Dear Incoming Freshman,
You’re about to transition to college which is so exciting! I wouldn’t take back my freshman year for anything in the world. However, it can be difficult to adjust to so many new responsibilities. The hardest adjustment has to be learning how to handle your school work. Here’s a few tips to help you study and a few to help with the transition!
Study Technique #1: Don’t study all at once
A while back I watched a video on how to study the best you can. This technique has had many studies done and is one of the only techniques proven to help! The study had some students study for 2 hours once a day then 3 hours a month later right before the test. The other set of students studied all 5 hours right before the test. The ones that studied a month before did significantly better! This means that the best way to go about studying is to start studying early. Last year I had Organic Chemistry (it sounds scary, and it kind of is) and this technique changed my life. My process for every test was to study 2 weeks before. I would be very confused and not understand what was going on when I first looked at it. However, during those 2 weeks, whether it was something said in class or just sleeping on it, it would click.
Study Technique #2: Make Connections
Another proven way to study better! The two best examples that come to mind are PEMDAS and “Mitochondria, the powerhouse of the cell”. These are things we learned years ago but for some reason they stick in our minds. This is because you’re connecting abstract concepts to a fun acronym or phrase. Try to do this with anything you’re memorizing. Even if it’s something only you would understand or remember.
Study Technique #3: Group Study
If you ever have trouble staying focused or studying alone, you could try group studying with other students in your classes! For group studying, someone could take the lead of the group and teach the material to reinforce it, you could use whiteboards and give an overview of the material through diagrams or drawings, or lastly, you could quiz each other. Just talking through information can help you remember it better than only reading it.
Study Technique #4: Organization of notes/ material
Sometimes during lecture, your notes and handwriting could get messy. When you go back to study it could be hard to read. One thing that is beneficial is rewriting information into either flashcards or a notebook. I typically make flash cards and also rewrite my notes in color coordination so I can see it easier. I also have a personal white board where I write out topics and discuss it with myself. These few techniques have been very successful for me and my specific learning strategy.
Tips:
Tip #1: Personalize your schedule
The best part about college is that YOU get to decide your own schedule. You get to decide whether you have all of your classes Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays or maybe more spread out throughout the week. I always preferred Tuesdays and Thursday classes for 1.5 hours over the hour long MWF classes. Like I said, you decide! Having your Friday’s off is something I would 100% recommend if possible. This will let you go out and have fun Thursdays without worrying about class in the morning! If you have a hard time waking up in the morning, don’t hesitate to have your day start at 10 AM! Whatever you need to make sure you can get it done.
PSA: Download the Rate My Professor app! It’s very accurate and gives details about how professors teach.
Tip #2 Balancing Social life and School Work
This is a big one for a lot of freshman. Good news! You can do it, I promise. The most important part to this is to not procrastinate. If you know you have something you really wanna do that weekend, FINISH your school work Wednesday or Thursday. Don’t think that you can get it all done Sunday after a weekend out. Plan ahead!
Tip #3 Go to Class
Now that you’re in college there’s some classes that won’t take attendance... This is a blessing and a curse. Not only should you go to class, but actively listen and learn while in class. Think about, you have to be there for an hour anyways, why not try to listen and understand it? I know there are going to be classes where the professor posts the lectures or power-points and it seems useless to physically go to class. I promise it’s not useless, professors LOVE to throw hints at students while in class about what may be on the test. Not to mention they can usually explain it in a way that reading the lecture notes won’t.
Tip #4 Form Relationships with Professors and Classmates
Lucky for us at JSU, lecture halls usually only hold 60 students max. With this being said, you have a great opportunity to get to know your professors and instructors. By doing this, they will see that you work hard for your grades and that you care. This also helps if you need recommendation letters in the future or maybe the professor teaches an upper level course you need to take later.
Another important relationship to form in your courses is with other students, especially students pursuing the same path as you. They could give you advice for current or upcoming courses, you could have a familiar face in class everyday, or they could introduce you to new study techniques or group study.
Tip #5 Get involved with your Major's organization, club, or department!
Your major will most likely have clubs or organizations you can join that help learn more about the field or coursework you're involved in! This will also expose you to other people taking the same courses as you or wanting to pursue the same field. Becoming involved in the department can also introduce you to future professors of courses you could take later on! Also, more involvement is wonderful for experience on resumes!
Tip #6 Help from your sisters!
Your sorority sisters help tremendously with this transition! You will meet many older sisters that have the same major as you and they can help guide you through those freshman classes. You can also meet up with sisters at the library and study together.
College is a new and exciting experience! Don’t be scared or intimidated, you’ve got this. Just remember what your priorities are and you should do just fine!
Written by:
Peeper Walker
Biology Major
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