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Study and learning tips (self.chat)

submitted 1 year ago by beerd to c/chat

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I never really managed to get into the habit of studying for school, and even when i tried and sat down somehow always in like half an hour i caught myself thinking about or doing something completely different. Now that im about to enter university im afraid that i will not be able to continue like this without heavy consequences. What systems and tips did you find useful for school related work and doing stuff without interest in general?

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[–] bbbhltz 5 points 1 year ago (2 children)

Hi. This is a very good question. I am a professor myself, and all of our students are now required to take a course with a name like "Learning to Learn". You are not the only one worrying or thinking about this. Most of your cohorts and peers will be in the same boat as you.

20 years ago when I was a student, my first year at uni was a waste of money and time. By second year I had it figured out:

Take notes, by hand. It will hurt at first, but that will pass. Some schools copy the Cornell method
Do homework as soon as possible so the theory from class is still fresh.
Read notes out loud when you can, as if you are practising a speech.
Don't cram or study until the last minute.
If you are very serious, be prepared to lose sleep (I had 38 hours of class and 4 jobs that added up to about 50 hours... I slept 3 hours a night) or get a new rhythm like going to bed very early and getting up before everyone else.
Use the library as a study place, or a café. Seeing others work helps you get in the mood.

My students have the same troubles I did, but with the added distraction of phones! Mute them, airplane mode, whatever. Study time and school come first if you actually care about grades. Weekends are the worst for distractions, but don't feel bad for having fun.

[–] Kwakigra 4 points 1 year ago

I strongly second the recommendation for the free online class Learning How to Learn. I've taken it twice, the second time as a refresher after a few years. It's light, well presented, easy, and really revolutionized my approach to learning new things.

[–] beerd 3 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Thanks a lot! Im kind of worried about sleep, cause there is obviously a good balance somewhere for everyone where it is worth sacrificing sleep, but i feel like its probably subjective to the point where i can convince myself that sleeping more than it is really needed is the better option.

[–] bbbhltz 2 points 1 year ago

I went all in on grades and work. I have no memories from university. I was baked morning, noon, and night. Just study, work, eat, sleep, smoke, exam, etc. I wrote my final exams with mononucleosis. Said, "peace out" to my "friends" and moved to another country 4 months later. I only speak with one person I was at university with who I also went to high school with.

I check in on certain people. They don't remember me. My professors still wish me "happy birthday" though.

Socialising cannot be ignored. Some of your courses, especially the intro courses and electives, can be given a lower priority sometimes if you need to disconnect from school stuff.