Running Head: SUCCESSFUL STUDY HABITS FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS
Successful Study Habits for College Students
Name
Institution
1
SUCCESSFUL STUDY HABITS FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS
Introduction
Study habits determine how a student performs academically in college. Effective study habits
enable students to synthesise information better as well as retain it and pass exams. Although
there are multiple ways in which students study, there are certain strategies and techniques that
improve and make study habits effective.
1. Important techniques in making studying effective
Studies have long been done on the techniques and methods that are most effective in enabling
individuals to make the most out of studying. Research has shown that there are several
strategies that can improve an individual’s study habits.
a. Practice Testing – This refers to self-testing practices that students can do on their
own and is a form of testing for learning. (Dunlosky et al, 2013)
b. Distributed practice – Through this strategy, students are able to distribute their
learning evenly over time which reduces information overload and increases
retention. (Dunlosky et al, 2013
2. Ways to make the most out of exam preparations
Preparing for exams can be stressful, so, understanding how to well prepare for them is crucial
for any student. There are several ways to prepare for exams effectively and in a less stressful
manner.
a. Time management – scheduling and creating a study plan enables students to
study every subject systematically. It also reduces anxiety as the student knows
what to do at what time and for how long. (Alston, 2013)
2
SUCCESSFUL STUDY HABITS FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS
b. Minimize distraction – studying in an environment that has less distraction
enables an individual to focus on the material they are focusing on. (Alston, 2013)
3. School Support Structure
a. Utilise your tutors – it is important for students to ask for help from tutors to
understand subject further and polish on concepts (Briggs, 2013).
b. Group study- studying in groups helps students to understand a subject from
different perspectives. Group study enables for peer learning which is effective in
understanding complex concepts (Briggs, 2013)
4. Study habits to avoid
a. Avoid pulling the all-nighter – studying continuously without rest exhausts the
brain and reduces the ability of an individual to memorise and reason
effectively (Alston, 2013)
b. Avoid cramming – cramming should be avoided and instead study using
intervals. This will help with information retention (Alston, 2013).
5. Conclusion
There are different strategies and techniques that can help students to improve their
studying habits. Being able to have habits that are effective enough to allow a student to
retain information they have learnt will enable them to pass exams and better understand
concepts and subjects. Therefore, it is paramount to have effective studying habits to be
successful in college.
3
SUCCESSFUL STUDY HABITS FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS
References
Alston, S. (2013). The Best Ways to Prepare For Final Exams. Retrieved from
http://blog.suny.edu/2013/12/scientifically-the-best-ways-to-prepare-for-final-exams/
Briggs, S. (2013). How Peer Teaching Improves Student Learning. Retrieved from
https://www.opencolleges.edu.au/informed/features/peer-teaching/
Dunlosky, J. Rawson, K.A., Marsh, E.J & Willingham, D.T. (2013). Improving Students’
Learning With Effective Learning Techniques. Psychological Science in the Public
Interest, 14, 4-58.
4