Study Skills - Top 10 Study Tips (USC)

Summary

This video offers insightful advice on how to improve study habits in college. Key tips include using a planner for time management, finding a comfortable and focused study environment, and utilizing resources like professors' office hours and tutoring centers. It emphasizes the importance of avoiding procrastination, organizing study sessions effectively, and using study techniques like flashcards and rewriting notes. The advice encourages students to prioritize difficult tasks first and balance academic work with personal connections for a more successful college experience.

Takeaways

• 😀 Use a planner to organize your schedule and keep track of assignments, readings, and study sessions.
• 😀 Find a comfortable and quiet study space that suits your personal preferences for productivity.
• 😀 Avoid procrastination by starting your assignments early to prevent last-minute stress and late-night cramming.
• 😀 Use tools like flashcards to help with information retention and studying effectively.
• 😀 Visit support centers like the Quack Center for Learning and Creativity if you struggle with study habits or course material.
• 😀 Avoid studying in your room, as dorms are more social environments than focused study areas.
• 😀 Build relationships with your professors by attending office hours to clarify doubts and gain additional insights.
• 😀 Take handwritten notes during class and rewrite them later to reinforce your understanding of the material.
• 😀 Start with the hardest tasks first to get them out of the way, making the rest of your work feel easier.
• 😀 Prioritize time management: complete tasks during the day to keep your evenings free for relaxation and personal time.

Q & A

Why is it important to invest in a planner for college?

A planner helps keep track of reading assignments, study time, and deadlines, making it easier to stay organized and manage your workload, especially in a busy college environment.

What are some recommended study spaces on campus?

Recommended study spaces include the cinema library, Dhini Library, and the Ronald Tutor Campus Center. Additionally, there are quiet conference and study rooms on the top floor of the new Campus Center, ideal for group study.

What advice is given about procrastination?

The advice is to stop procrastinating. Procrastination leads to last-minute stress, and it's better to space out tasks to stay on top of your work and avoid working late into the night.

How can flashcards be helpful for studying?

Flashcards are useful because they help you break down information into manageable pieces, making it easier to memorize and absorb key concepts during study sessions.

What is the role of the Quack Center for Learning and Creativity?

The Quack Center provides support for students who are struggling with their study habits. They offer guidance on improving study techniques and can help students figure out what works best for them.

What is the '11th commandment' for college students mentioned in the transcript?

The '11th commandment' is 'Thou shalt not study in thy room.' It suggests that the dorm room is often more social than academic, and studying in different, more focused environments is better.

What is recommended for creating a good study environment?

A good study environment is one that is comfortable and allows you to stay focused. For example, some students enjoy studying in places like Ground Zero, where they can have coffee and light music while working.

How can students benefit from going to professors' office hours?

Office hours provide an opportunity to connect with professors, ask questions about class material, clarify lectures, and even learn about the professor’s career journey. Building these connections can be beneficial academically.

Why is rewriting notes after class recommended?

Rewriting notes helps reinforce the material, improving retention and understanding. This technique also ensures that the information is well-absorbed and ready for exams.

What is the suggested approach to tackling assignments?

It’s recommended to start with the toughest or least enjoyable tasks first. Completing these first makes the rest of your workload feel easier, similar to having dinner before dessert.