Good study habits are time savers. Have you ever studied for several hours and still failed your test? It happens. Becoming efficient at studying takes time and practice. The important thing is to make connections with your textbook, your class notes, your own experiences, and your instructor.

Study Tips

1. Study in chunks: 20-40 minute intervals followed by a 5-10 minute break. Do something different, and then back to your studies.
2. Realize that every hour of study during the day is worth two at night. Students with families often find it especially hard to schedule time to study. Try to find daylight hours when you can spend time alone. Review before you go to sleep at night - let your subconscious do its job.
3. Rank your classes. Spend the most time on the most challenging classes. When you study, do the work that requires the most concentration first.
4. Ask yourself questions. Review your notes regularly; restate key concepts.
5. Get in a regular study group. Study groups are a good way to clarify and reinforce what you learn...provided you're actually studying!

Study Space

At home it is important to create a space that you return to each time you study. When you sit at this space it should speak to you, "Okay, I see it is time to study!" This means having a clean, well-organized place that has the supplies you'll need to study. Your bed is probably not that place since you're most likely to associate it with sleep.