Ways to Study in College

Study in a way that is effective for you

There is no limit to the number of ways that you can study, when you are in college.

Consider some of the following options:

Access the appropriate information you need, directly from the Internet

We live in an era where almost everyone has access to the Internet. Do your research online and print out what you need for your study material. There will be more information than you require, so learn how to become selective in your research. Always keep a record of your sources. Find current sources, as opposed outdated Internet sources.

Use more traditional methods, like taking notes in class

Almost everyone in college takes notes, at one time or another, although there are students who never take notes because they have photographic memories. Note taking has always been a valid method of studying. Take down key points in your notes and expand upon them, later. Make certain that the notes that you take in class are good notes. Listen carefully to your instructor or professor, when you are in class. If there are points that you are not clear on, ask questions about them, at that time. Do not leave the classroom until you understand what you are to study. Your instructor or professor may allow you to record lectures, but make certain that you have permission to do so. Obtain all of your class handouts - a course outline, directives, specific assignments, tables, terminology - before you leave.

Use videos, CDs or DVDs to study at home

There is an increasing amount of information applicable to many different kinds of college courses, now available on videos, CDs and DVDs. You may access these through your college bookstore or library. If they are not available, try your local bookstore or library. You may be able to download them from the Internet. Many students have access to CD and DVD burners. If you are downloading information that you are burning onto CDs or DVDs, make certain that you are not into copyright infringement.

Use audio tapes to study.

Audio tapes on many different topics are available in college bookstores and libraries, as well as in local bookstores and libraries. If a certain audio tape that you require is not available, ask the bookstore or library to obtain a copy of it for you. You may also be able to purchase it or download it from the Internet. You can listen to it when you are relaxing.

Use legitimate reference books to study

When doing research for study purposes, find as many legitimate reference books, as possible and glean your information directly from them. Always use original reference material, rather than second hand sources. There is a wealth of information accessible in reference books.

Purchase your own textbooks

Rather than borrowing textbooks from someone or obtaining them from a library, purchase your own textbooks, so that they are yours and as such, are immediately accessible to you for study purposes. Make certain that you have current, rather than outdated copies of your books. Purchase good reference books and begin to build your own library.

Use a dictionary, a thesaurus, an encyclopedia when studying

When you are studying, use a dictionary, thesaurus and encyclopedias with respect to learning the required terminology for each course. If you know and understand the terminology, you will more than likely succeed. Be aware that in different courses, words may have different meanings. Finding the root of a word as it pertains to your course will clarify its meaning.

Attend all of your classes

If possible, attend your classes, as there will be valuable information offered by your professor or instructor. It is not the same as trying to study from other, second hand information that someone else has gleaned. Remember that it may or may not be accurate. When in doubt about something, ask the professor or instructor. Get additional help from a tutor, if necessary.

Read, read, read!

One of the best ways to study is to read, as much as you can. Reading will expand your horizon of thought and even if you think that you may not have absorbed all of the information, the pieces will fit together, in time. If there are documentaries, listen to them. If there are newspaper articles, get copies of them.

Participate in group activities

Group activities will help to clarify misunderstandings. If you are invited to participate in a group session for a particular course, make a serious effort to attend the session. You will be glad that you did. You will have a chance to discuss your study material with others. Having a good study partner can be an effective way to study.

Find some resource people

If you are taking a course that is specific, with respect to information that only one person is knowledgeable about, make a point of contacting that person directly. More than likely, he or she will be more than happy to assist you, in any way possible.

Keep an open mind

We live in an era where there is so much information available that it is almost impossible to accept all of it. Keep an open mind as a closed mind cannot learn. An open mind will always be receptive to new, fresh thoughts and ideas.

These are just a few of the possible ways that you can study in college.

Remember that the onus is always on you to study, in a way that you know is effective for you. You will learn what works for you and what does not help you when you are studying.