Overview of Study Skills
Study skills involve an array of personality traits, attitudes, thinking processes, and behaviors related to how a person approaches a learning task. Use your unique preferences to modify the strategies described below, but keep in mind that improving your study skills likely involves changing some habits, and making a conscious decision to do so.
Understanding / Identifying
Assessing Your Study Habits
First, assess what your current study habits are. For each area, consider how your current method is working for you or not working for you. How do you manage your time? Where do you study? How much do you study per week?
The guideline recommended for college students is to study 2-3 hours per hour in class, per week. For a 12-unit course load, the recommended study time is 24-36 hours per week. This is only a guideline. Some courses may require more (or less) independent work; some students may require more (or less) time to complete course tasks. This guideline is still useful for anticipating how much time to initially allocate to your studies.
What Can Be Done
Manage the Immediate Environment
The environment in which you study can have a big effect on how efficient your study time is. Check your place of study for the following conditions:
- Noise
- Interruptions
- Lighting
- Temperature
- Neatness
- Comfort
- Equipment
Consider the following strategies:
- Minimize distracting noise. Some people need sound and others prefer silence. Find what works for you.
- Consider a "do not disturb sign" and putting your phone on silent to eliminate social distractions.
- Turn the temperature down. A colder room is better than a warm one.
- Have plenty of room to work. Ensure that your study space is clean and organized.
- A desk and straight-backed chair is usually best. Don't get too comfortable--a bed is a place to sleep, not study.
- Have everything you need close at hand. Don't waste your time jumping up and down to get things.
How We Can Help
SHCS provides acute care, drop-in services, brief individual therapy, group therapy, and referrals for on-going therapy.
You can schedule an intake with a counselor at North Hall by calling (530) 752-2349. Acute Care drop-in services are available on the first floor of the Student Health and Wellness Center.