Tips!

A number of people have asked for how-to-study tips from me. Though, I don't know if whatever that come from me will actually work out for all, I do hope it helps these few people who are reading to become better and preparing for exams.

1. Being consistent.

I do not study for a long period of time but I can say I study consistently. If not in the library, I spend at least 2 hours everyday to revise on my own and I can assure that it helps a lot! Although there are days that I only do an hour, it makes me feel great to know that I did the least that I could. I also try to read the same topics repeatedly for 3 times or so (at different times) just to assure that they'll be remembered.

2. Do not pull an all-nighter.

It is not healthy to pull an all-nighter no matter how much you want to try absorbing every single thing at the eleventh hour. For someone who believes in studying consistently, I think it is not wise to pull an all-nighter because our brains need to have ample rest. Do not deprive your body from excellent health. Besides, it helps someone to focus more during the day when he/she has gotten enough sleep at night. I myself take at least 7 hours of sleep everyday and it makes me a better and focused student in classes; which also means, you wouldn't need to do a lot of reading on your own since you've pretty much absorbed 70% of what you need in lectures.

3. Exercise!

There are beliefs that you become more tired after you exercise. Wrong! I do a 30 minutes cardio session every morning after breakfast before I head to classes and it helped a lot for me to remain active. Also, I would dance everytime I go out and socialize with friends at night and that is also another form of exercise for me. A lot of people think laying down doing nothing is the ideal way to "recharge" but it works differently for me.

4. Practice Makes Perfect.

My course requires me to be able to answer and tackle question differently. I'm not saying courses like Law is a piece of cake but course like that - at most - require only your memorizing skills. If you excel at that, you won't have problems sitting for exams. The thing with Sciences and Mathematical courses are, it doesn't matter if you've memorized the equations or formulas. What matters the most is for you to be able to know WHICH one to use. I encourage myself to do ample of past year questions to help familiarize myself in preparation for exams.

5. Motivation.

It's understandable that there are days that you just feel so lazy. I'm no exception but I try to seek for anything or anyone who can gives me great drives to keep on going. I'm blessed having supportive people around me who would ask if I've studied or if my progress is all right because it helps a lot to motivate me to become better. This, however, varies from a person to person basis so I think it's essential for all students to know their greatest drive.

6. Time Management.

We all study to get that certificate - no matter how meaningless it is to some people. However, I also think this is the time that you should engage with a lot of people. Make friends and widen your connections because what I learnt during school is that, your connection from school and university helps a lot in your career. Even if they don't in your case, it's always good to have more friends. Go out and have fun. You wouldn't want to be an all-frown person and to hate your university days. That would be a great loss. Make cool histories and memories with your loved ones!

7. Study Groups.

Some people cannot study with other people but I think it is good to share your knowledge with other people. Grab a cup of coffee and sit around with friends to discuss the key points of last lectures for 15 minutes or so everyday. You're not being a nerd. In fact, it sharpens your understanding and you learn even more in the most laid back manner. Stress-free too! They can be very relaxed conversations and this knowledge exchange is so vital since a person cannot possibly know everything. Share.

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I cannot say that I'm a first class student but these little things have helped me a lot to survive Science school. Most importantly, one must always be passionate about the thing they're doing. You cannot be studying thinking how much money you'll get out of your career; this is so wrong to me. Nevertheless, how one study is always an individual kind of thing.

Good luck! :)

xx