Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
On Campus Blog
Alex Friedrich

Tips on how to study

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

I'm always interested in study tips and techniques, so I checked out this University of St. Thomas student reporter's take on a recent New York Times article about studying and the brain.

TommyMedia discussed the piece and asked folks from the school to add their own tips, which I've condensed:

  • Change study locations. Research shows that studying in the same place all the time is not as effective as moving around.

  • Study in small chunks. Do at least a little every day. Avoid cramming. It may help in the short term, but your mind forgets it more quickly than you think.

  • Study with other people. (I see this as good if you can discipline and motivate each other, but a distraction if your study buddies are too talkative.)

  • Make a connection to the class. Very important if you find the subject dry. It might be a matter of talking to the professor more or finding someone in class to study with. I always tried to figure out how I could use the information in my own life -- on the job, when I read the newspaper or even as chatter at a cocktail party.

  • Study your least-favorite classes first. If you leave them till last, you're more likely to be burned out, and your motivation will be low.

  • Change study habits early in college. The freshman year of college is when the greatest changes can occur.

  • Get tested. If your academic help center offers study assessments -- such as the one offered by St. Thomas' Academic Support Center -- take one. Read up on ways to improve your study techniques.

As center Director David Moore told TommieMedia:

“We always tell people don’t just study one way. We want you to be active in the way you study,” he said. “Write things down, say things out loud, study with someone else, make some visual things, make note cards…Try something different instead of just looking in your book and reviewing your notes.”