General Study Strategies

Here are some excellent study tips around different topics from our Fall 2025 Peer Coaches!

 

Jackie Boyanchek: Consolidate all of your notes and materials for an exam into a one-page "cheat sheet" with the most important concepts, then add in the details later. This makes the information easier to digest and makes studying less overwhelming!

Evie Drescher: If you can’t seem to focus—move around! Either your physical body or the physical space you’re in! A location change can do wonders for getting in a motivated headspace.

Chris Kahrol: Many students find it helpful to separate your study spaces and sleeping/relaxing spaces.

Olivia McCarver: I love explaining a topic I'm reviewing as if I'm teaching a class on the subject. Reviewing something out loud helps me fully understand the material, especially if I'm studying with friends.

Clara Park: I recommend reviewing materials right before and after classes, as well as setting daily/weekly plans.

Lila Saunders: In order to prepare for exams, make your own study guide to practice active recall of content!

KK Sowers: Flashcards are a great way to do active recall!

Here are some  general study tips from around the web that we recommend:

You're not you when you're hungry: Make sure your physical needs are met (food, water, sleep, etc.) before trying to focus on tasks that take up a lot of mental energy!

Listen to your lectures like a podcast: Ask your professors if you can voice record their lectures so you can listen back to them later. This is especially helpful if you have a professor that moves very quickly, and you don't have time to write down every detail that they mention! 

Scribble method: Some students find they focus and retain information better while reading if they use a pen and paper to scribble throughout their study session! Check out an example here. 

Take a scenic break: Rather than doom-scrolling during study breaks, try watching a relaxing video such as "Virtual Walk around Yoho National Park." Watching these still gives you that feeling of a break, but you don't risk becoming distracted with social media and wasting time scrolling. Plus, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of places around the world from your desk!