas to someone else can help consecrate them in your mind!
Active Recall = Acing Your Test: Let go of the mindless reading and re-reading! Start actively summarizing key points in your own words to test your knowledge and create flashcards. This engages your brain on a deeper level, boosting long-term memory and making those exams feel like a breeze.
Beyond the Basics: Learn How to Learn
Remember, everyone learns differently. Here are some different ways people learn, find yours to make your studying personalized:
Visual Learners: Utilize diagrams, venn diagrams and even flowcharts to organize information and boost comprehension.
Auditory Learners: Record lectures or listen to the textbook through different online platforms to listen to while commuting or exercising.
Kinesthetic Learners: Write out notecards, act out concepts, or try explaining ideas and notes to someone around you.
Remember, you are not alone in this academic quest. Take advantage of your campus resources like tutoring services, writing centers, and professor office hours. Don't be afraid to ask for help – professors and teachers want to see you succeed! And finally, prioritize self care. Get enough sleep, eat healthy foods, and don't forget to schedule brain breaks from learning and breaks for fun. With these tips and a warrior mindset, you can overcome any academic challenge and see a victory!
Edited by: Yaejun Myung