Do's and Don'ts of Studying

Graphic by Alaina Burris

It seems like just yesterday, we were all taking down our Christmas decorations and unpacking from our month and a half long vacations. The second semester seemed to go by in the blink of an eye. 

We are almost done, but first, we have to take our final tests, present our final presentations and do our final labs. The dreaded finals week is upon us. Some of us may have mastered the craft of finding the best way to study, while most of us still haven’t figured it out just yet. 

If you fall under the category of “most of us,” these studying don't and don’ts, will help you leave this school year on a little bit of a better note. 

1. Don’t Study In Bed

Studying in your bed is a disaster waiting to happen. Your bed is supposed to be a place your mind gets to relax. If you study while laying in your bed you will do one of two things, fall asleep or not retain anything. Try studying in one of the many study rooms, or your living room instead. 

2. Do Study Beforehand

Studying beforehand can prepare you more than if you were to study the night before. Studying the night before will only help you so much. If you study days in advance you can go over much more material. 

3. Don’t Have A Bad Studying Environment 

Surround yourself in a quiet place with limited distractions. This will help you limit your time that you spend thinking about other things. Try not to turn on the TV, that will distract you. If you need some kind of noise, try a fan. 

4. Do Organize  

Try organizing everything you need to do. Creating an outline can be helpful for some people. Making a to-do list is also a great way to keep motivating yourself to do work. 

5. Do Practice Self Care 

Take care of your body. Eat a good diner the night before, as well as breakfast the day of. Go to sleep at a reasonable time. If you are tired you won't do as well.  

We are so close to the end, don't give up now. These ways of studying can help you on tests throughout the year as well, not only on finals. Helping you overall achieve your academic goals year-round.