Carry a notebook and pen and take notes by hand if you can. When you take notes by hand as opposed to typing them, you’re forced to focus on the most important points instead of writing everything down word-for-word. [2] X Research source If you’re an auditory learner, ask your professors if you can record their lectures. You might also find it helpful to read your written notes aloud to yourself.

If you feel overwhelmed by your reading assignments, try breaking them down into manageable chunks. Start by doing a quick skim, focusing on the introduction, conclusion, and informational headings. This will help you spot the main points of the text. [3] X Research source You may find it helpful to write a brief outline of your reading or take notes in the margin as you read.

Some professors provide detailed grading rubrics that can help you understand exactly how they evaluate and grade a test or assignment.

If your textbook or course includes self-administered quizzes or knowledge checks, take advantage of them. Quizzing yourself will help you evaluate your knowledge of the material and figure out what you need to focus on during review sessions. Be honest with yourself with how well you’re doing. If you’re studying difficult questions and only answer half of them right, you should probably go back and review some core concepts. [6] X Expert Source Josh JonesAcademic Tutor Expert Interview. 15 November 2019.

Try using the Pomodoro technique to make the most of your study time. After every 25 minutes of work, take a 5-minute break. During the break, do a little meditation or visualize a calming scene.

Remember, your instructors and advisors are there to help you! It’s up to you to do the work of studying and completing your assignments, but it’s their job to give you the tools you need to succeed.

Most college degree programs require you to take some general education courses, so you’re bound to get stuck with a few classes you aren’t interested in. Even if you aren’t thrilled by those classes, try to focus on the big picture and think about how they will help you meet your overall goals.

If you ever feel like your course load is too much to handle, talk to your advisor about the possibility of dropping a class. Just make sure to do it early enough in the term that dropping will not affect your GPA.

If you have to work or support a family while you go to school, consider enrolling in a part-time degree program. That way, you won’t have to struggle to balance a full course load with your other responsibilities. [11] X Research source

Try to schedule in 30-60 minutes of study time per subject each day. Create a schedule that includes the times and locations of your different classes, as well as any other responsibilities you have throughout the day. This will help you plan your study periods more effectively.

Which ones are due first? If deadlines are coming up, tackle those assignments right away so you won’t be scrambling to finish them last-minute. Which assignments are the most difficult or time-consuming? Try to give yourself extra time to deal with those assignments. How much of your total grade is each assignment worth? Focus your efforts on the assignments that are most important.

For example, you might schedule a weekly frisbee game on the quad with your friends, or meet a classmate for dinner at a specific time every evening.

In addition to caring for your physical needs, take measures to minimize your stress. For example, you might schedule in a few minutes each day to meditate, do yoga, or do something creative.