I need help to study

[johnathan]

Hey everyone,

Im in my last year of school and my most important exams are coming up, these exams will decide whether I get into university or not. This is my second year doing this year because last year I f**ked up my exams so I repeated. I don’t want it to happen again. I really need advice on how to study and what to do and what not to do. I just feel really lazy, and im very pessimistic about life. Ever since I saw loose change, I got addicted to the internet, sitting on my ass all the time, I didn’t really care about life anymore because of what I see happening in the world. I think it’s because im not doing much exercising which is making me feel lazy. If
Anyone wants to second that, or give me advice or links please do. I appreciate it

[rdy2rac with]

Make a shedule for yourself! Set a time for studying and a time for internet surfing. Get a timer if you need to.

In the end it comes down to determination and personal will power, not suppliments.

I work full time, have 2 young children, 2 young puppies, a house to keep clean and also take classes towards a degree in accounting. You don't have to tell me about not having time. As spring comes racing season also starts (my hubby drag races) so now I need to budget in time for race prep (packing, getting everything oganized, etc). For me I make study time around 10 PM. The kids are down for bed & the house is quieting down. I always study with the TV on because I like background noise. If that is too distracting to you put on some music that energizes you.

[nicolef888]

My suggestion to you would be to study in increments of 45 min blocks. Set a timer for 45 mins and for those 45 mins put your mind to it and get your studying done. In the remaning 15 mins-do whatever you want ie. surf the net, get a snack.

How old are you? When I was younger, I was very pessimistic about life but as I have grown older my attitude has changed. I was diagnosed with stage 3colon cancer many years ago and I was told that it would most likely progress to stage 4. When you have something like that in front of you, it just make syou realize that you need to find positive things in your life and live every day as though it was your last day on this earth. Yes, there are a lot of negative things going on but there are also a lot of positive. BTW, I pulled through and I am in remission.

Also, you may be suffering from depression. I would suggest going to speak to a counselor at your school to get suggestions on what you can do.

[Sexy Strawberry]

It sounds like your problem is not studying, but something else.

1. Ask yourself what worries you. Make a list of the things you would like to change in your life.
2. Do something about it, ask your parents and friends for support.
3. Try to make a schedule so that you have a few hours a day dedicated to study, but also hours dedicated to going out, meeting your friends or doing anything you like.
4. Think of the benefits of studying and of the negative results of failing.

[meliz]

I am a prof and work closely with first year uni students and this is what I always tell them to help them manage studying and life:

I agree with the PPs poster who commented on a schedule. Work in manageable increments. Set a time limit or, what I prefer, set a study goal (say you want to get thru two chapters or whatever). Also, treat your studying like a job--try to take evenings off, if you can. Otherwise, I think you can burn out. So treat school seriously, but don't let it be the be-all and end-all in your life. Sure school is important; but so are alot of things. That said, don't go to a party the night before an exam. That's just stupid.

Do exercise-- if you feel like a slug get out for a walk or something.

Have other things in which you can be involved. Volunteer, join a book club or sports league or something. Something that lets you connect with other people and the world (and that reveals your life to be relevant and your schooling to be worthwhile). PLUS all these things look great on uni applications. Universities want the well-rounded students, afterall.

Study actively: don't just aimlessly read and read... for most people that does not help with retention. Read outloud (and practice repeating important things); also I am a firm believer of writing things down. Re write your notes and the key points of textbooks. Write out practice answers. I think that writing things down helps to cement ideas. Most people do not think uni-dimensionally and covering the material in several ways makes it stick better. If you have essays, get a friend or relative who owes you a favour to read and/or listen to you read the essay outloud. If that person gets what you are writing about, then it's likely a good essay. If they don't, you need to rework it for clarity.

Seek out tutoring or other help (such as study skills advice). I am sure you school offers these things; take advantage of them! Most students won't. But heck, your parents' tax dollars are paying for them.

Don't compare yourself to other students. Do your best. That's all you can do, afterall. And if any teachers tell you that you are unsuited to university do not listen. My hub was told he was not university material-- and he's about to graduate with his doctorate. Teachers can be totally full of shit. You do what you want for you because if you want it, you can do it.

I implore you not to take caffiene pills or other supplements. IMO that is stupid stupid advice. They'll keep you awake but they will muddle your mind and won't help concentration. And at some point you will crash. Heck, I made it thru a phd without resorting to those things. It's totally doable. Plus I don't trust them; they simply cannot be healthy.

Good luck! I know exams are hellish. Just be smart about studying and remind yourself that there are just a few more months you need to get thru. YOU CAN DO IT!