Beginning college can be a difficult transition for many students, from staying organized to preparing for exams. It’s essential to have tools to make it through that are not only affordable but also effective in fostering success and preparing you for future careers following graduation. Here are my five tips for making it through your undergraduate years, with a special emphasis on prioritizing self-care for your mental well-being.
Tip #1: Organization
For all undergraduate students, the first and most crucial tip is to maintain an organized approach to your school materials. This involves being aware of assignment deadlines, being ready for class, setting aside time for projects, and more! Here are some effective strategies you can implement to stay organized.
Scheduling and Using a Calendar
One of the biggest tools that helped me during my undergrad years was using the Google Calendar app on my phone and browser to ensure that I knew when upcoming exams were and the due dates for assignments. I recommend setting notifications for exams to repeat at one week, four days, two days, and the day before the exam to ensure that it doesn’t come up to surprise you. Many syllabi given by professors include due dates for assignments as well as dates for all exams. By laying these dates out on a calendar, you can see the time available to work on assignments or study for exams. I lay out my entire class and work schedule in the calendar and then fill in the gaps in my schedule either with homework/studying, meetings, or time for hanging out with friends.
Organizing Projects, Assignments, and Class Notes
Many colleges and universities have shifted to a hybrid format, where classes are presented in person and assignments are submitted online through platforms like Canvas. Depending on the institution, your file formats may be limited to .pdf, .docx, or Google Docs attachments. I highly recommend setting up folders within your Google Drive or your computer for each class to avoid mixing up assignments between classes and creating a file naming system (some professors may provide one for you for ease of grading). I typically name my files: Nicole Strumbel – Assignment 1 – PSY 1001. These steps allow me to ensure that I’m not only submitting the correct assignment but also seeing if I missed an assignment sooner rather than later.
It’s also essential to use an organizational system for projects. Many university libraries allow the ability to download .pdf files of articles used for research projects. I highly recommend this option as you can store these within a project folder for quick reference instead of searching for the article repeatedly when attempting to reference it. I store them with their APA in-text citation (Strumbel, 2024) as the file name, but you could also use key terms about the article to help with identification. I also recommend having a project plan (such as a note document of everything you need/want to cover, how you want the information presented, etc.) so that when it comes to the finalized version, you have everything prepared and streamline the process, giving you a sense of accomplishment and ease.
Finally, it’s important to discuss organizing your notes. I will discuss note-taking methods later in this blog post, but first, it’s important to keep your notes separated by class. Depending on your chosen format, this can include keeping separate class folders with a notes document (digital) or having separate notebooks (handwritten).
Tip #2: Note-taking
Many educational psychologists have found that the classic handwritten paper notebook is the most beneficial form of note-taking. But as we’re emerging into an age of increased technology use within the classroom, it may be more convenient to use a typed version. Based on the class environment, I will use my anecdotal evidence to determine how both can be used effectively.
Handwritten Notes
I highly recommend taking notes in a physical notebook for a class that is primarily lecture-based and requires exams that require you to bring yourself, a pen or pencil and no notes. Studies have shown that handwritten notes benefit memorization and have shown fMRI comparison that demonstrated an increase in activation of the brain’s memory portions during handwritten note-taking. I also recommend using the physical notebook instead of a tablet because the notebook is always available and does not run out of battery in the middle of a busy day.
Typed Notes
However, some classes may offer an open-note option, in which case typed notes may be more beneficial than handwritten notebooks. Typing notes can be done in various ways, such as having a separate document for each chapter or unit of a class or having everything all in one document. The fantastic part of having typed notes for open-note exams is using the CTRL + F (⌘ + F) function through the notebook to quickly find what you’re looking for. However, it’s important to remember that open-note does not mean open-internet. This means you need to take high-quality notes that include specific details. I use a bullet-point method in both my handwritten and typed notes.
Tip #3: Studying for Exams
Exams are an inevitable part of any major in college, whether it’s because of the general education classes or because your entire major requires exams in every class. These are my tips for studying the different materials presented during lectures.
