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As a new semester ramps back up, students are settling into a routine filled with lectures, clinical and studying. Pursuing your program of study requires hard work. To make it across the stage at graduation, students pour lots of determination and sacrifice into their schooling. Knowing how to study is a large part of successfully making it through your program. Baptist Health College Little Rock has 10 study hacks every student should know to help them through their program. Use these hacks and get the most out of your study time. 

1. Review content every day.

At the end of the day, take an hour or 30 minutes to review the content you learned. Don’t wait until the days leading up to an exam to cram information. Set aside time to look over your notes and re-read material. As you review, take into consideration the content you had a difficult time understanding. Make this a priority in your daily study time to ensure you understand it leading up to the exam. 

2. Ask questions when you don’t understand. 

As you review content, seek help and clarification when you don’t understand a concept. Utilize your faculty and their office hours to ask them your questions. Seek help from other peers as well. Collaborating with others can also help lead to understanding. Don’t be afraid to ask for help!

3. Know your learning style. 

Knowing your learning style will help you get the most out of your studying. Capitalize on this so you can retain information. Do you learn better with flashcards or do you prefer to listen to audio from lectures? If you are a verbal learner, reviewing content with a group might be the best option for you. Look for ways that meet your learning needs. 

4. Block out your calendar. 

Treat studying like a job. Block out time in your schedule that is dedicated to studying. Avoid planning activities with friends or family so you can focus on knowing your content. As exam day draws near, you will need extra time in your schedule to study. Be sure to plan accordingly so you can devote adequate time to understanding content. 

5. Stay organized and ahead of the game. 

Look at your syllabus and write down all of your exams and assignments. Put this in your calendar because this will help you prepare and plan out when you need to study. Deadlines approach quickly, so manage your time well and give yourself enough time to study content and complete assignments without stress before test day. 

6. Find a study space. 

Create a space in your home where you can focus and concentrate well. This space will need a comfortable place to sit with good lighting. We recommend having a desk so you can have a place to spread out your books, assignments, notes and computer. Consider changing up your study space every once in a while. Maybe visit a coffee shop or outdoor location for a change in scenery during your study time. 

7. Be undistracted.

There are many distractions all around you that can prevent you from getting the most out of your study time. We recommend turning your phone on “do not disturb” and placing it outside of the room so you are not tempted to reach for it. Stay focused on the task at hand and check your phone periodically. If you live with others, they can also be a distraction. Find a quiet place to study and let them know that you are unavailable for a few hours so hopefully you can study without interruptions. 

8. Take breaks. 

No one likes staying stationary for hours on end. Taking breaks while studying can increase your productivity and help you reset so you can retain information. After a few hours, take a 5 to 30 minute break to reset and refocus. Consider going for a walk, stretching, eating a snack, running an errand or watching an episode of your favorite TV show to help you relax. 

9. Fuel your brain. 

While studying, avoid eating processed foods like chips, cookies and sweets. Instead, choose snacks that are whole foods like fruit, nuts, cheese sticks or dark chocolate if you are needing something sweet.

10. Find a good study group. 

As you prepare for exams, finding a good study group is another way to get the most out of your study time. Reviewing content with others allows you to test your knowledge, ask questions and solidify your understanding. Make sure these groups are productive, try to refrain from discussing matters outside of the content you are reviewing. Did you know Baptist Health College Little Rock has study rooms on campus? You can reserve a room for group study sessions through the Business Office.