As MSU approaches mid-semester, many students are finding their favorite study spots and perfecting their best study habits.
Some of the best tips are actually well-researched and can maximize how much you learn come exam day.
Your guide to surviving tests and acing them
Study multiple topics at a time.
A study published by the American Psychological Association in 2010 said studying a mixture of subjects is more beneficial. According to the study, interweaving material allows learners to apply their lessons better.
“Making sense of the world involves learning to identify new concepts and categories by noticing and identifying recurring patterns,” it said.
Research suggests that interweaving will help make connections between topics and in real life. Students can study multiple sections of their coursework, instead of studying one section at a time, to make better connections and applications.
Color-code your notes.
It’s no secret that color-coding is a great study tip. Research published in the National Library of Medicine in 2013 said that color and memory are linked.
According to the study, "Color helps us in memorizing certain information by increasing our attentional level… The more attention focused on certain stimuli, the more chances of the stimuli to be transferred to a more permanent memory storage."
Mikayla Demers, a global studies in arts and humanities sophomore, said she color-codes her notes using various colored pens.
According to the study, warm colors are more effective than cool colors in capturing attention.
In addition to yellow and orange highlighters, students can take notes on yellow legal pads and use red pens to take notes.
Find the right study environment.
Some students prefer studying at home, where they’re relaxed, while others prefer a coffee shop or a library to have background noise. Finding a comfortable environment is a key factor effective study habits.
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“I generally come to Starbucks most of the time just because I like noise when I study,” Demers said
Wondering which study environment might work best for you? Take our quiz to find out!
How easily do you get distracted by your phone/social media?
A. Very easily. I’m addicted to my phone.
B. Somewhat easily. I have my days.
C. Hardly. Who needs technology?
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How long do you study in one sitting?
A. Short periods of time. I need to digest information.
B. Long hours. I like to get it all done at once.
C. Depends on how much I procrastinated.
Do you listen to music while studying?
A. Yes, I like to jam.
B. No, it’s distracting.
C. Sometimes. It depends on my mood.
What kind of seating do you prefer?
A. A desk and a chair is all I need;
B. Couches and pillows. I like to be comfortable.
C. Doesn’t matter to me.
Do you mind being around other people?
A. Yes, background noise focuses me.
B. No-- people can be loud and distracting
C. Sometimes. I depends on how much I need to study.
Mostly As: Public spaces such as Starbucks or Biggby Coffee are good spots for you. The gentle hum of espresso machines and other people talking fits the type of environment you like to study in.
Mostly Bs: Staying at home in your room is your best bet for studying. You can close your door to block out the noise and control any other distractions. If a roommate is in the way, quiet areas in the Library are the next best option.
Mostly Cs: The best place for you depends on your mood. If you have a lot of assignments to get done in a short amount of time, a less-distracting place would be the best. However, if you're going with not a much work, going to casually study at Starbucks with friends is another option.
