how do i have good study habits

Question

Throughout school i struggled with studying, since i am planning to go to college i want to start having better studying methods and habits. I don't know where to start or how to keep myself organized. What is the best way to start? Are there any methods that work better than others?

Answer 1

The good news is it's never too late to start new habits. There is no perfect method, just the one that works best for you.

An easy method to start with:

Take notes in class- anything the teacher puts on the board should go on your notes. you can often times ask the professor permission to record the lecture (video/ and/or audio). Also sometimes you can request their lecture notes(they won't all agree to this, but it's worth asking). Include any questions you have or that others have asked and their answers.....be sure to ask questions when you have them.

Rewrite notes that night- take the notes you had that day and rewrite them to make them more organized and clear. Often times I will start a study guide or a reference page.

Keep a calendar and a routine- You can buy a planner and keep track of your daily schedule. Such as wake-up time, meals, travel time, and class schedule. Be sure to add time for homework and studying. Keeping to this will help you stay on track with a regular routine, so the study time is part of your day and you won't feel frustrated trying to "fit it in".

Organization- I like to keep separate notebooks and folders for each class. I will have one during class to quick hand my notes, then another in my room/dorm that is specifically for that class when i rewrite my notes. Some may find tablets or computer notes to be better. I wait till closer to the mid-term or final to type my notes. Again keeping a planner may help keep your day organized, especially if you get involved in activites on campus.

Study groups- Get out there and meet the people in your classes, see if you can start study groups. This is a great way to see how others take their notes, and how they study. Work together and use all methods of those in the group. just because flashcards are time-consuming or don't typically work for you doesn't mean you shouldn't use them or at least try. Working together will provide different perspectives into how others feel about the class, how they take notes or study, or may have caught something you didn't during the lecture. *It's also great to have a friend or two incase you have to miss class.

Try different methods- Such as for reading notes there are many different methods: Cornell, SOAPSTone, outline method, etc. Try a different one for a week or so and see which feels better for you. It's ok if one doesn't work.

Be patient, and be consistant- it will take time to get into a full routine that flows perfectly and finding the right method for you. Stick to the plan, try different methods. Stick to the schedule, if you need to change it thats fine just make sure that everyday you have a set time for studying and do it.

Answer 2

Improving your study habits helps you learn more effectively, stay organized, and feel confident in class. Here’s a simple guide to help you get started:

📚 Study Tips

1. Set a consistent study time each day to build routine.
2. Break big assignments into smaller steps to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
3. Use active recall and self-quizzing to strengthen memory.
4. Find your best learning style (visual, auditory, hands-on) and match study methods to it.

🗂️ Organizational Tools

1. Use folders or binders to separate subjects.
2. Color-code notes and assignments.
3. Try apps like Notion, Google Keep, or OneNote to keep everything in one place.

📆 Use a Calendar with a Study Plan

1. Plan weekly study sessions and homework deadlines.
2. Use a planner or digital calendar (like Google Calendar).
3. Schedule time for review before tests, not just the night before.

✅ Habit Stacking Tips

1. Pair a new study habit with an existing routine:
2. After brushing your teeth, review flashcards.
3. Right after lunch, spend 15 minutes reviewing notes.
4. Before bed, organize your backpack and plan tomorrow’s goals.

Small, consistent steps lead to big progress!

If your child would like help with study skills or test taking I would love to work with them. I have 30 years of teaching / tutoring experience and enjoy the thrill of organization! I have a high ability ( organizationally challenged ) son who loves to procrastinate, so I have first hand experience with this area.

Let's talk about how I can help.

Michele