Study tips
There are many ways to improve your study habits, including improving your study and research skills, time management, and learning to control exam nerves.
Use the links below to find out more about each method:
Improving study habits
At a tertiary level the study skills expected of you change significantly. The further you are into your course the more you will be expected to undertake research to complete your assignments.
One simple method for improving study and research skill is searching the internet. There are many tertiary sites developed by staff to help their own students. The majority are from the United States, however study principles are very similar the world over.
Start by checking your own higher education provider's website for study advice and guidance. Otherwise, look at the websites below for techniques that will help you develop more efficient study skills.
Study tips:
- Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
online study skills workshops and self-help study information - St John's University
study skills guide - Ohio University
study tips
Research tips:
- Sonama State University
Jean and Charles Schulz information centre, research tips - Delta College
research tips - University of Oklahoma
beyond utopia research tips and guides by Susan Smith Nash, Ph.D.
Internet research:
- The University of Albany libraries
internet research tips
Time management
Organising yourself and your time will help you reach your full potential.
Below are some tips to help you get focused from the start:
- be absolutely clear about why you're studying and what you want to do - if you are uncertain about your goals then you will be distracted easily and waste time
- identify the key targets for the next semester and if you're not sure, ask the lecturer
- keep a good work / life balance and allocate sufficient time for all of the important things you want in your life
- record how much time is spent on a particular activity with a diary, this will help you improve your self-discipline and determine how well you are managing your time
Time management is a skill that will help you not only in your studies, but also as a working professional.
Controlling exam nerves
Exams are one of the cruel certainties of tertiary life. Since there's no way of avoiding them, the best plan is to prepare well to maximise your success on exam day.
Tip 1: preparation is the key
This doesn't mean reading set texts or half-heartedly completing problems or essay questions found in textbooks.
Answer exam-style questions at an exam pace. Find copies of past exams and practice them in a mock exam environment — within the time limit set and with no breaks.
By getting used to completing two or three hour exam papers you'll help prepare yourself for the real thing and avoid suffering from 'brain overload'.
Tip 2: look after yourself
- eat balanced, nutritious meals
- get eight hours sleep each night
- don't have coffee or any other stimulants, especially at night
- exercise regularly
- try to relax
- avoid arguments
Tip 3: stay positive on exam day
Arrive at least 15 minutes before the exam is due to start, relax and think positively.
Tip 4: check the exam rules
Make sure you’re aware of what is required in each exam. Do you have to answer every question? Are the questions worth equal marks? Are calculators allowed?
Tip 5: read the exam paper carefully
Read every question first so that there are no surprises half-way through the exam. Attempt to answer all the questions you are required to complete and write as neatly as possible.
Tip 6: allocate time to each question
Work out how much time can be spent on each question according to the marks allocated. Once the time has lapsed, proceed to the next question even if you haven't finished your answer. You can always go back to it if you have any time left over.
Tip 7: if you're not sure, ask the supervisor
It doesn't matter how trivial your question is, check with the exam supervisor if you're unsure about something.
Tip 8: put your name on everything
Make sure your name, and any other required details such as your student identification number, is on every piece of paper to be handed in to the examiner.
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