Explainer: Studying tips for FPU students
by Tyler Comeau
(Photo: FacultyFocus.com)
College can be rough. Between getting to classes on time, homework and study time, potentially working a part time job, and any extracurricular activities, it can be hard trying to juggle everything and maintain a decent grade point average. Some days, it can seem easier to put off work and watch Netflix or play a couple of rounds of Call of Duty. While everyone deserves a little free time, too much procrastination can set you back even further. Franklin Pierce has a network of supports that students can utilize. Here are a couple studying tips to improve your study habits and help boost your grades.
According to Petersons.com, one of the most important skills to work on when going to school is time management. Use a planner or use the calendar on your phone and plot your week out in advance. Set aside time every day if possible for getting assignments done. You may also want to include social events and extracurricular activities you are a part of when planning out your week. This can help you understand how much free time you have, what you should be focusing on, and when. Be sure to also check your syllabus for each class and write down when assignments are due as well as what days exams will be. This way you can plan ahead and set aside time to study or work on your assignment throughout the week.
Another thing to consider when improving your study habits is the space where you go to study. Generally, people work best in quiet environments. If your dorm room is too noisy or distracting, there are multiple places you can try studying on campus. The DiPietro Library is a quiet spot with access to computers, plus you can always stop by the Library Cafe if you need a little caffeine. Additionally, there’s a room in the basement of the DiPietro building with access to computers and printers. You can also make appointments with the Center for Academic Excellence. They have a group of different tutors that can help you outside class when trying to grapple difficult topics. Petersons.com recommends investing in some noise cancelling headphones if for whatever reason the library isn’t a viable option. Additionally, you could try listening to music as you work; however, this may not be a suitable option for everyone.
Another tip is to spread out your study time rather than cram before a test. Becton Loveless of Education Corner writes, “Successful students typically space their work out over shorter periods of time and rarely try to cram all of their studying into just one or two sessions.”
Plan to give your self about an hour of study time a day. If you need to study for longer periods, take a ten minute break part way through. Try not to stop studying for too long, however, as the temptation to procrastinate can creep over. Loveless writes, “If you procrastinate your study session, your studying will become much less effective and you may not get everything accomplished that you need to.”
One more tip is to get an adequate amount of sleep. It is important that college students work hard, but being rested and mentally healthy is important, too. Having poor sleep can have a negative effect on your ability to retain information and study. Whenever possible, students should aim to get eight hours of sleep a night.
According to a blog post from ECPI University, “Your brain needs to recharge regularly in order to process and absorb new information. Sometimes all-nighters are inevitable, but don’t let it become a habit, because sleep-deprivation can prevent you from learning or thinking critically. Give yourself permission to make up for lost sleep, too.”
Hopefully, this article has given you some helpful pieces of information to help improve your study habits. Remember to try organizing your time, find a good study environment, space out your study sessions, and get a decent amount of sleep when you can. These tips can help you balance your college life so that you can excel in your work while also finding time to focus on other things and be a happier, healthier college student.
