Study Tips and Tools

We've got a resource for that!  Whether you're looking for exam prep help or are curious where on campus your new study spot may be, check out the resources below.  If you want to explore these with a peer Academic Mentor or Educational Counselor, make an appointment with one today!

You've been going to class, taking good notes, and studying for tests, but you're still missing something, and you're not sure what it is. Could it be your reading? Textbooks are loaded with neccesary information for your success in a class, but harnessing all the information is difficult, and retaining it can seem down right impossible.                                              

There are ways to change your reading habits so that reading assignments become more manageable. The following documents and advice will help you navigate your textbooks to collect important information, stay focused, and show you methods that will let you retain information longer.

Getting more from your Textbooks

Active Reading Strategies

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student at library

For many students, time management is something they most struggle with.

  • When to study?
  • How much studying is enough?
  • How much is too much?
  • Is it possible to go to classes, study, work, sleep, join clubs, and still have time for fun or relaxation?

There are ways to balance it all. The following forms and advice don't give answers, but  can help you begin to organize your time and create a plan that works for you. There are calendars to give you a visual picture of your time, general time management tips, and methods to overcome procrastination.

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photo of UNH CFAR student comtemplating the semester calendar

By taking good notes, you can take what you learn in the classroom home with you. Just taking notes isn't enough though. One of the keys to better learning is reviewing your notes and being able to make connections between what you hear in a lecture and what you read in a book.

You may already be taking notes and reviewing them, but you want to be sure you are doing both  in a way that maximizes learning. The following documents and advice will help you explore new methods for taking notes, show you how to review them,improve your studying, and take you through the mind-mapping process for better understanding of the course material.

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professor in front of whiteboard

The best students know the secret to being successful academically: study smarter, not harder. In other words, you have a better chance at earning good grades if you focus on quality study skills  that help you engage and understand concepts instead of logging countless hours of studying to memorize. You can build a toolbox of study skills to help achieve this, including techniques like understanding your own strengths and weaknesses, exploring new methods to studying, and minimizing distractions. The advice below is just a sample of ways you can move toward more efficient learning.

Tools for Effective Learning

 Library Resources

SAS Learning Resources

 

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dimond library at unh

One of the surest ways to see your GPA drop is to prepare poorly for your exams. A test is designed to challenge you and what you have learned, so you need to be up to the challenge. 

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students sitting outside

There are so many great nooks and crannies where you can study!  Here are just a few suggestions to get you started.

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students in the great hall in paul college

Learning new course material takes time and practice. Use short, frequent, and focused study sessions throughout the week rather than studying only before an exam. Use this approach and be amazed how much you learn and how well prepared you are for your exams!

  • Preview: before going to class, spend some time looking at the concepts you will be learning
  • Attend: always go to class so you can focus on the professor's explanation of those concepts
  • Review: revisit the concepts in your notes and use tools to help you learn the concepts--readings, videos, online course portals, connect to previous information in class, discussing content with a classmate....
  • Study: the time to connect and learn all of the concepts together for the test

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students sitting at table

A syllabus is a "how to" on succeeding in a course.  Canvas pages help you stay-up-to-date and allow you to access course resources.  Knowing how to utilize both resources is important and will set you for success during the semester.

Syllabus

  • Syllabus Analysis
  • Is the road map of how to succeed in a course
  • Outlines professor's expectations and what they want you to take away from the course
  • Recommends how to best learn in a course
  • Contains course resources (like, textbooks, reading materials, etc.)
  • Shares when assessments will happen, how you'll be tested, and the best ways to prepare
  • Contains important dates
  • Ultimately, reading the syllabus gives you the BIGGER picture!

Canvas

  • Exploring Canvas
  • Contains course content (assignments, readings, PPT presentations, and grades)
  • Is a place to keep up with announcements (check Canvas DAILY)
  • Utilize discussion boards and communicate with Professor and TA’s
  • Different professors = different Canvas sites (get familiar with how each professor utilizes their Canvas site)

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