Student years are some of the most important years of your life, and it's when you learn how to navigate life and find your place in the world. Student habits are something that will help you be successful in your endeavours. Following certain student, habits can give some kind of structure to your life and help you reach your goals. Following some of these student habits will ensure you don't make the small rookie mistakes that might hamper your growth later on. So, here are 12 effective student habits that will help you.
1. Update your calendar regularly
Updating your calendar regularly is one of the most important student habits to make your student life smooth. Noting down all your plans, deadlines, breaks, and important dates is a great way to stay on schedule and organised. Using physical calendars or online calendars that might also allow you to send reminders will help you stay on top of things and never miss out on an important event. Add new events or deadlines as soon as you get them to make sure you have a record in case you forget it.
2. Study location matters
Choosing an appropriate study location is also very important. It greatly affects your ability to focus and be mentally active. The perfect study location may vary from person to person, and so finding your personal sweet spot is very important. Some people might prefer a quiet place like a quiet room or a library, while others may be able to focus perfectly well in a park. The most important thing is that there are no distractions that might prevent you from getting into the right mind space for studying.
3. Be physically active
Being physically active doesnt mean spending 2 hours at the gym or doing very intensive workouts that might end up taking too much of your time and energy. Being physically active can just mean walking from one class to another, taking a soothing yoga class or going for a short jog every morning. Exercise will ensure your body stays as sharp and healthy as your mind.
4. Take enough breaks
Taking the right amount of breaks is extremely important for the student's ability to study and focus. Intentional breaks for an appropriate amount of time and in appropriate numbers have been proven to have a positive impact. Some of the best study break ideas includes short breaks at regular intervals. Choosing the right things to do on the breaks is also very important, as things like constantly checking social media might actually be more harmful. Activities like going for a walk, listening to music, taking a shower or getting something to eat are better options.
5. Avoid missing classes
Sometimes, it may seem impossible to go to class, like on a cold rainy day when your bed feels too comfortable to leave, but it is crucial to attend as many classes as you can. Learning can be done best in an environment like a classroom where you can interact easily with the teachers and get all your doubts cleared out immediately. Usually, professors also explain homework, assignments and important project details in class that definitely should not be missed. So being consistent in all your classes will be a huge advantage for you.
6. Professor knows best
Asking your professors or mentors for help is nothing to be embarrassed about, in fact, it is greatly encouraged. The professors are here just to help you with any queries you might have so don't be afraid to reach out to them. You can make a list of questions during the class and later on go to them with your doubts, or you could also ask during class when the conversation is already on the topic. This is a very important student habit to cultivate if you want to succeed.
7. Routines are your best friend
Routines will definitely be your best friend when trying to build up student habits. When you have a set schedule in place, it gets harder for you to waste time or get carried away by social media or other distractions. Going to bed and waking up at the same time every day will not only ensure you get enough sleep and are well-rested but might also make it easier for you to get up for those early morning classes.
8. Be Punctual
This is one of those student habits that should be followed even after you graduate. Being punctual makes sure to not only gives the people around you a good impression of you but also ensures that you don't miss anything important. Missing even 10 minutes of a class might make you miss some very important information, so it's best to be there in advance.
9. Be consistent with homework and classwork
Studying and doing homework after a long day of classes may seem like the last thing you want to do, but it is a very effective study habit to have. Revising or reading through what you did that during class and finishing up your homework on time will ensure you're learning and understanding the subject at the pace you're supposed to. Leaving the homework and learning till at the last possible second will only make sure you're behind on everything.
10. Be active and attentive in class
Just being physically present in class is not enough, you have to be extremely mentally present. Daydreaming while being in class will not allow you to absorb all the knowledge that you should. Be attentive, ask all the questions and doubts you have and always volunteer for things to make sure you're taking full advantage of the programme like you were intended to. This is a crucial student habit to follow.
11. Keep your notes up to date
Taking notes and keeping them updated after every class is an amazing student habit to have. Just sitting in class listening to the lecture is not going to help you retain that information and so making notes is important. The kind of notes you make may differ from just outlining the main points to writing everything in detail. Whatever kind of note-taking that will benefit you is the kind you should do.
12. Networking is key
If group study or studying with friends is something you prefer, then this student habit is made for you. Studies have found that if group study is done the correct way, then it will improve your chances of improving on your next test or assignment. Look for study groups with study techniques similar to yours or make your own group and make a fixed schedule to keep things consistent. There are many networking tips and tricks every student should follow for a smooth transition in their Universities.
Student habits are something that every single person in a university or college would benefit from in some way. They might be hard to start or hard to get into the routine but once you have gotten a hang of them they are one of the most helpful things you can have to guide you through school. Integrating these student habits will leave you feeling accomplished and satisfied with your work and help you be calmer and more relaxed about your academics.