A good start is half the battle. With SURFspot’s study tips, you can prepare yourself as best as possible for what’s ahead. Whether you’re writing an essay or thesis or studying for an exam, our study tips will help you get off to a good start.
Make a study plan
- Studying efficiently and quickly almost always starts with making a plan. When planning, it’s not about working more hours, but rather about using those hours more efficiently. It’s important to write down what, where, and when you’re going to study. Break your study tasks down into smaller tasks. These smaller tasks each consist of specific chapters, x number of words, or x number of pages and must be completed by a certain deadline. A study schedule is tailored specifically to you. So it’s important to know how much information you can absorb in a single day. Is a schedule that involves reading more than 400 pages in one day feasible for you? Probably not—just like for many others. So, when creating a schedule, make sure you don’t plan too much material for a single day or hour. You also need to take other factors into account. How much free time do you have each day, and can you devote that time to your studies?
Ensure 100% Concentration
- It’s essential to be 100% focused while studying. That’s easier said than done. However, there are a few tips you can use to minimize distractions. Studying for hours on end isn’t an option. Make sure to take a short 10-minute break after studying for about 45 minutes. This helps you stay sharp and absorb information much more effectively. It’s also important to minimize the number of potential distractions as much as possible. So turn off your phone, make sure your room is tidy, have plenty of food and drinks on hand, and ensure you won’t be disturbed.
Make a summary
- The power of repetition is key to remembering study material. Making a summary can be helpful in this regard to really commit the material to memory. This is because summarizing helps you distinguish between main points and secondary details. You delve deeper into the material yourself and determine what’s important to remember. Summarizing also allows you to check whether you truly understand the content of the text. Want to learn more about how to write a good summary? Check out the tips at Stuvia.nl.
Make sure to get enough rest
- The final stretch is the hardest, so many people still choose to pull an all-nighter. It’s tempting, of course, to quickly absorb all the information at the last minute. However, research has shown that getting a good night’s sleep before the big moment is a much better way to prepare. Sleep is essential for memory and for processing and retaining new information. For example, a 2007 study by St. Lawrence University (U.S.) found that two-thirds of students who pulled an all-nighter received lower grades.
