Ah, final’s season. Can’t you just smell the overwhelming aroma of troubled college students filling the air? It’s kind of like an expensive candle with a wick burning about as quick as the amount of time they have to work miracles on their grades. If you’re confused, it smells a lot like a muggy and crowded library filled with hints of old textbook pages, loose-leaf paper, highlighters and tears.
It’s a beautiful, beautiful time of the year, yes? No.
But not to worry, here are six solid study tips passed down from other college students who are also pretending to know what they’re doing! You’re welcome in advance. Don’t forget to thank us when you’re holding that A. Let’s get started!
1. Chewing gum.
Yes, you read that right. According to science daily, chewing gum cannot only help you concentrate and stay focused while you’re studying, but it can also help you recall the information you studied especially if you chew that same gum during the exam. The taste will give you a short, but mighty burst of recognition when you chew the gum because memory cab be triggered by smells. So, next time you sit down to review notes or tackle a test, pop in a piece of gum and chew away!
2. Sleep.
Once again, yes. You read that right. Getting enough rest is so important. Losing just a single night of sleep can impair reasoning and memory for us to four days!
3. Rewrite your notes.
I know, what a bore, but spice it up by using fascinating colors! Not only will you be more likely to remember the information from physically writing it out, but allowing yourself to be creative and make it your own will, too! So use different color ink and draw the information by creating tables, mind maps, pictures or diagrams that organize your thoughts.
4. Listen to music.
Who doesn’t love music? However, don’t listen to distracting music that you’ll want to sing along to every second of your study session. Listening to soft classical music will enhances mental performance; it’s called the “Mozart Effect.” Create a playlist with your favorite tunes. Make the playlist 30 to 45 minutes long, so when it ends, you’re reminded to give yourself a break and grab a snack, do some stretches or take a walk.
5. Voice record your notes.
Call me crazy because no one likes hearing their voice on recording, but read your notes aloud and play the recording over your car stereo instead of the radio. Hearing the information in your own voice instead of just reading it will help you to recall the information, especially if you claim to be an auditory learner.
6. Explain what you’re learning to someone else.
Being able to use your own words helps you evaluate your comprehension of the material and this will aid your memory. Your audience may ask questions you hadn’t thought of or have additional information that you can benefit from. They will test your knowledge on the subject matter at a casual and conversational level causing which will aid your memory. Humans recall conversations easier than they remember lectures.