Studying Diagrams or Cycles
I highly recommend repeatedly drawing these out by hand from memory until you make no errors. This is the one time I would say a tablet is helpful for notes – reducing the use of paper for repetition. I have found great success in this skill and have been using it since I took a College Human Anatomy class in high school. If the diagram includes a specific structure like a neuron or heart, it’s helpful to draw the structures themselves before labeling them. It’s unnecessary to be a great artist, but if you’re having trouble understanding your drawings, finding unlabeled diagrams/cycles online can help, too.
Studying for Essay Questions
Some professors are willing to share the type of information they are looking for in an essay question. In this instance, I recommend reviewing the key terms associated with the topic and writing a practice essay on the concepts. Some professors include multiple essay questions, typically 3 to 5 paragraphs; however, some may request longer or shorter ones.
Studying for Short-Answer / Fill-in-the-Blank Questions
I highly recommend creating your own questions, whether using a studying tool like Quizlet or asking AI to develop questions based on the content you’re studying. I also recommend reviewing critical terms associated with the unit(s) to ensure you understand them during your exam.
Studying for Matching / Multiple-Choice Questions
I prefer using Quizlet to study for questions like these, as they are typically vocabulary-based in many classes. Flashcards are also helpful for on-the-go practice.
Studying for Problem-Solving Questions
I recommend reviewing practice questions presented in class or finding new ones online. The best way to study for these questions is to practice solving them repeatedly until you make few to no errors.
A Few Overarching Study Tips
- If you like to study with someone else or a group of people, I highly recommend taking some time to explain the concepts you’re learning to them. I have found that I gain a deeper understanding of the concepts through teaching them to my friends because, at least if they pay attention, they may ask questions that require me to think a little more about the topic and review deeper into my textbook, the internet, or my notes.
- I also recommend spreading out you’re studying instead of trying to cram in information at the last minute. Begin reviewing concepts about a week before the exam, and as you get closer to the exam, follow up on ideas that were giving you trouble in the past. Having a highlighter to help these stick out from your notebook may be beneficial. The day before your exam, I recommend giving yourself a couple of hours per exam to dedicate time for an in-depth review of all concepts from each unit. I recommend shortened note-taking of the concepts from each section to help identify any missed concepts.
- Even if an exam is open-note, you may complete the exam faster if you know the concepts well, so I would still study for the concepts as if you could not access your notes. This skill will teach you the importance of understanding the information and using the notes as a reference instead of a guide.
- Finally, study in a learning environment. It may be easier to study in your dorm room or apartment. Still, I highly recommend studying on campus, in the library, or in other locations with people around you. 9 times out of 10, something distracting could occur during your exam, such as somebody clicking their pen repeatedly or someone who has allergies and won’t stop sneezing. Studying in a more distracting environment while preparing for an exam may help you feel at ease during those times.
Tip #4: Making Connections with Peers and Professors
Coming into college is daunting, with new faces everywhere you look, but it’s an excellent opportunity to begin networking with your classmates and professors. Many professors are completing research projects and have much insight into academia and the job market within your field of interest. It’s important to discuss these with professors within your principal and your classmates so that you can not only better understand the application of your degree but also foster opportunities for letters of recommendation for jobs and graduate school, jobs, and possible research opportunities.
Tip #5: Taking Care of Yourself
With all the new responsibilities that come with being a college student, it’s important to remember that you are important, too. Taking time for self-care is just as important as studying for an exam. Self-care can include taking breaks, going to the gym, incorporating healthy food into your diet, and spending time with friends. I typically schedule time daily to go to the gym, cook a nutritious meal, and watch my favorite TV show before returning to work. Taking some time to yourself is a great way to combat stress, anxiety, and depression. If you find that you are struggling with your mental health, many campuses have mental health resources available that you can reach out to privately.
In conclusion, maintaining organization and implementing effective note-taking strategies are crucial for undergraduate students to succeed academically. By prioritizing self-care and developing these fundamental skills, students can better manage their workload, reduce stress, and pave the way for future success. Remember, college is about academics, personal growth, and well-being. By following these tips and staying committed to continuous improvement, you can make the most of your undergraduate years and set the stage for a fulfilling future. Good luck!
W
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