2. SET UP A REGULAR STUDY SCHEDULE
There's nothing more frustrating than spending a day "studying" only to find that you've accomplished very little. The trick to avoiding this is not to study longer (though this may also help), but to be more focused during the time that you do study. So keep track of everything; carry a day planner or personal digital assistant with you everywhere so you can write down new tasks that come your way.
Be specific
Make your schedule as specific as possible - decide not only when you'll study, but also what subjects you'll tackle at that given time. Be sure to set aside blocks of time specifically devoted to each course. And take note of which courses require more hours of studying and preparation so that you can keep your priorities in check.
Keep it flexible
Take into account your own limitations and preferences, and keep your schedule relatively flexible. The "two hours of study for one hour of classtime" rule is not always true. How much you study for each class will be determined by how efficiently you can comprehend the material.
If you are able to trudge through several hours of studying without taking a break, then go for it. But if you can only study for short periods and need to take breaks, go ahead and take them - either at set periods of time or, even better, as a reward when you've accomplished set goals. Just make sure that your breaks don't end up lasting longer than your study periods. Also, remember that some subjects require more time to "get back into" once you return, so try to limit the number of breaks you take when working on assignments that require a special mindset.
Choose an optimal time of day to study
If you're a night person, don't schedule your study time over breakfast - you'll be too tired and grumpy to study effectively. Choose a time of day when you feel alert and at your best.
We know, we know… between school, work and porn, it's nearly impossible for you to set out large blocks of premium study time during the day. Well, you'll either have to develop the skills to study for short periods of time, or try to readjust your ability to focus during off hours. If there is never a time that you're not tired, then you have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. If you consistently feel that you're lacking energy - and if you can only study at the expense of sleep - you may have to reconsider what your ultimate goals are. For instance, cutting back on your work hours may cost you a few CDs now, but if it means you perform better in school, then it's likely to pay off in the future.
Studies show that most people study best in the morning. So if you think that you can do it, then try to readjust your sleep schedule so that you can do the bulk of your studying before noon, then you'll not only be happier (for getting your studying out of the way), but you'll also remember stuff better. Besides, most (though by all means not all) exams will take place during the day, so it's best to simulate that by studying at the same time as when the exam will take place.
Maintain a social life
Before you can effectively schedule your study time you may first have to prioritize your life. Being a good student does not mean you have to close yourself off from your friends and family. Just be very clear to them that your study time is off-limits. If you do receive calls while you're hitting the books, tell whomever it is that you'll talk to them later, when you can give them your full attention.
If you don't try to maintain some semblance of a personal life, you'll burn yourself out. Besides, is studying really the most important thing in life? All work and no play make Jack a big dope who stays home with his cat on Friday nights.
