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This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at WVU chapter.

1. Find a quiet, comfortable place to do the work.

We’ve all been there– you have all the books and papers strewn about your bed but taking a nap sounds far too appealing and far too convenient. Grab a coffee, limit distractions and settle into a bright and calm space to tackle the work.

 

 

 

2. Organize

Get out that planner and start a to-do list, then decide when you’re going to tackle each item on the list. It’s usually not productive to do one subject for hours on end, so split up the work for each class on a few separate days leading up to the exam. Designate certain study times and material to cover and stick to your schedule.

 

 

 

 

3. Make a study plan

Break down each class’ study guide, and if your professor doesn’t give one, create your own with the class material. Tip: do the easier subjects/assignments first. That way, when you finally finish the more tedious ones you can relax without the stress of still having more to do.

 

 

 

 

4. Put your telephone AWAY!

Close the Facebook browser, turn notifications off for Twitter and don’t let Snapchats, Instagram alerts and text messages distract you from being your most focused– and most studious– self.

 

 

 

 

5. Get creative

Having tidy notes, color-coded systems, and overall visually appealing materials is going to make studying a bit more extensive, but the additional effort will help your brain absorb the information.

 

 

 

 

6. Don’t just copy and paste

Write things down! Studies show typing is not as beneficial when it comes to retention– and there is NOTHING worse than completely blanking in the middle of an exam. If you find yourself mindlessly completing the work and not being able to recall what you just read/wrote, you’re not benefitting from the study session.

 

 

 

 

7. Find unconventional material that covers the topics

YouTube has thousands of tutorial/informational videos on most subjects, and there are often interactive sites with quizzes and test-practice that offer an alternative to notes and powerpoints. Find what works best for you and your learning habits.

 

 

Maura is a senior at West Virginia University, studying honors journalism and leadership. She was the president of Her Campus at WVU from 2018-2019, interns with ESPN College GameDay and works as a marketing/communication assistant for the Reed College of Media. On campus, she has written opinion for WVU's Daily Athenaeum, served as the PR chair for WVU Society of Professional Journalists and was a reporter for WVUToday. She teaches leadership classes for the Honors College and is an active member of both the Honors Student Association and Helvetia Honorary. Maura is an avid fan of The New Yorker, (most) cities and the first half of late-night talk shows.
Hi ladies and gents, my name is Mel, Melanie if you're feelin' fancy. I'm a senior studying advertising, political science and fashion at West Virginia University. In addition to my studies, I am the Campus Correspondent for the WVU HC Chapter! You can hear me on the radio at U92 FM reporting the news and hosting morning shows. If I'm not there, I'm most likely at the local Panera eating my body weight in broccoli cheddar soup or writing about the daily, awkward encounters I experience. I represenative of the college of media as an ambassador and the prez of the magazine club. Oversized sweatshirts and jean on jean are my aesthetics. Lover, not a fighter unless you tell me Joe Jonas wasn't the best Jonas. Laters, baby.