Studying during the first year can be difficult. You are new to the student life, the establishment you study at, and the curriculum, so the slight feeling of disorientation is more than okay for this period. Thankfully, there are some study tips that will help you get through it. These tips will also help you stay organized and focused. Follow them, and you’ll be well on your way to straight A’s!

1 – Socialize a lot

The first year in college is a stressful period in your life, but you know what makes it way easier? Connections with other people. Maintaining relationships with your classmates will help you find study groups, share useful material for classes, and find friends for the rest of your life. You can also befriend older students, as it will help you learn more about campus life: which student organizations or clubs to enroll in, how to get on with teachers and which paper writer service to use if you need extra help.

2 – Break your study material into chunks

Breaking the materials down into chunks can help you learn faster. For example, if a book chapter is too long to read at once, chunk it into smaller parts. This will free up more of your working memory to process information. It can also make things easier to remember.

This technique can be particularly helpful for students with learning disabilities. By chunking their work, they can make time to review notes and come up with questions for their teachers. In addition, you can also create an organizational system that helps you divide and track your workload. Using a rubric, for example, can help you better manage your assignments.

3 – Eliminate distractions

It can be challenging to focus while studying, especially during the first year. However, there are some ways to avoid distractions. One of these is to minimize your phone, computer, and other electronic devices. These devices can distract you from studying and reduce your concentration. 

In general, distractions can be self-produced or external. External distractions can steal precious minutes or even hours from your studying time. Typically, you spend 23 minutes refocusing after getting distracted. To avoid this, you can turn off all alerts and set your phone to do not disturb mode. Another way to avoid distractions is to gather all the necessary materials before sitting down to study.

As for internal reasons, people get distracted while studying mainly because of a lack of interest and motivation. When someone is not interested in studying, they are already playing video games or checking Facebook. Therefore, it is important to focus on your studies and clear your mind beforehand. For this reason, some ambient music and meditation practices are your best choice. And don’t forget to get yourself a nice reward after you learn the material!

4 – Find a comfortable place to study

There are many options for finding a comfortable place to study during your first year at college. Some students prefer to study outdoors, with open spaces and no distractions. Other students prefer a study room, with fewer distractions and better lighting. Do some research on your style of studying to find a place that is both comfortable and convenient for you.

If you can’t find a space that suits your style, try studying in a friend’s home. The atmosphere is generally more relaxing and comfortable, and it also provides reliable internet access. And if you prefer to study alone, familiarize yourself with the schedule of your college’s library and go there instead.

5 – Take detailed notes during class

Taking notes during class is a critical part of your educational success. It helps you retain the information and will help you make better use of time in class. It is also handy to take time after class to review your notes. You should also highlight important information, ask questions, and write down answers to your notes.

You should also leave plenty of space between your notes. This will make them easier to read and organize. You can also ask a classmate for help or look up information from the textbook. If you miss something during class, review your notes as soon as possible after the class to make sure you’ve remembered everything. For example, you can create a recall column where you call out key ideas and group facts.