In order to have a successful school year, you must maintain exemplary study habits. Some of the best study habits to have are managing time, establishing a decent study zone, becoming part of a study group, trying different studying methods, and setting realistic goals. Many students have trouble remembering and reviewing the lessons that were taught in class. Try using the following study habits for a better outcome in your study session.

When it comes to studying, managing your time wisely is very important. The best thing to do is to create a schedule for yourself. Studying at the same time every day for the same amount of time is the most efficient process. When you do that, studying will become a regular part of your life. This will lead to your study sessions being more productive. The most imperative thing to remember is to not procrastinate. Cramming all your last-minute studying into one time can cause stress, and it’s not an effective way of retaining information.

Although you may not think it’s something important, your study zone affects your study session. In order to get the most out of the time you spent studying, consider implementing the following. Make sure that you have a quiet and, secluded area to study where no one will bother you. Turn off your phone, and try to stay away from electronic devices you aren’t using to study. Try to study offline as much as possible as it is easier for you to concentrate and learn the material in a more productive way. Stay away from high-traffic, and noisy areas. The lighting is also very important because you need to be able to clearly see clearly what you are studying. Some good places to study are the library, a coffee shop, a closed room, or a quiet outside area.

Another great way to study is by joining a study group. Form a study group with two or three people that are studying towards the same end goal, and someone with similar studying methods as you. Being in a study group with your friends might not be a good idea if you are someone who gets sidetracked from their work easily. When you are part of a study group, you can compare notes, ask questions, discuss topics, and quiz each other on the material. You can help each other understand what you need to learn, and in doing so teach yourself to ensure you are prepared for the exam, test or quiz. Two heads work better than one, so you can also complete your work better and faster.  You can also have an online study group if you cannot meet in person. The most important thing to remember is to stay focused, on task, and to not get distracted.

“I think the best thing to have is a planner. I write all my due dates in mine, so I know what to prioritize and when I should start my longer assignments. When I just have to study and not do an actual assignment, I re-read the topic that the test is covering and do as many practice problems I can. If it’s for history or English, I like to read through all my notes and then have a friend ask me questions or just listen to me talk about the topic,” senior Leila Iskandarani said.

Depending on what you are studying, your usual study method may not work or be as effective. A fantastic study habit to develop is trying new and different studying methods. Some different ways to approach studying, are using flash cards, or memory games. If you are a visual learner, try making diagrams, charts, or drawing pictures to memorize the information. When studying for a math quiz, try creating real-world problems for yourself to solve. Take adequate notes in class and use them as a study guide to review. Create a Kahoot or Quizlet and play the learning games. Look for practice quizzes or tests online with similar content to what you are studying. Trying these different approaches to studying, will help you learn and remember what you need to study.

“I think the best way to study is to not cram all your studying into one session. If you know you have a test coming up, study for it, don’t wait until last minute. Plan when and what you’re going to study, and never procrastinate your planned study session! Another big thing is to make sure you’re not distracted while you’re studying, so unless you really need your phone, keep it away. In my opinion, I think reviewing your notes and maybe even rewriting them goes a long way. Use mnemonic devices to remember pieces of information, it makes it a lot easier. Once you’re done, have a friend review the topic with you, and make sure they ask you some practice problems. Everybody has their own way of doing things, but that’s mine,” freshman Gabriela Serrano said.

The most important thing to remember is to not leave everything for the last minute. Procrastinating on your studying can cause a lot of stress. Cramming all your studying the day before isn’t a good way to retain information. Set realistic goals for what you wish to accomplish. Work little by little towards your goal for the best outcome.