As we approach the end of the semester and, unfortunately, finals, I thought I’d take a moment to share study tips that I’ve learned during my first few months at Iowa.
- Plan out your week
I always find it helpful to write down all the assignments and tests I have for the week so I can see them all in one place. I personally have my due dates for the entire semester written down in a spreadsheet, but you can also just do this week by week. This makes me feel less overwhelmed by all my assignments and helps me map out when I want to study for upcoming tests. - Find your favorite study spots
Your environment can really affect how productive your studying is. I rarely study in my room because I would be too tempted to lie in my bed instead of doing my work. Get out of your room and try out some different study spots! I personally like to study at the bottom of the IMU, the Stanley Lounge, and the Blank Honors Center. - Study without distraction
This last one might seem obvious, but it is harder than you think. I am someone who loves being surrounded by friends, but when it comes to studying, I know I will never focus on my work with them sitting next to me. I’m not saying a study date with your friends is always a bad idea, but if you have a super important paper or midterm coming up, sometimes it’s best to let yourself work alone so you can truly focus. I do, however, like to study with my friends if we have the same test coming up or if there are just a few low-focus assignments I need to complete.
I hope these tips help you as much as they’ve helped me!
