Study Skills

You may need some help in reaching some of the goals you have set. Study skills, test taking strategies, time management, and ways of dealing with stress are the areas dealt with on this page.

Seven Tips to Improve Your Homework and Study Habits

1. Feed your brain!

There is a direct link bewtween what you eat and the performance of your brain. so skip sodas that are full of sugar and avoid snacks that contain saturated fat. Instead, snack on fruit and vegetables and choose foods that are high in protein like eggs, fish or yogurt.

2. Use mind maps

Drawing mind maps is a good way to structure all the information in your brain.

3. Tell a friend

Maybe the history of the Cold War isn't the first thing you want to talk about with a firend, but it can help you memorize and remember key facts and ideas. Make a habit of telling a friend or family member everything you know about the topic you are studying. You will find that learning by telling makes it easier to remeber all the details.

4. Get enough sleep

Relaxing before bedtime and getting enough sleep is what your brain needs to recharge for the next day. Try not to study too late in the evening. Make a study plan and organize your time so you can reward yourself for all your hard work by doing something relaxing before bed time. It's important to switch off and reach a restful stae of mind before you go to bed.

5. Keep your desk tidy

Studying in a cluttered space is less than ideal for concentration so before you even sit down to study, clear your desk and organize your work space.

6. Books to the left, notes to the right

When you study, make sure that you keep your books to your left and your notes to the right or in front of you. The left side of the brain processes linear information like reading texts. Anything to do with structuring information, like taking notes or thinking about anwers, happens in the right side of your brain. Left-handed? Then it works the other way around.

7. Make a study plan

Planning your work gives you a good overview of what and how much needs to be done. Make a schedule in which you first write down the obiligatory tasks and events in your day, like your studies, sports, and chores. Make one hour blocks and fill them in with the tasks you have to do. Remember to build in some margin, in case a task takes longer than expected. Don't forget to also include regular breaks so your study time is always 100% focused with few distractions.

Success with Studying and Note-Taking

Note-Taking Strategies - Resources from the Student Handbook at the University of Minnesota.
Study Skills Self-help Information - A comprehensive page from Virginia Tech dealing with many aspects of study skills.
Test Taking Tips.com - Great strategies from improving your test-taking skills.
Study Skills Inventory

Time Management and Stress Reduction

MindTools - A time management guide.
Time Scheduling Suggestions - More ideas from Virginia Tech on how to effectively schedule to help avoid being overwhelmed.

Additional Resources