There are two schools of people when it comes to studying – those that don’t mind it, and those that hate it more than cats hate cucumbers. While I’m sure they’re out there (*stares vacantly off into the distance*), I’m yet to encounter someone who loves studying with the same tenacity Sharon Strzelecki has for Footy Franks and Baileys.
The exercise by its very nature is a means to an end. You’re learning things to equip yourself for the future. Things that’ll get your dream gig, resulting in you hopefully making some decent coin. Sure, the content of what you’re learning might be insanely interesting, but if there was a way to instantly inject knowledge into your mind, I highly doubt you wouldn’t jump on that bandwagon.
Given that studying is pretty low on the ‘things that bring me eternal joy‘ list, you best be making sure you’re studying as effectively as possible. If you’re not, then you’re essentially just wasting precious time that could be better spent sinking bevs at the tav. So on that note, get around a few great tips that will help you study smarter, not harder.
1. Learn The Same Info Differently
Research shows that different ways of studying – be it reading notes, a text book, looking for more info via a good ol’ Google, mindmaps – activates different parts of your noggin. The more areas that are stimulated, the higher the chances are that you’ll retain and understand the info. You probs won’t be able to do this every study sesh, so have a crack at trying a new method each time you’re cracking on with it.
2. Keep Your Schedule Real
We hate to tell you this, but no matter who you are, you’re not going to bang up six-odd hours of uninterrupted study. It’s just not realistic, people. Make sure you map out your study in a way that takes into account your personal abilities. Know your brain will probably seize up after three hours? Just keep it to three hours then. At the end of the day, you’ll be happier this way – and happy people make for great knowledge sponges. Besides, your brain stops taking in information after a while, so overdoing it is an entirely useless exercise.
3. Read Key Points Out Loud
Yes, we’re encouraging you to lock yourself in your room to vocally express your study so as to avoid looking like a spud if you were to do the same thing in public. Don’t read out all the notes you take, ‘cos that would take way too long – just focus on the important stuff. The reason this method works is because you’re visually consuming information, as well as receiving it through sound. It’s a double whammy.
4. Pump The Breaks On The Reg
Trust us, no one’s going to think you’re some academic hero for getting stuck in a five-hour long study hole. It’s recommended to relax after smashing out 40-minutes worth of work, and for some of you, you might need a reminder (from something like a stopwatch) to chill for a few mins. Research has shown that taking regular breaks enhances focus and productivity generally.
5. Whip Your Space Into Shape
Did you know that there’s a direct correlation between cluttered spaces and weight gain? If a messy space can have such a huge impact on your overall well-being, you best be making sure you’re placing yourself in the best environment for learning. Be it your uni’s spaces or if you’re studying at home, this one really needs to be nailed. Make sure you have everything you need on you (so that you don’t have to keep taking breaks to find a pen or something), that the space is well ventilated and you have plenty of water handy.
There are heaps of ways to study smarter, folks. You’ve just gotta be smart enough to go find ’em.
While we’re on the topic of smart things, we wanted to touch on something that’s the complete opposite – the traditional first year model at uni. Just like many things in Australian culture, there’s been a delay in improving how fledgeling students find their feet on campus. Well, not anymore.
Victoria University is shaking this tired system up with their new and game-changing ‘First Year Model’. This model, being introduced in 2018, will focus on two great things: building a sense of belonging and emotional engagement among students, as well as between students and their educations + developing the skills (known as enterprise skills) needed to be adaptable, resilient, confident and competent learners. Sounds pretty good, right? Learn all about it HERE.
