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Study Skills

TIPS FOR STUDYING

Your academic success at UNCA depends on a variety of factors, such as good time management, note taking, listening & study skills. Below are a few things to keep in mind to make the most of your study time. A printable (.pdf) version of our Tips for Studying handout is also available.

  • Anticipate spending 2-3 hours studying for every hour you spend inside the classroom (a 15 hour semester will require between 30 and 45 hours for studying).
  • Set aside time to study & make this time a part of your regular schedule. Much of our behavior is habitual, so it’s best to capitalize on this concept and make your study times a part of your regular routine.
  • Have a specific place to go whenever you study. A quiet, well-lit place with as few distractions as possible is preferable. Once you find a place to study and get into a routine, you will find it is relatively easy to switch into study mode and complete your work.
  • Make sure your study time is structured. Not only is this a time for completing immediate tasks, but also a time to prepare for future assignments.
  • Review your class syllabi to ensure you are keeping up with your reading assignments. Reread your class notes to make sure they make sense. Look at your schedule to see when major assignments are due so you can plan your upcoming study sessions accordingly.
  • Note which times of day are the best for you to study and take full advantage of these times. Are you a morning person or do you find you have more energy and are better able to concentrate during the evening? Scheduling your study time during the part of the day in which you are most alert will be to your advantage.
  • Allot time for breaks during your study time. For every hour you study, be sure to take a ten minute break. Most importantly, pace yourself when it comes to studying. Marathon study sessions are not the best option; schedule smaller blocks of study time instead.
  • To help keep distractions to a minimum, have a notepad nearby just in case you remember something that needs to be completed after you finish studying. This will allow you to remain focused and concentrate on your studying rather than worrying about what you need to complete once you’re finished.
  • Study difficult subjects before easier subjects. By doing this, you will feel a sense of accomplishment once you’re finished studying the difficult subject. You will also be more motivated to tackle easier subjects for the remainder of your study session.
  • Make the most of your free time during the day. Whether it’s in between classes, while you’re riding the bus, or waiting to meet up with some friends in the Quad, utilize these moments for quick reviews. Refer to your class notes or create flash cards; you will be surprised by how much studying you can complete when you use these spare moments to your advantage.
  • When possible, find a study partner. Studying together will encourage you and your partner to share and build upon your understandings of the subject matter. Verbalizing what you know oftentimes helps strengthen synaptic connections in your brain, which subsequently reinforces the learning process. Just be sure to stay focused and use your study time solely for its purpose; save socializing for afterwards.
  • Don’t study similar subjects back-to-back. If you need to study Sociology, Psychology, and Math, put Math between the other two. This will help prevent you from confusing information from similar classes.