Skip to main content.

Study Smart

College courses require a lot of reading and research, and they involve challenging assignments. If your school offers classes or workshops on study skills or test taking, enroll in them.

As a general rule, 2 to 3 hours of studying and assigning completion will be required for every hour of enrolled coursework.

Study in your own “quiet place”

  • Locate a quiet, well-lit space where all you can do is study
  • Locate a quiet section such as the library, a residence study hall lounge, or an unoccupied classroom
  • Consider off- campus locations such as public libraries or coffee shops
  • The worst place to study is in your dorm room

Complete all assignments early

  • When you complete your assignments early, you have the time for editing and improvements, and discuss it with your professor if you have any questions.

Study according to your body clock

  • Are you a morning or night person?
  • Make sure to study during your body’s most alert state

Study the “worst first”

  • Study your least favorite topic first when you are most alert and unrushed at the beginning of your study session

from Farber, Alan. Getting the Most out of College. Ohio. Woodburn Press. 2012. Print.

Back to top of screen