How should you study at the university and how do you keep the exam thoughts from turning into a hulking monster of anxiety? Marianne Giselsson at Studieverkstan shares some of her best advice on the topic.
PLAN AHEAD
Everything hinges on the planning as your studies are your own responsibility at the university. Sit down with an empty piece of paper and draw up a schedule for every new course. Full-time studies mean devoting around 35 hours each week to studying. Fill out your schedule with these hours and it’ll be clear what you have to do each week to keep up. Be sure to get things done every day according to your schedule and don’t put things off until the following week. Otherwise, you run the risk of falling behind more and more and facing an insurmountable amount of material to be memorized in the days leading up to the exam.
FOCUS ON THE IMPORTANT PARTS
Students often feel like they have an unreasonable workload. However, university studies aren’t about scrutinizing every word but focusing on the big picture. Base your studies around the contents of the lectures, it should give you an indication of what’s important. Procure an overview, do something with the text – underline or take notes – and reflect over what it is you’re reading.
STUDY IN GROUPS
Reflect and repeat continually throughout the course. Drawing up mind-maps is often useful as it’s easier to learn while employing several different senses. Form a study group with some people taking the same course. Everything will be that much more fun and easy if you work together.
AVOID EXAM ANXIETY
Stay in control from the beginning by following the rest of the advice. Practice using old exams to prepare you for what’s ahead. During an exam it might be good to start brainstorming question by question – What does it say? What do I know? How should I answer this? Skip to the next question if you get stuck and don’t forget to take a break every now and then. Remember that your state of mind doesn’t actually affect things and focus on the task ahead instead.
For further assistance and advice you are welcome to contact Studieverkstan.
Text: Annika Skogar
Translation: Jesper Lodin
First published in Lundagård nr 6/2011.
