Useful Tips for Studying Efficiently

It is a dream of every student to score excellent grades in exam. Some succeed while others don't. There might be nothing wrong with hard work but technique. Yeah, studying has some rules and today I'll give you some tips and bits of advice to study efficiently with more chances of success. I've sorted a list of some Do's and Don'ts that have helped me a lot throughout my school and now in college.

Do's

Planning & Managing Time

Study time is any time you doing something related to studies. Make your study schedule for the entire week and also manage your day time. Make a one-day schedule for study hours, play time and time you have to give to your family and friends. BUT stick to it no matter how hard it is to follow, you have to follow it anyway.

You can use spreadsheet software in your phone or computer for making schedule, but I recommend drawing some tables on a page and always keep it in your pocket or make multiple copies as a backup if you lose one.

Study at Same Time Each Day

Studying at the same time everyday establishes a routine that becomes a regular part of your life, just like sleeping and eating. When a scheduled study time comes up during the day, you'll be mentally prepared to begin studying.

My personal recommendation is to study early in the morning. If you are a Muslim, study after Fajar, an ideal time to study with an open and fresh mind.

Find a Peaceful Place

A noiseless place is an essential part of effective studying, since while studying you need to concentrate and this is only possible if you are not surrounded by music and  a lot of people, noisy people. If your study place is too cold, your speed might slow down. If it is too warm you might become sleepy (like me). Make sure it is not very comfortable because in that case you might prefer sleep over study. However, some individuals are able to concentrate better with a little noise in the background. You must look for a place that fits your nature.

Review Notes Before Beginning an Assignment

Reviewing your notes can help you make sure you are doing an assignment correctly. Also, your notes may include information that will help you complete an assignment. Moreover, the chances of forgetting something you've memorized earlier are minimized.

The best way to make your own notes and not to depend on others is to highlight or underline the text in your book or any other study resource. It saves you from reading the entire paragraph again. Try not to underline or highlight so much that it is really useless.

Don't miss: List of Top Educational Websites

Study in 50 Minute Intervals

Make sure you study for an interval of 40-50 minutes. When you feel you cannot concentrate anymore, take a short break of 10-15 minutes. During the break, you can have some snacks and even go for a short walk or try something that would refresh your mind and body. Ahaaan, now get back to work!

Challenge Yourself

Be your own master! Give yourself challenges and try to compete yourself. For example, you may decide to complete one unit in a sitting, stick to your target and try to complete this task in time. Next day, give yourself a task to memorize 1.5 units or more in the same time. Try something new every day and beat your own record. You'll always win, isn't it interesting?

Practice and Learn From Your Mistakes

Practice is everything. If you don't practice what you learn, you learn nothing. Try to learn by doing and don't be discouraged if you mess up everything. Remember, wise people learn from their mistakes. Don't be shy, ask your elders to help you out or try some other way yourself to do better.

“I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work.” —Thomas Edison

Review What You've Studied  Before Going to Bed 

Usually, a textbook has some Self-Assessment Questions at the end of each unit alongside the summary of that unit. When you make a habit of reviewing these questions and summaries at the end of your day as well as at the end of a week, you will find that you'll remember the words very strongly the next morning.

Do You Know?
     An average person remembers only 20% of what he/she has read in a day.

For this reason, it is recommended that one must revise what one has studied in a day, at the end of the day.

Don'ts

Cram

Cramming is not useful for long term memory. So, if you're planning to remember your textbook for good, do not be a fan of cramming.

Study on Computer

Try to avoid studying on the computer as much as possible. You will be tempted by many interesting things on the web such as your email or Facebook.

Mobile Usage

Most of the students place their cell phones close of them. This will distract you from studying. Do not use your phone except when it is very important. Before beginning your homework, turn off your Wi-Fi or mobile data, if you can't turn that off, mute notifications. Tell your friends you study timing so they can't disturb your studies. I know they won't mind.

Study After Meal

Studies have shown that thinking is slower after having a meal. It is recommended to take a walk after having a meal then study.

Study Too Much at One Time

If you try to do too much studying  at one time, you'll be tired and your studying will not be very effective anymore. Taking short breaks, as I said earlier, will restore your mental energy.

Look at your daily routine and try to build your routine identical to the above-mentioned habits. Always "study smart, not hard". If you have some other tips, put a comment below, I'll be glad to mention those as well.