10 study life hacks to help you work smarter this semester

Studying is something that many college students hate doing. It's also important for doing well in school, so you can't avoid it altogether if you want to pass your courses.

Just know this: If you're a college student who dreads sitting down to study, you're not alone. The good news is that studying doesn't have to be like pulling teeth. With great study skills, you can learn to work smarter, not harder, this semester.

Here are ten study life tips you can try to make studying a breeze.

1: Don't wait until the last minute

It's normal to put off studying for something stressful or hard. Some studies estimate that more than 70 percent of college students will procrastinate, and about 20 percent will keep putting it off. That said, procrastination only makes studying more difficult.

If you leave studying until the last minute, you may have to review the material in a long, tedious study session or two. Not only is this distressing, but it also makes it harder for your brain to retain information.

Instead, try studying in short 20- to 30-minute sessions, with breaks between each session. If you start at least a week before your upcoming exam, that should be very manageable.

2: Classroom Questions

College students often forget that the process of learning and studying begins in the classroom. If you want to study more easily, later on, be sure to ask questions in class about any concepts you don't understand.

There is no shame in raising your hand and asking for clarification. That's what your professor is there for. Plus, when you study later, you don't have to try to find this information from other sources. Just make sure you take detailed notes so you can easily find all the details.

3: Stick to a study plan

It's always good to have a plan, and studying is no exception. Creating and sticking to a study schedule can help you hold yourself accountable and ensure that you can take the time to study all your courses.

Try designating a time in your day for studying, such as 6 pm to 8 pm each day. After you stick to it for a while, it will be easier to get into "study mode" and focus on the information.

4: Create and use pull-out cards

Sure, swatch cards may seem old school, but there's a reason they're such a popular learning tool. Looking at the front of a swatch card and trying to think of the answer on the back is a form of active recall. This means that your brain must remember the concept without reading or identifying it, just like on a multiple-choice test.

Why is this important? Using active recall while studying can increase retention rates by as much as 150%. In other words, using pull-out cards to study makes it easier to commit key ideas and concepts to memory. When you create your flashcards, the process of making them will also help you remember the information. If you don't like physical swatch cards, another option is to create or find digital swatch cards online.

5: Turn off notifications

One of the barriers to effective learning for modern college students is the constant stream of new notifications on their phones. You simply can't focus on your course material if you're constantly looking at your phone.

Each time you read a notification, it takes some time to refocus on your studies. Silencing your phone or turning it off completely while you study is the best way to do this. If that's not enough to keep you off your phone during your studies, you can always download an app that temporarily restricts your phone access to eliminate the temptation.

6: Join a study group

For any college student who struggles with procrastination, joining a study group may be the solution. Having a set time and place to meet with other students can provide some accountability and support so that you can take control of your learning.

Study groups are also great for working with complex material. As they say, "Two heads are better than one." You can share ideas, get some support, and compare notes.

You also have the opportunity to explain concepts to college students and hear their explanations. It may seem counterintuitive, but imparting information to others is a very effective way to learn and understand what you know. It's a win-win for everyone.

7: Quiz yourself on the material

If you want to improve your memory before the exam, then self-quizzing is your best bet. Testing your knowledge of course material can help you remember it longer and highlight gaps in your learning.

This is called the "test effect" and it is a powerful tool that you can apply to your next study session. Don't stress if you can't remember everything right away. This struggle will help you remember the ideas later.

8: Look for examples of each concept

Abstract concepts are rarely memorable, but concrete examples are. For example, if you are researching art history and learning about art movements, try to find a painting that represents each art period well (i.e. Picasso's Cubist Three Musicians).

Having a clear example in your mind will make it easier for you to remember the concepts when they appear on an exam or paper.

9: Make memo sheets

Abstract concepts are rarely memorable, but concrete examples are. For example, if you are studying art history and learning about art movements, try to find a painting that represents each art period well (i.e. Picasso's Cubist Three Musicians).

Having a clear example in your mind will make it easier for you to remember the concepts when they appear on an exam or paper.

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You don't have to study alone. study bids can help. As the world's leading student-to-student learning platform, Studybids offers personalized homework support for college students at an affordable price. All you need to do is post the assignment anonymously, qualified students will complete it, and then you can use the assignment to improve your learning.

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