7 Ways to Find Your Study Pattern at Uni

It's a fact that everyone studies differently - whether you're a kinetic learner that has to do activities for things to sink in, or someone that has to have perfect folders for every subject, or whether just listening to a lecture capture is enough. It can take a while to find your favourite techniques for learning, and these can change as you change anyway. However, I'm in my third year of university now and I've found some things that work for me, so if you need some inspiration here are some tips if you're stuck for ideas!

1. Find your space  
Find an environment, wherever it is, that you find you can study well in. Maybe this is your bedroom if you have access to a desk; this can work well as you can't forget to take your things with you. However, bear distractions in mind - will you really get work done or will you start procrastinating with things in your room and running to the kitchen to make a cup of tea every 20 minutes? It's also good to consider your sleeping pattern - if you struggle with getting enough sleep, this might not be the place for you, as working/sleeping/relaxing/eating all in the same place can mess with your brain's ability to shut off when it needs to.

Your room can be an ideal place to study, if you're focused enough

Alternatively, find a good study space on campus if you live near enough. I personally use the uni's computer science building, as there is a room just for comp-sci students to use, and it's pretty central to everything else on campus that you could need. Maybe your university has a computer lab that you can set up camp in when you need to work, or the library, or a cafe somewhere. Once you find somewhere that suits your lecture timetable, facility needs (do you need a specific lab computer? Printer? Books?) and just general comfortableness, you'll find your productivity increases lots.

Once you find a place that works, you're ready to go

2. Plan your Time

As a university student it's usually expected that you can organise your own time - even when you have 4 deadlines, revision and extra curricular stuff to be doing! This can quickly get out of hand, so it's important to have a clear idea in your head of what you need to get done - take it day by day if you have to. Obviously lectures and other contact hours are important, but if you have a deadline the next day for a coursework you've barely started that should obviously take priority. Make an agreement with yourself if you do miss a lecture for any reason, you will catch up the content within a certain amount of time, if that is possible. If you know you have a busy weekend, make use of any free evenings in the week to catch up with work. Sometimes clashes are unavoidable; this week I've had to put my dissertation on hold while sorting out some group coursework, but for the most part lecturers and other people you work with are understanding enough. Just don't leave things for so long you forget about them!

3. Be Organised (in your own way)

It's a fact some people are more organised than others, and everyone organises things in their own way. For example, you may be the sort of student to have a dedicated and up-to-date folder for every module you take, and be able to find any topic in a few seconds flat. You could also be the person who has an incredibly "messy" room full of papers, but could find any particular piece of work you wanted really quickly (sound familiar?). As long as you know what works for you, you'll be fine, just keep an eye on where you're keeping important documents!

An example timetable, make sure you know when your contact hours are and what other commitments you have!

 4. Stay hydrated

Everyone knows this one, but it's pretty important, so I'm adding it anyway. Some buildings may have water fountains dotted around, so make sure you make use of them! Coffee and tea may be good for keeping yourself awake, but make sure you drink some water too to keep your brain and self happy and healthy!

Reusable cups are both good for the environment and get you money off the odd coffee!

5. Revision

This is definitely the hardest part to sort out, in my opinion. Again, everyone needs different amounts of time to be able to take information in, so make sure you adjust your revision techniques to suit you. If it helps you, make a revision timetable (but don't spend most of your revision period making it, it's easily done!). I personally like to write out a list of days I have to use, fill in any upcoming commitments, and then take it a day at a time, making a note of which subjects I've gone over each day. This allows you to see what you've been focusing on, work out what it is you're struggling with, and see which subjects you may be neglecting. 

6. Find out how you learn

You may have done an experiment in school to find out what type of learner you are. Knowing this can be super useful when you're working out study techniques! Maybe you need to take notes in lectures or you won't remember anything, or maybe you're OK with just listening to take everything in. Possibly you learn better visually, by watching a lecture or watching videos. Flashcards, past exam papers, practice questions, reading out loud, reading a textbook, annotating notes - find out what works for you!

7. Finally, Take Breaks

When you're stressed, it's incredibly easy to get caught up in what you're doing, whether it's actually productive or not, and very hard to accept that you need some time to recuperate. Once you can recognise when you're at your 'breaking point' so to say, you'll find you're much more productive when you are working (it's much easier said than done!). As tempting as it is to simply browse twitter or pop the telly on, and as much as I'm going to sound like someone's Mum, getting some fresh air and going on a walk to clear your mind can really help!

Remember to take time out when you need to, maybe you'll even find a new place to explore!