Here we have some quick tips for you.
- Schedule enough time for study (a little every day is better than a long session once a week).
- Be task oriented. Don't think "I'm going to study for 2 hours each night". Assign some time to each class, and use that time to review notes, do homework or complete preparation for the next class.
- Make sure you give yourself plenty of time to sleep! It's easy to cut into your sleep schedule when time is tight, but it's important to get enough rest.
- Plan study periods to fall immediately after the class when possible.
- Prioritize your assignments. Do the important ones first (those which are worth more marks, or are due earlier).
- Be realistic. Don't schedule yourself for 3 hours of study at 9am if you're barely awake in the mornings. If you find it easier to study in the afternoon, schedule your time accordingly.
- Don't turn on the TV unless there's something specific you really want to watch.
- Set aside specific time for studying. If you decide Mondays and Thursdays between 3-6 is study time, tell your friends that you don't want to be disturbed and ask them not to arrange anything for these times.
- Plan a weekly review session to go over what you've learned and make sure you understand it.
- Stick to your study schedule. Occasionally something will come up, like a family visit, which means you need to reschedule. Make sure you study at a different time instead, don't just ignore it that week!
Additional study tips
- Don't overschedule yourself! Leave some unscheduled time for flexibility.
- Break large tasks - like writing papers - into smaller chunks, and aim to complete at least one "chunk" every day or two.
- Make sure your study area is uncluttered and is a good place for you to concentrate.
- Make sure you know how to take notes properly.
- Use your free time between classes to review notes, or study the reading for the next class.
- Turn your phone off when you're studying, and resist the urge to leave yourself signed into IM or your email.
- Combine tasks. Borrow audiobooks from the library and listen to them in the car. Or record lectures on a digital recorder and use time walking to class to listen to key sections again on your MP3 player.
- Learn to compromise: postpone some events or activities if necessary, and share a task with a friend (for example, alternate taking notes and actively listening in class).