Mastering College: Top Study Tips for Success
2 MIN. READ
College life is exciting but can feel overwhelming when the assignments pile up. Balancing fun, classes, and study sessions requires a smart strategy. Here are some study tips to help you stay ahead and make the most of your time in college:
1. Take Advantage of YOUR Resources
Anderson is proud to house the Kissinger Academic Center for Excellence (KACE), which provides students with important academic support and resources, including:
- Tutors
- Academic coaching
- Writing assistance
- Workshops
- and more!
Your professors are an incredible resource for you and are eager to help you learn. You can get the most out of your classes by actively engaging with the experts who are teaching you! Email your professors when you have questions and take advantage of their office hours (this information can typically be found in the syllabus you received at the start of the term). Your professors want to help you succeed!
2. Create a Study Schedule
Consistency is key! Set up a weekly study schedule that prioritizes your toughest subjects first. By spreading out study sessions and breaking them into small chunks, you can avoid last-minute cramming and stress. Be sure to include breaks and some “me time” to avoid burnout.
3. Find Your Ideal Study Space
Not everyone thrives in the library’s quiet atmosphere. Maybe the campus coffee shop’s ambient noise helps you focus, or perhaps you need complete silence. Test out different environments to see where you’re most productive. Just make sure it’s a place where you can stay focused and do your best work!
4. Take Notes that Matter
Develop a note-taking system that works for you. Whether it’s traditional handwritten notes, a digital app or program, or visual mind maps, finding what helps you retain the most information is crucial. Focus on key concepts and avoid just copying down the entire lecture verbatim.
5. Use Active Learning
Passive reading or highlighting doesn’t cut it. Engage with the material actively. Summarize notes in your own words, quiz yourself, or explain concepts to a friend (or even to yourself!). This reinforces your understanding and highlights areas you need to revisit.
6. Join Study Groups
Study groups can be a huge benefit as they can help you stay focused and productive. They are perfect for sharing ideas, clarifying concepts, and preparing for exams together. But don’t be afraid to study solo if that’s more your speed!
7. Practice Self-Care
Studying hard doesn’t mean ignoring your health. Get plenty of sleep, eat well, and stay active. Your brain needs rest and fuel to function at its best. A well-rested, well-fed mind is sharper and more focused.
8. Test Yourself Regularly
Quizzes and mock exams are great tools to measure progress. Testing yourself regularly helps you recall information faster and boosts your confidence for actual exams. Flashcards, past papers, or study apps like can make this process fun and effective.
College is about more than grades; studying smart can make your experience way smoother. Stick with these strategies, and you’ll be ready to crush it! If you have questions about these tips or want some extra guidance, reach out to the KACE and you will some great support!
Anderson University is on a mission to educate students for lives of faith and service, offering more than 60 undergraduate majors, 30 three-year degrees, 20 NCAA Division III intercollegiate sports, alongside adult and graduate programs. The private, liberal arts institution is fully accredited and recognized among top colleges for its business, computer science, cybersecurity, dance, engineering, nursing, and teacher education programs. Anderson University was established in 1917 in Anderson, Indiana, by the Church of God.