My Tips on Studying

ate nika, can you give us some helpful study habits advice or something that you know? =_____= i hope you can post it as a blog on aff ~ thanks in advance!^^ -anon

So I got this message from an anon (prolly someone from here) at my Tumblr weeks ago and I thought I should answer this before I head out to buckle down and oull an all-nighter for my thesis and exam reviewing.

Hmm, my study habits?

It's different for everyone. Some find it helpful to study before an exam, some study while lying down, some study while walking... stuff like that. It's really all about finding what works for you, what makes you comfortable so that you can input the information better. As for me, I'm one of those people who feels it's easier to understand things at my own time and pace - which basically means I study and remember things better at the dead of the night (like now, it's 1:19am at this moment). I also like to listen to loud music when I study since it helps me concentrate and keep coffee around for my caffeine cravings.

I know... my study habits are weird. But I have better habits of which I will share now:

During a lecture, it's always best to write only the important things your professor/teacher tells you. You don't have to transcribe everything they say word per word - just take what you can from what they say.
If you're in high school and your teacher uses a different book than what's been assigned to you, don't be shy to ask him/her which books he/she uses as a resource/reference. Then if you can, borrow the book from the library so that you understand some of the thing your teacher says on occassion.
If you're in University (like me, again) and your teachers provide you with handouts: DO NOT RIP OFF THE PAGE WHERE THE LIST OF REFERENCES ARE WRITTEN. Most people rip it out since it's usually on the title page or on a lone last page but those books are helpful.
Consequently, if you have handouts... remember to always bring a highlighter. Yellow, preferably since the color actually helps your brain remember the information better. The brightness of it sends signals faster - it's a proven fact.
Use mnemonics. What are mnemonics? It's any learning technique that aids memory. And example of which is the mnemonic ROY G. BIV... to any person who doesn't know what it stands for it sounds like a name but it's actually a learning technique to remember the arrangement and colors of the rainbow: Red Orange Yellow Green Blue Indigo Violet.
Browse through your notes and do a quick recap after a lecture (when you have a break). It aids in your reviewing at a later time.
Read topics ahead. Some schools give out syllabuses that tells you what topics are going to be discussed at this time or other. It doesn't hurt to check it and see the night before classes start. It will also help you understand stuff more once you hear it from your teacher - because at least then you wouldn't be hearing it for the first time and scrambling for a term's spelling.
This doesn't necessarily work for me but study groups are helpful. It's also a great way to get closer to classmates and friends... although of course, you should be mindful that study time is study time. Ask if you don't understand a topic. That's what study groups are for.
Befriend the smartest dude or dudette in class. It doesn't hurt, and I find that usually - they are very very accomodating and make excellent friends (/am close friends with the Summa Laude of my batch - whose average is.... 99%).
And lastly... when reviewing at home, get into a position that's comfortable before starting. Prepare all your things before hand and make sure they're near you so that you won't have to tear your room down trying to find your notes. Stay hydrated at all times and take breaks too to walk or eat or chat with friends. Just as long as you get back to your work pronto, it'll be okay.