Happy 2020!

Want to enhance your study strategies this term? Try committing to these three resolutions.

 

1. Structure your time and build a study routine

Start this term off with a new study routine. Establishing a routine is a great way of staying on top of your studying and avoiding procrastination. 

To set up a routine:

• Look for gaps between your classes and plan regular study sessions within those times each week. 
• Assign yourself particular activities for each study session, such as reviewing your course readings or completing practice problems. 
• Save yourself time and maximize your study sessions by sticking with a regular and convenient study location for each session.

To get started, try creating a weekly schedule using this document. A schedule can also give you a record that you can use to evaluate and tweak your routine regularly. Keep in mind that even though you may not follow your routine exactly every day, you are likely to get much more done with a routine than without it.

 

2. Build a monthly schedule for the semester

Go through your course outlines and add all your quizzes, exams, and deadlines for assignments to your monthly calendar. Then work backwards!

Draw lines backwards from when things are due so you know when to start, and when you’ll have busy times during the semester. If you like this strategy and want to learn more about it, read our blog post about scheduling!

 

3. Make time to review

Don’t wait to study until the day or week before the exam. Start your studying in the first week of the semester!

Look at the slides or the reading the day before you go to class. Then, do a quick review of your notes after class and a longer review at the end of the week.

Regular review helps to keep course material fresh in your mind all semester!

 

Bonus tip:

For more advice about study strategies, book an appointment for academic support at the Student Success Centre.

Academic Development Specialists and Academic Strategists have tips for students at all levels. Go to success.ucalgary.ca, select Academic Support, and pick an appointment time that works for you.