Need advice on how to study well? Here are some tips from our Student Ambassadors based on what they’ve found helpful:

1. Start early.

Time management is one of the biggest obstacles college students face. Many students are juggling classwork, extracurricular activities, and part-time jobs, leaving little time to focus on studying. The best way to combat this is to start studying early, preferably at least a week before. Studying ahead of time gives you more time to absorb the material and saves you from cramming the night before.

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2. Keep a planner.

It’s easy to become overwhelmed when you’re swamped with homework, quizzes, essays, exams, and more. Using a planner to write down assignments and due dates is essential to guarantee that you don’t miss any deadlines. Planning out your schedule also allows you to block off time to study in order to hold yourself accountable when the time comes.

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3. Practice.

Doing practice problems is very effective for studying since you have to apply what you’ve learned to different situations. Practicing can be helpful for any subject, especially in math or science-based classes. Within Hawkes courses, there are plenty of practice questions and the option to create your own practice tests to ensure you know the material.

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4. Use flashcards.

Flashcards can be a handy tool for studying key terms, concepts, or events. The process of physically making the flashcards and then quizzing yourself with them helps to solidify the information. Colorful flashcards can be helpful for categorizing by subject, topic, or even time period to keep you organized.

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5. Find a study group.

Study groups can be a great resource, especially for a class you might struggle in. When you have other students to study with, you can share information and fill in any potential gaps in your notes. Study groups are great for collaborating on difficult assignments and to discuss confusing concepts when studying for an exam.

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6. Mix it up.

It’s good to find a default study space you can always go to for getting work done, but sometimes it can feel like you’re trapped if you stay in the same place for long periods of time. In situations like these, finding a new location to study can be a refreshing change. A park, a coffee shop, or even a different spot in the library can make for an energizing change of scenery to get you back in the right mindset.

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7. Reward yourself.

Studying for long periods of time often tires students out. One way to prevent this is to take a quick break and walk around or get a snack every now and then. On the other hand, it’s easy to get carried away with a break and quit altogether, so try to set a time limit or maximum number of breaks at the beginning of your study session to stay on track.

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8. Ask for help.

Never be afraid to ask for help! Your professors want to help you. Take advantage of their office hours so you can learn the material better and improve your relationships with them. Try to ask questions in class as well —chances are, someone else has the same question as you, so you’ll be helping them out too.

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Have another tip that you didn’t see on the list? Share it in the comments below!