Pictured above: This young student obviously did not follow the Nexus’ advice. Read our tips to ensure this look of defeat does not cross your face. Lorenzo Basilio / Daily Nexus
- Change up your study location when studying different concepts for better recall. For example, do math at the UCen, history in the library and English submerged in the lagoon.
- Don’t study where you sleep unless you’re studying for SOC 152A.
- Make flashcards during class to remember concepts and not just vocabulary. Review them loudly in class the next day to help your peers succeed as well.
- Don’t be too comfortable while you study — set the temperature to a cool 10 degrees to stay alert.
- Listen to music without lyrics to stay concentrated. Gregorian monk chants are a good option.
- Try different sources of caffeine in addition to coffee, like a cup of tea or two gallons of chocolate ice cream.
- Chew the same flavor of gum when studying and taking the test for a class. For best results, chew the same piece of gum for at least eight days.
- Bring study material into your shower. Or a good friend.
- Use the 20-20-20 eye rule: After every 20 minutes, pause for 20 seconds and look toward an area 20 feet away. If a 20-second break is not enough, feel free to stare aimlessly for hours.
- Teach your study material to someone to fill gaps in your knowledge. Unless you have no knowledge; then teach them whatever comes to mind.
- Watch YouTube videos about your subject to reinforce your understanding of material. Then, watch several unrelated videos to prevent overexertion.
- Drink lots of water, don’t go hungry, limit shots to four an hour.
A version of this story appeared on page 5 of the Thursday, September 24, 2015 print edition of the Daily Nexus.
